The Build Insite Podcast

Build Insite
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Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

  1. 3d ago

    #61 Smart Estimating Through 3D Modelling with Tom Lawson - Part 1

    "A builder who doesn't estimate properly in 2026 is going under." Tom Lawson didn't sugarcoat it, and what follows is a masterclass in why the old way of pricing jobs is leaving builders exposed. This week, Dean and Luke sit down with Tom Lawson from Vision 2 Estimating (V2E), fresh off the Build Insite Hub Launch and Live event at Circa and Bowens in Port Melbourne. Tom flew in from Adelaide to unpack how 3D construction modelling is reshaping the way builders price, plan, and deliver projects. From his early days bouncing between structural engineering and architecture, to seven years detailing roof trusses at K&B Timber, Tom walks through the path that led him to co-founding V2E with Michael. What started as a "why can't we do this for the whole project?" idea has grown into a 17-modeller team helping builders nationwide resolve plans before they hit site. If you've ever been buried under conflicting documents, frustrated by square metre rate guesswork, or burned by design issues that only surface mid-build, this one's going to hit home. **What You'll Learn:** - Why traditional estimating is setting builders up to redo work twice - How 3D modelling catches engineering and design clashes before site - The key differences between SA and VIC frame and truss design responsibilities - Why square metre rates don't reflect what your build actually costs - How visual estimating brings clients into the conversation and unlocks smarter decisions **Chapters:** 00:00 – Introduction 00:27 – Welcome Tom Lawson to the studio 01:15 – Tom's journey: From engineering to architecture to detailing 04:00 – Inside K&B Timber and the world of frame and truss design 05:23 – The idea that sparked Vision 2 Estimating 07:11 – SA vs VIC: How frame design responsibilities differ 10:00 – What is Vision 2 Estimating? 11:04 – Why the traditional estimating process is broken 13:36 – The problem with square metre rates 15:07 – Managing 10+ sets of documents on every project 16:18 – Catching design issues before site (real examples) 19:55 – Helping clients visualise the final build 21:55 – Educating clients through 3D visuals 22:57 – Wrapping up Part 1 Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guests: Tom Lawson from Vision 2 Estimating (V2E) 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.  Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    24 min

  2. Jun 21

    #60 The Sketch Design Process: How to Avoid the $1M Mistake with Saxon Hall - Part 2

    What if you could find out your dream home was a million dollars over budget before you spent a cent on design fees? That's exactly the problem Saxon Hall set out to solve. In Part 2 of our conversation with Saxon Hall from Align Architecture, we dig into the part of the build process where most projects quietly start to fall apart: the gap between what a client thinks their project will cost, and what it actually costs to deliver. Saxon walks us through his fixed-fee Sketch Design Service, a transparent early-stage process that pairs the architect and builder together from day one, presents two schematic options (one budget-focused, one brief-focused), and ends with a pre-build feasibility document that gives clients real numbers before they're locked into months of design fees. We also get into the bigger picture: why builders and architects still struggle to trust each other, how the industry's old-school teaching shapes that dynamic, and what genuine early contractor involvement actually looks like on a real project. Saxon also opens up about how Align is rethinking contract administration, getting creative with materials to fight rising costs, and why he believes more transparency in the early stages is the single biggest fix the industry needs right now. What You'll Learn How a fixed-fee sketch design process protects clients from spending tens of thousands before knowing if their project is even viable Why presenting two designs (budget vs brief) is the fastest way to find out what a client actually values How a pre-build feasibility document breaks down site costs, construction costs and consultant fees into one clear total project investment Why early builder involvement saves more than money; it saves buildability headaches on site A smarter alternative to traditional contract administration that cuts admin hours without losing oversight Practical examples of using materials creatively to reduce waste and keep budgets in check Chapters 00:00 - Recap and Welcome Back 00:17 - Managing Design Costs from the First Conversation 01:00 - Inside the Sketch Design Service 02:00 - Two Designs: Needs vs Wants vs Reality 03:22 - The Pre-Build Feasibility Document Explained 05:30 - Why Walking Away Early Is a Win, Not a Loss 06:42 - How Builders Can Plug Into the Process 08:00 - Why Clients Still Get Burned (The $1M Story) 11:21 - Trust, Ego and How Architects Are Taught 12:29 - The Real Value of Builder Input in Design 14:55 - Relationships as the Foundation of Every Project 16:07 - Reinventing Contract Administration 19:11 - Getting Creative with Materials and Budget 22:38 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Architects 24:28 - Rapid Fire 26:30 - Wrap Up and Where to Find Saxon Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guests: Saxon Hall from Align Architecture 📸 Saxon on Instagram: @saxonhallarchitecture 📸 Align Architecture on Instagram: @align.architecture.au Listen, Watch & Follow 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    28 min

