The Building Talks Podcast

Martin Preece
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A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides). In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector. Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’

  1. May 25

    Talking with Mark O'Mahony, about Quantity Surveying, Costs and Escalations, the role of the QS and the Construction market

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast. This one gets right into one of the biggest pressure points in construction right now, cost certainty. In this episode, I sit down with Mark O'Mahony, quantity surveyor and Co-founder of Cohaven, and all-round top bloke! We first recorded this chat around Mark’s career journey, his move from Ireland to Melbourne, and what it takes to build a QS consultancy in the local market. But with construction costs shifting so quickly, we jumped back on to record an updated section on what’s happening in the market right now. We get into rising construction costs, global supply chain pressure, procurement shifts, and what’s actually increasing versus what the market is absorbing. Mark also shares his take on how quantity surveying has evolved, what good cost advice looks like, and why managing risk, value and certainty has never been more important. Takeaways: ✅ What’s really driving construction cost movement ✅ How global events are flowing into local projects ✅ The evolving role of quantity surveyors ✅ Why procurement models have shifted over time ✅ Managing cost, risk and value in a changing market ✅ What good QS advice actually looks like         Chapters: 04:24  The Pathway of Quantity Surveying in Ireland 10:41  Transitioning to Australia: Mark’s Journey 16:26  Shifts in Procurement Models in Construction 23:17  Founding A2M Consulting: The Journey Begins 29:06  The Importance of Personal Branding in Business 35:17  Project Aspirations and Business Growth Strategies 41:42  Key Functions and Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor 47:45  The Importance of Early Involvement in Design 52:46  The Ripple Effect of COVID on Construction Costs 1:06:17  Keeping Up with Market Changes and Cost Data 1:11:14  Rebranding as 'Cohaven' for Future Growth Tune in for a timely, practical chat on construction costs, market pressure, and how to make better project decisions in uncertain conditions. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #QuantitySurveying #ConstructionCosts #BuildingTalksPodcast #CostManagement #CommercialConstruction #Procurement #Cohaven #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionLeadership #ProjectDelivery #ConstructionMarket #RiskManagement The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit: www.buildingenvirons.com.au Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/  The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 21m
  2. SPECIAL EPISODE: Talking With Dave Woolsey, about resilience, mindset and commitment, as he cycles 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne, to raise money for the Brain Cancer foundation

    May 17

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Talking With Dave Woolsey, about resilience, mindset and commitment, as he cycles 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne, to raise money for the Brain Cancer foundation

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one is a little different......and honestly, a little mad. In this special episode, I sit down with Dave Woolsey, General Manager of Renascent in Victoria, who is currently in the middle of riding a push bike (like, a real bike, on the road) from Perth to Melbourne over just 14 days, covering more than 3,500km, all to raise money and awareness for Carrie Bickmore’s Beanies for Brain Cancer foundation. What makes this challenge even more ridiculous is that Dave hadn’t seriously ridden a bike in almost six years before deciding to commit to it. This conversation goes well beyond cycling. We get into mindset, discipline, suffering, resilience, fatherhood, purpose, and the mental battle that comes with voluntarily putting yourself through discomfort for something bigger than yourself. Dave speaks openly about the emotional driver behind the challenge, particularly the impact brain cancer has on Australian families and children, and why this cause hit home hard enough for him to dedicate months of training and two weeks of pain to raising money for it. We also unpack the psychology behind endurance challenges, the conversations you have with yourself when your body wants to stop, and how leadership, pressure, and resilience from the construction industry strangely prepares people for challenges like this. There are some laughs in there too, including discussions around lycra, saddle soreness, mental breakdowns in the Nullarbor, and the reality of trying to train for elite endurance while balancing work, leadership and family life. More than anything though, this is a conversation about perspective, purpose, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think. Takeaways: ✅ Why Dave committed to riding 3,500km for brain cancer research ✅ The mental side of endurance and suffering ✅ How purpose changes your ability to push through pain ✅ Leadership, resilience, and mindset under pressure ✅ The emotional impact of brain cancer on families ✅ Why ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things Chapters: 00:00  The Journey Begins: A Brother's Challenge 05:17  The Route and the Goal: Riding Across Australia 08:15  The Physical and Mental Challenge: Overcoming Obstacles 14:05  Mindset and Motivation: The Importance of Goals 16:36  Breaking the Routine: Finding Balance in Life 22:33  Managing Stress Through Physical Activity 30:04Mental Resilience and Emotional Support 34:48  Raising Awareness for Brain Cancer Research If you’d like to support Dave’s ride and help raise money for brain cancer research, head to: p2m4bc.COM  - to follow his journey, And if you're keen to donate, head to: https://fundraise.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com/fundraisers/davidw/perth-to-melb-4-bc Every donation genuinely helps! The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    43 min

