Mindful Builder Matthew Carland and Hamish White

In this episode of the Mindful Builder podcast, we sit down with Claire Thomas from Altereco for an engaging conversation that spans career transitions, personal challenges, and the intricacies of running a sustainable building design company.
Bringing Unique Skills to the Industry
Claire’s journey began in the UK, studying sports science, before relocating to Australia to live with her husband James. She worked as a technical rep in the footwear industry for many years before realising she wanted to try something new and joining her husband at Altereco.
Transitioning from the footwear industry to an architectural design company was difficult. Claire admitted she didn't know the difference between a planning permit and a building permit at first. However, Claire’s background in a completely different industry has provided her with unique skills that have greatly benefited Altereco. Her ability to communicate effectively and build relationships proved invaluable. Claire highlighted how these skills are sometimes overlooked but are essential in creating a positive work environment and nurturing client relationships.
 The Challenges of Working with a Partner
A lot of people think that working closely with your partner is a recipe for tension but Claire promises it’s not that hard to manage! She shares how she and James can maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. She mentioned the importance of setting boundaries and having open, honest conversations. They even sought professional guidance to better understand each other's working styles!
 The Emotional Side of Building
Claire talks candidly about the emotional investment that comes with her job. She feels a massive responsibility when dealing with clients' biggest assets—their homes and life savings. This sense of responsibility sometimes manifests physically, showing just how deeply she cares about her clients' experiences.
 
Balancing Stress and Self-Care
To manage the inevitable stress that comes with her role, Claire leans on regular exercise, specifically mountain biking, as a key coping mechanism. She highlights the importance of having activities that allow one to switch off mentally and physically. Additionally, Claire stresses the value of being open about one's struggles to maintain mental well-being, a practice she incorporates into her regular routines and interactions with her team and James.
Budget vs. Brief: The Eternal Struggle
One of the more challenging aspects of Claire's job is discussing budget realities with clients. She is direct and honest from the get-go, making sure clients understand the financial scope of their projects early in the process. This level of honesty, though sometimes difficult, builds trust and sets realistic expectations.
We hope this episode inspires you as much as it inspired us. Tune in next time for more insightful conversations on The Mindful Builder podcast!

LINKS:
Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with our Guest: 
Website: https://www.altereco.net.au/

Connect with Hamish:
Instagram:  @sanctumhomes
Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with...

In this episode, we delve into the world of building science with Dr. Cameron Munro, an aerospace engineer turned building physics expert. We explore his journey from mechanical engineering to building science, discuss the challenges of trying to build his first Passive House, and learn about the evolving landscape of sustainable building practices in Australia. Cameron also shares insights on the health implications of using fireplaces in high-performance homes and provides practical advice for builders and homeowners interested in energy-efficient construction.
Building Science
Building science is the study of how different disciplines (engineering, architecture, physics) work together to create a healthy and functional building. It focuses on factors like thermal comfort, air quality, acoustics, and light, ensuring the building meets the needs of its occupants. One of the biggest threats a building scientist has to prepare against is moisture. If not managed properly, moisture can lead to serious problems like mold growth, rot, and even structural issues.
Moisture Management
Cameron explains how historical building practices allowed heat generated inside to escape through uninsulated walls, drying out any moisture in the process. However, with the modern introduction of insulation for energy efficiency, this natural drying process has been hampered, and we need to use building science to adapt.  The principles of building science help us design systems that prevent water intrusion and control air movement and vapor diffusion to prevent condensation before it becomes a problem.
Keeping it Airtight
One key factor in moisture management is how airtight a building is. This refers to how well a building envelope prevents uncontrolled air leakage. Leaky buildings waste energy and can worsen moisture problems. Simple building assemblies with proper air barriers are often the most effective solution, while more complex designs require careful planning and construction to achieve good airtightness.
 At the end of the conversation, Cameron shares his experience attempting to build a certified Passive House and the challenges he faced. Despite falling slightly short of certification, his meticulous approach and the lessons learned serve as invaluable guidance for anyone embarking on similar projects.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

