Design Principles Pod

Sam Brown, Ben Sutherland and Gerard Dombroski
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Architecture. A hot topic, a buzz word, a realm for the rich and famous, or the thing that your step uncle does? We will be unpacking the good, the bad and the downright reality of the architectural and construction industry. With insights from industry professionals and personal anecdotes from our three hosts Ben, Gerard and Sam, you will be given a look behind the closed pages of those fancy looking moleskins. Tune in and redline out.

  1. Growth Through Design: An Architectural Evolution

    1D AGO

    Growth Through Design: An Architectural Evolution

    Send us a text The path to finding your architectural voice isn't a straight line—it's a series of experiments, failures, resets, and breakthroughs. Sam Brown, founding director of Arête Architects, takes us on a candid journey through his evolution as a designer and the growth of his practice. Starting with foundational experiences at Victoria University, Mason Wales, and Foster Melville Architects, Sam reveals how these early influences shaped his approach before launching his own practice in 2021. Rather than immediately establishing a signature style, Arête began with experimentation, allowing real-world projects to guide their development. The breakthrough came when budget constraints forced them to rethink conventional approaches, leading to a deep exploration of modular design using structurally insulated panels (SIPs). What makes Sam's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to recognize when a design direction has run its course. After successfully developing a family of modular projects—from the Restricted Section to The Dart—Arête deliberately sought new challenges rather than continuing to refine a proven formula. This strategic reset prevents creative stagnation and pigeonholing, allowing the practice to maintain versatility while building a diverse portfolio. Beyond their bespoke work, Arête developed SIPtris, a series of high-performance modular homes available as products—asking what if warm, dry, energy-efficient homes weren't a premium option but the default for everyone? Throughout their various explorations, one principle remains constant: the integration of performance and aesthetics from day one. Sam's approach offers a powerful metaphor: your design mind is like a muscle that requires varied exercise. By embracing experimentation, learning from failures, and knowing when to reset, architects can build practices that remain fresh, relevant, and deeply connected to both client needs and environmental responsibilities. What design muscle are you exercising today? Video link with slides here - https://youtu.be/auPJcFL_FcM https://www.aretearchitects.co.nz/ Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    57 min
  2. Mass Timber Construction: A Woody Renaissance

    AUG 6

    Mass Timber Construction: A Woody Renaissance

    Send us a text Step into the revolutionary world of mass timber construction with our enlightening conversation featuring Jordan Robinson, Head of Business Development at X-Lam. What begins as a reunion of old architecture school friends quickly transforms into a masterclass on how engineered timber is reshaping our built environment. Remember when timber was just for stick framing houses? Those days are rapidly disappearing as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and other mass timber products demonstrate capabilities that rival—and sometimes surpass—traditional concrete and steel construction. Jordan walks us through the remarkable journey of how small pieces of timber, often considered waste in conventional lumber processing, are transformed into structural panels capable of supporting buildings up to 10 stories tall. The conversation shatters common misconceptions about timber construction. Far from being a fire hazard, mass timber chars at predictable rates, allowing engineers to design for specific fire ratings. And while acoustic performance requires thoughtful detailing, solutions exist that make timber buildings comfortable for occupants. Perhaps most surprising is the sustainability story—from the manufacturing process that utilizes timber offcuts to the carbon sequestration benefits, mass timber offers a compelling alternative to high-carbon materials. What truly captivated us was learning about the seamless integration between digital design, manufacturing, and construction. The ability to model a structure digitally, send the files directly to CNC machines, and then rapidly assemble precision-cut components on site represents a fundamental shift in how we approach building. As Jordan aptly put it, "You can build ball gowns or you can build T-shirts with timber"—meaning the technology supports both stunning showcase projects and practical everyday applications. Ready to reimagine what's possible in construction? Whether you're an architect, builder, developer, or simply curious about sustainable building practices, this episode offers valuable insights into a material that's been used for millennia but is now being deployed in revolutionary new ways. Join us as we explore how mass timber might just be the future of architecture in New Zealand and beyond. Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    54 min
  3. Design With Intent: A Conversation with Architects, Seear-Budd Ross