  3. May 11

    Talking with Alastair Blenkin and Tim Rogers about ProcurePro - Procurement, Protecting Margin, and Using Tech to Reduce Risk in Construction

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one digs into where margin and risk really sit in construction.  In this episode, we're joined by Alastair Blenkin and Tim Rogers, the team behind ProcurePro.  There’s plenty of talk in the industry about productivity, but this conversation gets into something often overlooked, procurement, and why it plays such a critical role in project success. On the surface, procurement doesn’t sound that exciting, but scratch beneath it and you’ll find where margin is protected, risk is managed, and a lot of project stress quietly builds. We unpack how ProcurePro came to life, Tim’s experience on the contractor side with Hutchinson Builders, and Alastair’s background in tech and law. From spreadsheet-heavy processes and quote levelling to scope clarity and the impact of COVID, this is a proper look at one of the most manual parts of the industry. There’s also a great discussion around AI, productivity, and why good systems shouldn’t replace people, they should free them up to focus on higher-value work. If you’ve ever wondered why construction struggles to adopt new tech, and why implementation is often harder than the idea itself, this will be an eye-opener for you. Takeaways: ✅ Why procurement is the frontline for protecting margin ✅ The risks of spreadsheet-driven processes ✅ How quote levelling and scope clarity reduce project stress ✅ Where AI fits into construction workflows ✅ Why implementation is harder than innovation Chapters: 10:10  Understanding Procurement Challenges 16:54  The Evolution of Procurement Solutions 21:23  Building the Minimum Viable Product 29:07  The Importance of Scope in Construction 35:57  Streamlining Procurement with ProcurePro 40:45  The Visibility Revolution in Construction 43:46  AI’s Role in Transforming the Construction Process  54:42  Implementing Change: Overcoming Resistance in Construction Tech 1:00:28  Future Aspirations: Saving a Billion Construction Hours Tune in for a smart, practical conversation on how better procurement can drive performance across every project. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ConstructionTech #Procurement #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #AIinConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation #CommercialConstruction The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit: www.buildingenvirons.com.au Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 12m

  4. Apr 27

    Talking with Ethan Chittick about The Reality of Running a Subcontracting Business in Construction

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Back with another episode of The Building Talks Podcast, this one’s a deep dive into how smart subcontractors actually build successful businesses. I sit down with Ethan Chittick, carpenter and co-founder of B&E Built and Commercial Carpentry. Over the past decade, he’s built a serious subcontracting operation, with a sharp focus on the numbers and how the business really runs. We get into cash flow, margins, retention, and why many tradies don’t fully understand their numbers. Ethan shares the risks of scaling too fast, how to choose the right builders, and why a production-line approach often beats being a jack of all trades. We also unpack the shift from the tools to leading a team, and why doing what you say you’ll do is still a key differentiator. Takeaways: ✅ Why most subcontractors struggle with margins and cash flow ✅ The risks of growing too fast in construction ✅ How to choose the right clients and builders ✅ Moving from the tools to running a business ✅ Building systems that scale, not just survive Chapters: 06:46  Navigating the Subcontractor Landscape 09:38  Transitioning from Residential to Commercial 12:38  The Journey of Entrepreneurship 19:10  Understanding Contracts and Financial Risks 22:13  Qualifying Leads and Building Relationships 27:20  Identifying Good Clients 32:54  Learning and Growth as a Business Owner 36:25  Understanding Margins and Risks 44:27  Designing Efficient Workflows 49:20  Navigating Competition in the Market 56:19  Nurturing Talent: The Importance of Apprenticeships 1:02:40  Assessing Project Management: The Key to Successful Collaborations 1:03:55  Market Insights: Current Trends in Melbourne’s Construction 1:10:53  Future Growth: Aiming for $20 Million Revenue 1:13:07  Passion for Building: The Heart of Business Success Tune in for a practical, straight-talking conversation about building a subcontracting business that actually works. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ConstructionBusiness #SubcontractorLife #BuildingTalksPodcast #CommercialCarpentry #ConstructionLeadership #CashflowManagement #TradeBusiness #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionCareers #BusinessGrowth The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit: www.buildingenvirons.com.au Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 18m

