The Blue Couch

Michael Ross & Jacob Hipwood

Brisbane’s building design duo, Jacob and Michael, are here to change the way you approach your building journey. Each week, they share expert insights on how to get your project designed and built right, with the right team involved at the right time. From reputable builders to finance brokers, engineers, interior designers, and more, they explore how working together leads to smoother, smarter builds. And, of course, they’re having a bit of fun along the way. Tune in for real advice, a few laughs, and everything you need to know about building your dream home.  

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    “Why Every Builder Needs to Know Design”.

    #11 Jacob swaps "The Blue Couch" for "The Blue Chair" to share his journey from working on building sites to running a successful building design company. Check out JMH Design here... https://jmhdesigns.au/ Check out MR Building Design here... https://www.michaelandruysch.com.au/ Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 23m

  2. 12/04/2025

    Builder Exposes the Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make.

    #10 Meet Steve from SE Building Solutions — military background, civil construction, and now one of Brisbane’s most detail-driven builders. In this episode of The Blue Couch, we break down the real building process — the stuff homeowners never get told. Check out SE Building Solutions here… https://www.sebuildingsolutions.com.au/ Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 4m

  3. 11/06/2025

    “Learn. Evolve. Adapt. How AI is Changing the Game.

    #9 AI isn’t the enemy — ignorance is. Michael and Jacob sit down with Rashan from Inspired Education Australia to unpack how AI is transforming design, education, and construction. From ChatGPT to Tesla liability, Terminator fears to 3D printing homes — this episode cuts through the hype and hits the truth: learn, evolve, or fall behind. Check out Rashan here... https://rashansenanayake.com/ Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    59 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    Design in Sync: Why Collaboration Builds Better Homes.

    #8 Decisions made in haste without considering all possible outcomes are where construction problems begin. Interior designer Melissa Woodcroft from Ivy Rose Interior Design reveals how proper planning transforms the building process, eliminating stress and budget blowouts along the way. Check out Mels work at Ivy Rose Interior Design here... https://ivyroseinteriordesign.com.au/home/ Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 6m

  5. 09/04/2025

    Building Dreams Without Breaking the Bank: A Guide to Construction Finance.

    #7 The journey to building or renovating your dream home begins long before the first blueprint is drawn. In this eye-opening episode, mortgage broker Kelly Cameron from Get Real Finance reveals why financial planning should be your first step.  Check out Get Real Finance here... https://www.getrealfinance.com.au/ Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 17m

  6. 08/07/2025

    When Your House Moves: A Structural Engineer Reveals What Happens Behind The Walls.

    #6 Structural engineer David Lewis from Apex Structural Engineers breaks down the critical importance of getting your home's foundations right and why early collaboration between engineers, designers, and builders leads to successful projects. Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 3m

  7. 07/03/2025

    Why Your Builder Choice Matters More Than Price.

    #5 What makes a building project truly successful? Is it coming in under budget, or is there something far more valuable at stake? In this powerful conversation with builder Duayne Pearce, we uncover the profound purpose behind construction that goes beyond bricks and timber. check out Duayne's website here... https://duaynepearce.com/ Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 7m

  8. 06/05/2025

    Building Codes, Safety and Trust: A Certifiers Perspective

    #4 This week on "The Blue Couch" we chat with Mick Tyrrell from Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A). Mick dishes out some great advice on the building approval process and where to start when building your dream home. As Mick states "the certification process can be complex, but understanding the rules early and working with experienced professionals creates the best chance for a successful outcome." check out BA&A here... https://www.buildingaaa.com.au/ Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 5m

  9. 05/08/2025

    The Dream Crusher: Why Town Planners Should Be Your First Call, Not Your Last.

    #2 Peta Charles from Brisbane Town Planning reveals why understanding development approvals is crucial for homeowners and how seeking expert advice early can save time, money, and emotional distress. Check out Brisbane Town Planning here... www.brisbanetp.com.au Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    1h 22m

  10. 04/16/2025

    The Chicken Before the Egg: Where to Start When Designing Your Dream Home.

    #2 On this weeks episode Jacob and Michael explore the crucial elements of successful home design and construction, focusing on how proper planning and collaboration prevent costly mistakes and ensure dream homes become reality. Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au 0:45   Design Trends and Style Choices3:35   Traditional vs Modern Home Costs6:13   Budget Challenges and Priorities10:49   Consultant Roles in Design Process17:59   Timeline from Design to Construction26:53   Common Mistakes in Building Projects33:40   Budgeting Realities and Investment Mindset Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    45 min

  11. 04/15/2025

    Why are We Sitting on the Blue Couch?

    #1 Join Michael and Jacob on the Blue Couch as they educate and share insights from decades of combined experience as residential designers. This podcast is all for the mums and dads out there that are looking to renovate or design their dream home and are not sure where to start or what questions to ask their designer. Navigating the design and construction spave can be a daunting task so let's make the process an enjoyable one! Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out Michael at MR designs here... michaelandruysch.com.au Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

    16 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Brisbane’s building design duo, Jacob and Michael, are here to change the way you approach your building journey. Each week, they share expert insights on how to get your project designed and built right, with the right team involved at the right time. From reputable builders to finance brokers, engineers, interior designers, and more, they explore how working together leads to smoother, smarter builds. And, of course, they’re having a bit of fun along the way. Tune in for real advice, a few laughs, and everything you need to know about building your dream home.  

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Ross & Jacob Hipwood
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Blue Couch
  • Show Website
    The Blue Couch