  3. Jun 14

    #60 Rethinking the Architect-Builder Relationship with Saxon Hall - Part 1

    Architects get blamed for blowouts. Builders get blamed for misreading plans. But what if the old way of doing things is the actual problem? In this episode, Dean and Luke sit down with Saxon Hall, Lead Architect at Align Architecture, who made the trek over from Tassie to share how his team is flipping the traditional architect-builder dynamic on its head. From growing up on construction sites in regional Tasmania to leading a six-person team across Hobart and Victoria, Saxon brings a unique perspective shaped by both high-end traditional architecture and hands-on building experience. We dig into the rise of AI in the design industry, why architecture is more than just a floor plan, and how Align is pushing Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) as a smarter, more transparent way to build. Saxon also shares a behind-the-scenes look at what could be Tasmania's first architecturally designed Passive House Plus project, and why having the right people around the table changes everything. If you've ever wondered why some projects run smoothly while others spiral into variation hell, this one's for you. What You'll Learn: - Why Early Contractor Involvement beats traditional tendering for residential builds - How AI is reshaping the architectural workflow (and what it still can't replace) - The real value of transparency and open-book pricing between builder, architect, and client - Why the builder-architect-client triangle is the foundation of every successful project - How Align Architecture blends traditional rigour with a modern, collaborative approach Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:33 – Meet Saxon Hall from Align Architecture 01:46 – Growing up on the tools in Tassie 03:04 – Joining Align and shaping the vision 05:46 – Inside the Align team 08:58 – AI in architecture: hype vs reality 11:46 – Why architecture isn't just a floor plan 12:36 – Inside a Passive House Plus design meeting 14:31 – Breaking the architect vs builder mentality 15:46 – Early Contractor Involvement explained 17:52 – Relationships before budgets 18:57 – The hidden cost of tendering and variations 21:48 – Wrap up Part 1 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    23 min

  4. May 31

    #59 How to Build a Team You Can Actually Trust: Live with Jesse Raeburn, Dale Cheeseman & Matt Minichelli - Part 2

    In this second instalment of the live panel recording, hosts Dean Backman and Luke Callery continue the conversation with Jesse Raeburn (FRP Group), Dale Cheeseman (The Melbourne Builder), and Matt Minichelli (Elevate Building). This time, the focus shifts to the long game: building the right team, navigating growth speed humps, and learning when to say yes (and when to set boundaries). The panel opens up about what it really takes to find team members who align with your vision, not just your skill requirements. Dale shares his philosophy on looking for loyalty and longevity in hires, while Jesse reflects on the biggest lesson from his first two years in business: communication is everything. Matt gets honest about being mid-transition right now, pulling back from 60-90 hour weeks and trusting his team to step into bigger roles without losing the company's DNA. Then come the audience questions, and that's where the gold drops. The builders share their proudest business moments, the strategic value of taking jobs at cost for the right opportunity, and the hard-earned wisdom around client boundaries. It wraps with a personal look at what success means to each of them in five years (spoiler: it has very little to do with revenue figures). What You'll Learn - How to identify team members who'll grow with your business, not just work for it - Why having uncomfortable conversations early removes the weight off your shoulders - The compounding effect of strategically taking jobs at cost for the right opportunities - How to set client communication boundaries without losing the relationship - Why pulling back from the business can be the hardest (and most important) move you make - The mindset shift from chasing margin to chasing the right opportunities Chapters 00:00 - Welcome Back to Part 2 00:22 - How to Build a Team You Can Trust 01:38 - Jesse's Biggest Lesson: The Power of Communication 03:34 - Audience Q&A: Biggest Business Challenges 05:32 - Sustaining Growth Without Burning Out 06:30 - Matt's Mid-Transition: Pulling Back While Maintaining Quality 08:55 - Keeping Your Company DNA Through Growth 10:03 - What Are You Most Proud of in Your Business? 12:39 - The Strategic Value of Jobs at Cost 14:42 - The Block Reunion: Matt & Jesse's Backstory 15:34 - Setting Client Communication Boundaries 17:54 - What Does Success Look Like in 5 Years? 19:22 - Wrap-Up & Networking 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    21 min