  5. Apr 13

    Talking with Brian Donovan about Risk, Resilience and Building a Business from Scratch

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! In this episode, we hear from Brian Donovan, who built an enviable career through his time at Multiplex and Mirvac where he rose to Project Director, before taking the leap in 2018 to launch Jardon Group. We unpack what it’s really like stepping away from Tier 1 construction and leading $400M projects, to setting up and growing a construction business. Brian shares the reality of starting just before COVID hit, the uncertainty, pressure, and what failure feels like when you’ve got a young family depending on you. It’s an honest conversation about his experiences setting up a construction business: risk, resilience, mindset and people. Plus why trust, early engagement, and doing ECI properly can completely shift a project’s outcome and act as a great foundation to deliver great projects. Takeaways: ✅ Leaving Tier 1 construction to start your own business ✅ The reality of launching a company only  for COVID to rock up just as you get going ✅ Managing risk when you’ve got family and responsibility ✅ Building resilience through uncertainty and pressure ✅ Why trust and early contractor involvement matter Chapters: 05:32  Early Influences and Entry into Construction 06:56  Navigating Early Career Challenges 09:49  Opportunities and Growth in the Industry 12:29  Cultural Differences in Work Environments 15:17  Mentorship and Professional Development 18:31  International Experience and Career Progression 25:41  The Journey to Independence 32:01  Embracing Failure and Taking Risks 38:05  The Reality of Starting a Business 44:58  Navigating Challenges During Covid-19 47:49  Growth and Evolution of Jardon Group 53:30  Navigating Market Entry Challenges 56:17  The Evolution of Land Lease Communities 59:25  Understanding D&C Contracts and Client Engagement 1:04:51  Building Trust in the Construction Industry 1:15:29  Looking Ahead: Growth and Market Opportunities Tune in for a real-world conversation about risk, resilience, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingTalksPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionBusiness #JardonGroup #ECI #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionCareers #Leadership #Resilience  The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:   www.buildingenvirons.com.au   Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 21m

  6. Mar 30

    Talking with Justin McGrath about Leadership Pressure, Health and the Cost of High Performance in Construction

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Thanks for jumping into another episode of The Building Talks Podcast…this episode’s a little different, and one that really matters. Returning guest Justin McGrath is back on the show. With more than 40 years in construction, Justin’s built a career many would admire, starting as an apprentice and working his way through to Construction Director, leading major projects, big teams, and high-pressure environments. But this conversation isn’t about project wins or career milestones. Six months ago, Justin suffered a stroke. What follows is a raw, honest chat about the realities of long-term pressure in construction, the hours, the responsibility, the constant problem-solving, and the mindset of just pushing through because “that’s the job.” Justin shares what he’s learned, what he’d do differently, and how the same drive that built his career is now fuelling his recovery. This isn’t about sympathy, it’s about perspective. A powerful reminder for anyone in the industry about the cost of always being “on”, and why paying attention to your health might be the most important call you make. Takeaways: ✅ The hidden toll of long-term pressure in construction ✅ Why “pushing through” isn’t always the answer ✅ Recognising warning signs before it’s too late ✅ Using discipline and mindset for recovery ✅ Rethinking success, health, and longevity in the industry Chapters: 07:51  Career Highlights and Major Projects 12:23  The Day of the Stroke:  A Personal Account 24:31  The Role of Family in Health Decisions 28:51  The Demands of the Construction Industry 38:33  Transitioning to Strategic Roles 44:45  Conclusion and Key Takeaways 50:44  The Impact of Stress on Health 56:26  Recognising Burnout 1:02:40  Rehabilitation and Recovery Process 1:09:59  Mental Resilience in Recovery 1:18:13  Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges 1:25:32  Navigating the Road to Return to Work 1:31:01  Reflections on Work-Life Balance and Industry Changes Tune in for a powerful, honest conversation about health, perspective, and the real cost of high performance in construction. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingTalksPodcast #MentalHealthInConstruction #WorkplaceWellbeing #ConstructionCareers #LeadershipPressure #HealthInConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #Resilience #IndustryInsights The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:   www.buildingenvirons.com.au   Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 44m