    JUL 23

    Design With Intent: A Conversation with Architects, Seear-Budd Ross

    Send us a text The seemingly effortless elegance of minimalist architecture masks the extraordinary attention to detail required to achieve it. Tom Seear-Budd and James Ross, founders of Wellington-based Seear-Budd Ross Architects, pull back the curtain on this process, revealing the meticulous thought behind their refined residential designs. Having established their practice nearly six years ago after departing larger commercial firms, the pair sought greater autonomy and the opportunity to create more intentional, considered work. What began with barely a month's worth of projects ahead has evolved into a respected studio known for exceptionally clean architectural expressions. Their journey reveals the challenges and rewards of maintaining design integrity while building a sustainable practice. At the heart of their approach lies an almost obsessive consideration of proportion, light, and spatial choreography. Tom and James share fascinating insights into their design process – from spending days on site imagining how residents might move through spaces, to debating whether rooms can "handle" 300mm versus 250mm floorboards. In one project, they aligned every element in a hair salon to the 105mm floor tile module; in another, they meticulously planned how to choreograph a visitor's experience of views, revealing them gradually rather than all at once. The conversation explores how their thoughtful approach to openings (preferring fixed glazing with minimal frames over complex systems), material selection (favouring harmony over contrast), and spatial division (intuitive separation of public and private realms) creates buildings of quiet confidence. They emphasise that while their work has gravitated toward higher-end residential projects, their core design principles can be applied at any scale or budget – proving that good architecture isn't necessarily about expensive materials, but thoughtful application of universal principles. For those interested in establishing their own architecture practice, Tom and James offer valuable insights from their journey – from the importance of brand integrity and mentorship to their strategic use of high-quality renders for communication and marketing. Their story demonstrates that building a distinctive architectural voice requires not just design talent, but persistence, strategic thinking, and occasional financial sacrifice in service of long-term vision. Want to see more examples of architecture that demonstrates how simplicity often demands the greatest precision? Follow the Design Principles podcast for conversations with leading practitioners who are shaping our built environment through thoughtful, intentional design. Episode cover image provided by Seear-Budd Ross. Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    56 min
  4. Hydroforming the Future: Gerard Dombroski's Exhibition, Inflation

    JUL 7

    Hydroforming the Future: Gerard Dombroski's Exhibition, Inflation

    Send us a text What happens when steel becomes soft? When industrial materials take on organic forms? In Gerard Dombrowski's debut solo exhibition "Inflation" at Season Aotearoa Gallery, steel transforms into something unexpectedly fluid and inviting. We turn the microphone on our own Gerard Dombrowski as he shares the journey behind creating "Inflation"—a collection of hydroformed steel objects that challenge our perception of what's possible with metal. The exhibition features approximately 19 pieces, including wobbly vases, rocking chairs, and cushion-like forms, all arranged as a garden-like landscape visitors can explore. The conversation dives deep into Gerard's technique of hydroforming—welding steel shapes together, connecting a tap, and using water pressure to expand the metal outward into organic, bulbous forms. It's a process that combines precision with chance, creating objects that appear impossibly soft despite their metallic composition. The rocking chair stands out as a particular achievement: a hydroformed cube with natural roundness that creates a functional rocking motion, complete with cushions and surprisingly comfortable seating. What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is Gerard's background in architecture and how it influences his artistic practice. The conversation follows his ambitious vision to scale up the hydroforming technique to create actual buildings—a hydroformed shed as proof of concept, potentially leading to larger structures. This cross-pollination between art and architecture demonstrates how creative experimentation in one field can generate innovative approaches in another. Beyond the technical aspects, Gerard reveals how the exhibition came together through spontaneous creation rather than detailed planning—a month of "full send in the workshop" that nearly resulted in physical collapse from exhaustion. His story reminds us of the intense physical and mental demands of bringing creative work into the world, especially when pushing the boundaries of materials and processes. Check out "Inflation" at Season Aotearoa Gallery in Auckland before July 12th, and experience these remarkable objects that blur the boundaries between art, design, and architecture. Sit in the rocking chair, observe the garden of steel flowers, and glimpse a potential future where our buildings might take on unexpectedly organic forms. Key Links: https://www.seasonaotearoa.com/https://www.gdw.nz/menuhttps://artfair.co.nz/2025/07/02/meet-the-artist-gerard-dombroski-season/Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    48 min
  5. Form and Function: Exploring Programme in Design