  5. May 24

    #59 The Reality of Running a Building Business: Live with Jesse Rayburn, Dale Cheeseman & Matt Minichelli - Part 1

    The lights are on, the mics are live, and three builders are about to get real. Welcome to the Build Insite Live Podcast. In this episode, hosts Dean Backman and Luke Callery bring the podcast to life with a panel of three respected Melbourne builders: Jesse Rayburn from FRP Group, Dale Cheeseman from The Melbourne Builder, and Matt Minichelli from Elevate Building. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation strips away the Instagram gloss and dives into the real challenges of running a building business in 2026. With price increases hitting hard (PVC up 38%, bins up 10%), these builders share how they're navigating fixed-price contracts, managing team expectations, and having those uncomfortable conversations with clients that can't be avoided any longer. From Jesse's transparent approach to price variation discussions, to Dale's insights on maintaining consistency over 16 years, to Matt's focus on trade efficiency and waste reduction, this panel covers the practical realities of staying profitable when margins are under pressure. But it's not all spreadsheets and site meetings. The conversation shifts to something equally important: the transition from tradesperson to business owner, the mental load that comes with running a company, and the non-negotiables when it comes to family time. These builders open up about working on four hours of sleep, choosing bedtime routines over weekend work, and learning to appreciate the good old days while you're still in them. What You'll Learn - How to approach difficult price increase conversations with clients (and why they often go better than expected) - Practical strategies for maintaining profit margins when material costs spike unexpectedly - The importance of team communication and getting trades to understand business pressures - What it really takes to transition from the tools to the office (and why the mental load is heavier than the physical one) - How successful builders protect family time while still growing their businesses Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Build Insite Live 00:39 - Meet the Panel: Jesse, Dale & Matt 02:14 - What Makes a High-Performance Building Company? 04:02 - Navigating Price Increases & Fixed-Price Contracts 06:00 - The Art of Difficult Client Conversations 08:05 - Bowlins Partnership Acknowledgment 10:04 - From Tradesperson to Business Owner: The Transition 14:55 - Family First: The Non-Negotiables 18:29 - Wrap-Up & Part 2 Preview 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    20 min

  6. May 17

    #58 Why AI Won't Replace Good Builders with Sam Hammond, Luke Davies & Adam Antony - Part 2

    Scaling a build company isn't just about hiring more people or chasing bigger jobs. Sometimes the real growth happens when you slow down, sharpen your systems, and trust your team to run with it. In Part 2 of this live podcast, hosts Dean Backman and Luke Callery sit back down with Sam Hammond (Built by Hammond), Luke Davies (Davies Constructions / Future Builder / Align Architecture), and Adam Antony (VEO Building) for an open Q&A with the audience. The conversation digs into how each of them has scaled their businesses through culture, clarity, and the right use of AI, not by chasing more headcount. From leading by example on site, to using one-page role docs that actually work, to honest talk about the tools that delivered and the ones that flopped, this episode is packed with practical lessons for builders at any stage. The guys also share straight up advice for young builders entering the industry and the mindset shifts that helped them get out of their own way. 🎯 Key Takeaways / What You'll Learn: How to scale your business through efficiency instead of just adding more staff Why culture and clear communication beat fancy software every time How AI tools can multiply what your existing team is capable of The power of one-page role descriptions and structured meeting cadence Real talk on the software and tools worth your money (and the ones that aren't) Why authenticity and confidence matter more than you think when running a build business Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome to Part 2 0:55 - Why AI is a Multiplier, Not a Replacement 0:12 - Leading by Example: Lessons From Japan 0:22 - How to Scale Revenue Without Scaling Your Team 0:23 - Adding Architects to Your Project Management System 0:00 - Build a Daily Learning Habit With AI and YouTube 0:46 - Top Advice for Young Builders Starting Out 1:34 - Stop Doing It All: Hire Experts to Accelerate Growth 1:14 - Use AI to Build Your Business Plan and Avoid Costly Mistakes 1:24 - The Power of Business Coaching and Being Authentic 1:48 - Hiring the Right People for the Right Role 1:33 - The One-Page Role Description That Drives Clarity 1:55 - Meeting Cadence: The Secret to Scaling Without Chaos 1:34 - Rapid Fire: Tools That Work and Money Wasters to Avoid Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guests: Sam Hammond - Built by Hammond Luke Davies - Davies Constructions/Future Builder/Align Architecture Adam Antony - VEO Building Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    23 min