  7. Mar 16

    Talking with Seamus Egan about Leadership, Resilience and Navigating Construction’s Toughest Moments

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Season 5 rolls on with a thoughtful and honest conversation about leadership in the toughest moments of construction. In this episode, returning guest Seamus Egan joins me again on The Building Talks Podcast. Since his last appearance, Seamus has had a full-on couple of years, moving from BESIX Watpac to Roberts Co shortly before their collapse in Victoria, and now in a new role as General Manager at Henny. We talk openly about what leadership looks like when things stop going to plan. Seamus shares his perspective on navigating uncertainty, the mental load that comes with senior roles, and the importance of leaning on your network when the pressure ramps up. We also unpack his move into a smaller, more agile business, the opportunities emerging in sectors like retirement living, student accommodation and social housing, and why the industry needs to value experience rather than lose it too early. A grounded, reflective conversation about resilience, leadership and the realities of the construction industry. Takeaways: ✅ Leadership during uncertainty and industry downturns ✅ The mental load of senior roles in construction ✅ Why resilience and networks matter in tough markets ✅ Lessons from moving from Tier 1 contractors to a mid-tier builder ✅ The cost of losing experienced professionals too early Chapters: 06:43  The Complexity of the Construction Industry 11:45  Transitioning to General Management at Henny 16:35  The Evolving Retirement Living Sector 22:20  Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Construction 32:29  Navigating Leadership Pressures 37:59  Reflecting on Stressful Experiences 42:45  Decompressing After Challenges 45:08  Transitioning to New Opportunities 49:24  The Future of the Construction Industry 54:49  Collaboration Across the Industry 59:35  Building Trust and Relationships Tune in for an honest discussion about resilience, leadership and navigating the realities of construction when the pressure is on. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionIndustry #LeadershipInConstruction #Resilience #PropertyDevelopment #ConstructionCareers #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectLeadership #VictoriaConstruction  The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:    www.buildingenvirons.com.au    Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 7m

  8. Mar 2

    Talking with Jesse Lockhart Krause about Reimagining Bondi Surf Club and Designing with Community in Mind

    Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text! Season 5 is here, and we’re kicking off with a big one! I’m joined by Jesse Lockhart Krause, founder of Lockhart-Krause Architects, to talk about the redevelopment of the iconic Bondi Surf Club, the oldest surf club in the world. Since we first planned this chat, Bondi experienced a tragic event that shook the community. Jesse was there that day, and while our focus is on architecture and leadership, we briefly acknowledge the resilience of the local community and lifesavers. We unpack how Jesse secured approval for the redesign after two failed DAs by separating heritage from new architecture, introducing a courtyard concept, and genuinely listening to the community, achieving approval without a single objection. We also dive into growing an architecture practice, hiring for character, and why listening may be the most powerful leadership skill in the built environment. Takeaways: ✅ Reimagining an iconic heritage building the right way ✅ Securing community approval in a tightly held precinct ✅ Designing with people, place and purpose in mind ✅ Growing an architecture practice with strong foundations ✅ Why listening beats ego in leadership Chapters: 12:40  The Importance of Real World Experience 18:43  Skills Beyond Degrees 23:34  Mindset and Endurance in Life 24:50  The Importance of Exercise and Community Engagement 26:23  Bondi Surf Club:  A Historical Perspective 29:03  Architectural Challenges and Community Needs 30:29  Tragedy and Community Resilience 34:35  Navigating Feedback in Architecture 36:59  The Art of Balancing Design and Functionality 49:39  The Role of Community in Architecture 55:54  Growing a Business in Architecture 01:01:22  The Future of Architecture and Industry Trends Tune in for an honest conversation about architecture, resilience, and what it really takes to design with community at the centre. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #ArchitectureAustralia #BondiSurfClub #UrbanDesign #HeritageArchitecture #CommunityLedDesign #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltEnvironment #SydneyArchitecture #PeoplePlacePurpose #BuildingTalksPodcast The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:   www.buildingenvirons.com.au   Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

    1h 8m
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About

A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides). In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector. Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Preece
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Building Talks Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Building Talks Podcast

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