The pre-construction phase is an incredibly important time for any project, but all too often gets rushed through. If you stow down and take the time to address key elements like budgeting, client relationships, and project feasibility you can build the foundation for a successful and seamless construction phase. We love talking about these topics by sharing the lessons we’ve learned, so today Hamish will be interviewing Matt about the ins and outs of his pre-construction process.
Building Strong Client Relationships
The pre-construction phase is a key time for your relationship with a client. By putting in the work here, you can create a strong foundation to support you throughout the entire process.  Matt stresses the importance of having honest conversations with clients, even if it involves delivering difficult news such as budget overruns or unforeseen challenges. Not only does this allow harmonious collaboration it also paves the way for smoother decision-making.
Collaboration with Trades and Contractors
Although it might not be the typical order of things, more and more builders are choosing to get contractors involved in the pre-construction phase. Whether this is a roofer, plumber, electrician, or someone else, by including their expertise early on builders can address potential challenges, optimise project plans, and enhance overall project efficiency.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Technology is always evolving in the construction industry, and the pre-construction phase is no exception. Matt envisions a future where 3D models and advanced planning tools have revolutionised the pre-construction phase, offering builders and clients the chance to visualise the project in detail before construction begins. By using tools like these, builders can enhance accuracy, mitigate risks, and streamline project workflows.

We hope this episode gives you some inspiration to maximise your pre-construction phase by implementing practices such as early contractor involvement, data-driven decision-making, and transparent communication.
Remember, a strong foundation leads to a successful build!

LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Did you know that one in four workers in the construction field have had high symptoms of depression or anxiety?
Did you know that every year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives? That’s one every second day.
These statistics are scary but they’re also the reason we’re so passionate about discussing mental health in this industry. Today we’re joined by a psychologist and our good friend, Julie who shares insights and practical advice on recognising, understanding, and addressing mental health issues.
The Stigma around Mental Health
Julie has a particular interest in men's mental health, so we discuss the specific challenges they face in acknowledging and expressing their mental health struggles. Societal expectations, rooted in historical gender roles, have created a stigma that it is “weak” or “unmanly” to be emotionally expressive. Not only is this untrue, but it’s also unhealthy and leaves many men to suffer in silence.
Thankfully, there’s been a significant shift in mental health awareness over the past decade, especially among men. The stigma is being challenged and it’s becoming easier for people to discuss their struggles. While there is still a long way to go, it’s an incredibly inspiring trend, and one we hope to contribute to with this discussion.

Building a Support Network
During the conversation, Hamish talks about his mental health journey and shares the significance of his support network. Being able to discuss what he’s struggling with openly has been super helpful in overcoming challenges and reducing his anxiety. Especially helpful has been the strong relationship with his psychologist and a maintenance strategy to keep track of things. Hamish’s story is a powerful reminder that struggling isn’t a sign of weakness and that reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength.

Practical Steps
Once you’ve realised you want to get help, it can be a hurdle to figure out where to start. So, Julie shares practical advice on how to start seeking help. The first step is to visit your GP and obtain a mental health plan and/or referral. From there many pathways you can take to access support that suits you.  Julie’s key point is that mental health care is a continuous process, not a one-time fix.

Thank you for tuning in! We can all contribute to making the construction industry a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone, and we hope this episode has inspired you to start taking action. And for anyone out there feeling overwhelmed, remember you're not alone, and there are people ready and willing to support you through it.
 