  7. May 10

    #58 Pre-Construction, AI & Scaling Smart with Sam Hammond, Luke Davies & Adam Antony - Part 1

    The theory's one thing. Doing it live in front of a room full of builders? That's a whole new level. Welcome to our very first live-recorded Build Insite podcast episode. For this special episode, Dean and Luke are joined by three powerhouse guests: Sam Hammond from Built by Hammond, Luke Davies from Davies Construction, Future Builder & Align Architecture, and Adam Antony from VEO Building. Together, they pull back the curtain on what's really driving modern building businesses forward — from pre-construction processes and team culture, to scaling without losing your mind, to the rapidly evolving world of AI in construction. Whether you're a builder, designer, tradie, or industry professional, this conversation is packed with practical insights from three operators who are actively shaping the future of how Aussie builders run their businesses. Expect real talk about systems, software, leadership, and the mindset shifts that come with growth. What You'll Learn • Why pre-construction is the make-or-break phase — and how the right software changes everything • How Sam built a high-performance team of 14 by leading with passion and matching workload to people • Where AI is heading next, and the simple steps you can take today to start using it in your business • Why "control freak" builders need to learn to let go in order to truly scale • How design + build offerings can unlock new opportunities (and the lessons learned along the way) Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Build Insite LIVE 00:40 – Meet the Guests: Sam, Luke & Adam 03:30 – The Evolution of Pre-Construction 05:10 – Why Builders Need a Project Management System 07:00 – How Systems Create Freedom (and Holidays!) 09:35 – Building & Keeping a High-Performance Team 12:00 – The Move into Design + Build 13:35 – AI in Construction: Where It's Headed 15:40 – Getting Started with AI as a Builder 17:45 – Adam's Take: Plain Language AI & SOPs 19:30 – Scaling Without Losing Quality 21:20 – Letting Go of Control to Grow 21:55 – Wrap Up & Part 2 Teaser Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guests: Sam Hammond - Built by Hammond Luke Davies - Davies constructions/Future builder/align architecture Adam Antony - VEO building 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    23 min

  8. May 3

    #57 Stronger Body, Stronger Business: Fitness for Tradies & Owners with Rusty Clark - Part 2

    The hardest part isn't the workout. It's putting it in your diary and actually showing up. In Part 2 of our chat with Rusty Clark from Purpose Fitness Adelaide, we get into the practical side of building strength, energy, and resilience when you're already stretched thin running a business or grinding it out on the tools. Rusty breaks down why "I'm too busy" is the most overused excuse in the trades, and how three sessions a week can completely change the way you show up — at work, at home, and in your own head. We also dig into the parallels between sport and business, how habits like the two-minute rule and the 3-3-3 method can make change stick, and why the way you train is often a mirror of how you operate everywhere else in your life. Whether you're a builder, a tradie, or a business owner, this episode is packed with insights you can use straight away. What You'll Learn: • Why "I'm too busy" is costing tradies and business owners more than they realise • How to use the two-minute rule to actually start (and stick to) a fitness habit • The 3-3-3 method: three workouts, three meals, three minutes of prep • Why strength training beats more cardio for capable, resilient bodies • How sport mindset translates directly into running a better business • Practical nutrition, sleep, and scheduling tips for people working long hours Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Time-Blocking Training Like a Business Meeting 01:50 – The "Too Busy" Excuse and How to Beat It 02:43 – Where to Start: Diary, Strength, Sleep 03:23 – Why Your Job Isn't Your Workout 05:11 – Building Stronger, More Capable Humans 06:11 – Dialling In Nutrition for Long Days On Site 07:13 – Sleep, Recovery, and the Reverse Alarm 08:53 – Protein, Meals, and the Cheat Code to Eating Right 11:37 – Advice to a Younger Self Still on the Tools 14:55 – Sport, Business, and the Scoreboard Mindset 17:30 – Atomic Habits and Becoming the Person You Want to Be 21:17 – Life Outside the Gym 22:23 – What to Say to Someone Who Keeps Putting It Off 23:46 – The Two-Minute Rule and Removing Friction 26:01 – Is Snacking Okay? 27:55 – Showing Up as the Best Version of Yourself 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    32 min
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About

Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Build Insite
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Build Insite Podcast

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