The MTDC Lounge

Matt Turner
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MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Build a Home 4× Faster & 25% Cheaper: The Gablok Building System Explained - James Stanton, Gablok Australia

    Matt sits down with James Stanton (Gablok Australia) to unpack a “block-by-block” building system James describes as adult LEGO, designed to make wall construction dramatically simpler for owner-builders and trades alike. Book a free consult with MT Design Collective: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation Gablok Australia (James Stanton): https://gablokaustralia.com Contact James (from Gablok Australia): Email: james@gablokaustralia.com Phone: +61 (0) 410361 903

    57 min
  2. Retaining Walls: The Approval Trap No One Warns You About

    9 FEB

    Retaining Walls: The Approval Trap No One Warns You About

    You sent in the questions, Matt & Mitch pull zero punches. This episode is a rapid-fire Q&A covering the stuff homeowners actually get stuck on: load-bearing walls, owner-builder realities, build-cost “ballparks”, council gotchas, and why “just chuck it in” can become an expensive disaster. If you’re planning a reno, extension, granny flat, or a development and want to avoid the classic “we didn’t know that” surprises, book a consultation with MT Design Collective, we’ll help you map the path (design, approvals, constraints, and the real-world feasibility) before you burn cash on rework. Book in your no-obligation consultation here: www.mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    45 min

  3. 1 FEB

    “Just Add a Kitchen”… Famous Last Words - Client Consultation

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Jaynell, who’s trying to create a second liveable area at home (and future-proof the space), but keeps running into the kinds of “gotchas” that can blow out cost, compliance, and resale value. Liveable space isn’t just “looks good” — ceiling heights and what percentage of the room meets minimum height can determine whether a space is considered liveable (and valuable). The under-eaves problem: if you’re planning to enclose now or later, your eave height vs internal ceiling height can become the make-or-break detail. The “rent it out” slippery slope: once you start treating space like a separate rentable area, you can trigger dual occupancy implications and council contribution fees (Matt calls out ballpark figures that can sting). Kitchenette vs kitchen: the episode digs into the line between a “kitchenette” and what can escalate compliance requirements (including why adding an oven can change the classification of the dwelling). Approvals + plan changes: if you decide to stage the build (eg, do the roof later), you may be looking at construction certificate modifications and potentially further sign-offs depending on what changes and where the structure sits. If you’re trying to add a second liveable zone—especially anything that could become a rentable space—sort the compliance pathway early (heights, labels on plans, and what you’re actually building), or you risk turning a “simple add-on” into a costly rework. Book a free consult with us here: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    49 min

  4. 26 JAN

    Nice Homes Are Ruined By Bad Lighting - Michelle Littlewood, Space With Spark

    Lighting designer Michelle Littlewood from Space With Spark joins the MTDC Lounge to break down why lighting is the finish that can elevate (or completely flatten) a home. The core message: plan lighting early—once structure is locked in—so you can set a realistic budget and avoid trimming the “most important part” at the end of the build. Michelle unpacks what great lighting design actually looks like in practice: layered lighting (not one “main light”), selecting a few standout “hero” moments, and using techniques like scalloping to create texture and ambience instead of harsh, flat illumination.Explore Space With Spark: https://spacewithspark.com.au Free consultation with MT Design Collective: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    36 min

  5. 18 JAN

    Great Council Applications Should Look Like This... - Paige Carter, PAC Planning

    If you’ve ever been told “council will take forever” and just accepted it, this episode is the reality check. Paige Carter from PAC Planning breaks down what town planners actually do, how NSW approvals are assessed, and why a well-prepped application can move much faster than most people expect. Town planning in plain English: feasibility, constraints, expectations, and how planners reduce approval risk (not just “submit paperwork”). LEP vs DCP: what’s statutory vs guidance, and where flexibility tends to live. Clause 4.6 variations: what triggers them, why the “10%” point matters, and how decision-making can change depending on the ask. Speed pathways: Newcastle’s “Accelerated DA” style process—where the applicant supplies the assessment template and council QA’s it—can significantly compress timelines. Why DAs blow out: surprise reports/constraints (heritage, bushfire/RFS, etc.) and consultant back-and-forth that adds cost + weeks. Links & next steps Book a free MT Design Collective consultation: mtdesign.com.au/consultation Learn more about Paige Carter / PAC Planning: pacplanning.com.au

    58 min

  6. 12 JAN

    The Most Expensive Conversation in Your Build: Pre-Submission

    DA approval is not the “easy admin step” people think it is. In this episode, Matt and Mitch break down what really happens between concept plans and DA lodgement—and why rushing this stage is the fastest way to trigger delays, rework, and expensive DA modifications. They cover why “napkin” DA plans backfire, how BASIX (7-star) and engineering now force earlier decisions than most homeowners expect, and the reality that getting approved doesn’t automatically mean your project is compliant or build-ready. Ready to chat about your home renovation or build? Book a free consultation with us and get clear direction in how we could help you bring your dream home to life: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    43 min

  7. 5 JAN

    Don’t Get Financially Drowned By Your Pool Build - Rod Newman, Masterbuilt Pools Newcastle & The Hunter Valley

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Rod Newman from Master Built Pools Newcastle and Hunter Valley for a straight-talking conversation about what actually goes wrong on pool projects, and how homeowners can protect themselves before they sign anything. Rod breaks down the licensing myth vs reality behind pool installs (builder’s license vs company license), why online reviews can be misleading, and the single first question homeowners should ask every pool business they speak to. If you're planning for a new pool, makes sure to speak to Rod and the team today: https://poolsnewcastle.com/

    55 min

  8. 21/12/2025

    From DA Drama to Dream Homes: 2025 Wrapped with MTDC

    It’s the MTDC Lounge Christmas wrap-up. Matt and Mitch sit down for an end-of-year debrief on what 2025 taught homeowners about designing, renovating, and building. Thank you everyone for tuning in this year, 2026 will bring some exceptional episodes to learn about the building industry!

    17 min
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About

MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Turner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Turner
  • Show Website
    The MTDC Lounge