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

In today’s episode we’re joined by voice actor Sarah Aubrey to discuss her online advocacy of renewable energy and sustainable living. Throughout our conversation, Sarah shares insights into various aspects of renewable energy, including electric cars, household energy efficiency, and the influence of fossil fuel industries.
 The Journey to Advocacy:
Sarah's journey into the world of sustainability began with a fascination with electric cars, leading her to become an admin of one of Australia's largest Facebook groups on electric vehicles. Her interest in sustainable technology was further fueled by Saul Griffith's "The Big Switch," which emphasised the impact of electrifying homes. She shares the process of transforming it from a 2.9-star energy guzzler to a 10-star haven, drastically reducing her energy bills and improving living conditions. Eventually, Sarah decided to harness her skills in communication to share what she was learning online through her account @electrify_this. 
 Confronting Misinformation and Trolls
It didn’t take long for Sarah’s social media account to get the attention of fossil fuel trolls. Rather than letting them bully her into silence, Sarah uses these comments as an opportunity to correct the misinformation which helped increase her following and spread her message further.
We also discuss the prevalence of misinformation in traditional media and the role it plays in shaping public perceptions. Sarah exposes the deceptive tactics employed by fossil fuel companies to manipulate consumer behavior and underscores the importance of critical thinking in evaluating environmental messaging.
Practical Tips for Renewable Living
Sarah shares practical advice for both homeowners and renters looking to adopt more sustainable practices. If you’re trying to keep warm, ditch the aircon/blow heater and grab a heated throw or radiator. If you’re trying to keep cool, get air flowing through your house to maximise the effect from your fan. If you have to use the air con, opt for the humidity-fighting dry mode. 
Most of all Sarah advocates progress rather than perfection and highlights the importance of sustained effort in tackling climate change. If you can’t give up your car entirely, it’s still worth taking a bike when possible. If you don’t want to give up meat or animal products, simply reducing the amount you consume or choosing less harmful types, can be hugely positive for the environment. Remember, every step towards sustainability counts!
Despite the challenges, Sarah remains optimistic about the future of sustainable living. She highlights the growing momentum towards sustainability and the importance of continued advocacy and education. We hope Sarah’s vision for a brighter future leaves you feeling inspired to take on the challenges ahead.
 

LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Last year the federal government set a goal of building 1.2million new homes in the next five years. This doesn’t count renovations or extensions, it’s just brand-new construction projects. Breaking it down that means 180 thousand homes each year, about 60 thousand more than the current output. 
It’s a huge ask considering the construction industry is already struggling to keep up with demand, but it could be possible with the right strategy and mindset. We don’t have all the answers but we want to share our thoughts on this, our concerns, and our predictions for how things will play out. 
Prefabrication as the Solution:
Our number one strategy for tackling this challenge is to embrace prefabrication, as it can be a lot quicker and more consistent. Prefabrication involves creating components of a building off-site in a factory and then assembling them on-site. This method not only speeds up the construction process but also ensures quality, precision, and durability in the final built structures. For this to happen though, the government will need to invest heavily into the factories that produce these homes and upskilling tradies for this approach.
Growing the Workforce:
Whatever strategy we use, we won't be able to meet this increased demand if we don’t have enough boots on the ground, so it’s crucial for us to encourage more people into the industry. There are a lot of different ways to do this and it’s best to do multiple at once, so we go over some of our favourite: 
1.      Overhaul apprenticeships: The current structure of apprenticeships is outdated, and they don’t properly equip people for the modern construction industry. The low pay of apprenticeships is another barrier, so we need to make apprenticeships more flexible. Why not have part-time apprenticeships or offer more online learning?
2.      Diversify the workforce: Currently only 2% of people working on construction sites are women. This is a huge untapped potential and something that needs to be fixed. Not only does this increase the workforce but it brings fresh, unique perspectives to the field.
3.      Defeat the Stigma: Breaking the stigma associated with trades being less intellectually demanding and promoting them as professional and rewarding career pathways is essential for attracting more talent into the industry.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles:
The final hurdle we talk about is the planning department. Outdated regulations and bureaucracy are responsible for so much time lost in construction. There is no way we can construct 180,000 homes annually without significant efforts to remove red tape and streamline the process.
Building 180 thousand homes a year is a daunting task but it’s one our industry can achieve if we stay open to change and innovation. Most importantly, we must avoid short-term thinking and quick fixes that will set us up for more problems in the future. We’d love to hear what you think about our points in this episode, or if you have any different ideas on how to tackle things. 
 
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/