    JUN 12

    Form and Function: Exploring Programme in Design

    Send us a text Ever wondered what architects mean when they talk about "programme"? In our latest deep dive, we crack open this fundamental concept that shapes everything from the tiniest apartments to sprawling civic buildings. This episode begins with a seemingly simple question: what exactly is program in architecture? We explore how program operates simultaneously at multiple scales—a house within a street, a road within a city—creating nested relationships that influence design decisions. Through examples like OMA's Seattle Library with its stacked functional boxes unified by a faceted glass facade, we see perhaps the most literal translation of program to architectural form. The conversation weaves through bubble diagrams (an early design tool), form following function (or is it the other way around?), and experimental approaches that challenge conventional spatial definitions. Gerard shares several fascinating concepts including his "advent calendar house" where floor hatches reveal different functional spaces beneath. We discuss how regulatory constraints and client expectations often limit such experimentation, particularly in residential contexts, while highlighting how program innovation frequently emerges most powerfully in constrained circumstances like tiny houses. What makes this exploration particularly valuable is recognizing that program isn't just a technical exercise but a powerful design driver. By thinking creatively about how spaces function, relate, and transform, architects can create more compelling environments without relying solely on expensive materials or dramatic forms. Whether you're designing your own space or simply curious about how buildings work, understanding program reveals architecture's deeper purpose: creating meaningful human experiences through thoughtful spatial relationships. Listen now and you'll never look at a building the same way again. Have you encountered spaces with particularly brilliant programming? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments! Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Understanding Program9:42 - Defining Program: Bubble Diagrams & Form19:46 - Program as Architecture: Notable Examples29:55 - Form Follows Function: Design Approaches39:54 - Reinventing Walls: Alternative Spatial Definitions48:05 - Program Innovation: Experimental DwellingsPlease Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    53 min
  6. Feel Good, Look Good: Performance vs Aesthetics in Architecture

    MAY 29

    Feel Good, Look Good: Performance vs Aesthetics in Architecture

    Send us a text What happens when award-winning architects and builders challenge the notion that sustainable, high-performance buildings must sacrifice aesthetics? This thought-provoking conversation brings together Passive House experts who are transforming New Zealand's built environment through buildings that are both beautiful and functional. Architect Rafe Maclean shares how client feedback about a poorly-performing design prompted his journey into building science, while Joe Lyth reveals the heartbreaking reality of watching his children develop respiratory issues in cold, damp rental properties. Builder Josh Atkins describes his frustration with energy-inefficient new homes that cost homeowners thousands in ongoing expenses. These personal stories highlight why performance isn't just about sustainability—it's fundamentally about health and comfort. The guests dismantle common misconceptions about high-performance buildings, particularly the idea that Passive House certification requires boxy designs with minimal windows. Through their work, they demonstrate how constraints often generate more creative, thoughtful architecture. As Joe explains, "If you've got a blank canvas you can do anything, and you don't necessarily need to judge all your decisions." The discussion explores how early collaboration between architects, builders and clients allows performance requirements to enhance rather than limit design possibilities. Perhaps most compelling is their suggestion to shift terminology—referring to conventional construction as "low-performance buildings" rather than elevating better practices as "high-performance." After all, would anyone willingly purchase a "low-performance refrigerator" that might spoil your food? This reframing helps normalize better building standards as baseline expectations rather than premium add-ons. Ready to experience architecture that looks beautiful and actually works? Subscribe to hear more conversations that challenge convention and inspire better building practices. Key Links: https://www.rafemaclean.co.nz/https://www.welarchitecture.nz/https://www.compound.co.nz/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwuFra50HN8https://passivehouse.nz/Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction with expert guests 14:44 - Personal journeys into high-performance building 34:52 - Performance vs aesthetics in design 43:15 - Constraints breed creativity 54:49 - Education and passive house perception 1:01:46 - Architecture education and closing thoughts Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    1h 5m
  7. Outside Influence: Has the Architectural Pilgrimage Changed?

    MAY 14

    Outside Influence: Has the Architectural Pilgrimage Changed?

    Send us a text What happens when architecture becomes more accessible through images than through physical experience? This question forms the backbone of our conversation with Nina Boyd, a New Zealand architect currently working in Paris. The traditional architectural pilgrimage—traveling to see important buildings firsthand—has fundamentally changed. Where Alvar Aalto's visit to Italy completely transformed his design approach, today's architects arrive at celebrated buildings having already seen countless images online. This digital pre-exposure creates a curious paradox: greater accessibility to architectural imagery but potentially diminished impact when finally experiencing spaces in person. Nina shares insights from her recent Scandinavian travels, exploring how Finnish towns balance high density living with beautiful public spaces. The conversation takes a candid turn when discussing famous buildings that disappointed in person—Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao described as "facadeism" and certain parametric designs criticized for poor finishes despite conceptual brilliance. These confessions reveal the gap between architectural celebrity and genuine spatial quality. Working internationally exposes architects to different budget realities, material access, and planning approaches. While New Zealand struggles with limited resources for bespoke elements, the team explores how collaborating with local craftspeople could produce distinctive architectural moments without breaking budgets. This "small batch" approach to custom design might actually represent the future—creating architecture with a genuine human touch that resists both global homogenization and AI-driven processes. Perhaps the most compelling insight emerges near the end: the architectural breakthrough might not require overseas travel at all. Looking inward to local craft traditions and small-scale collaborations could yield more authentic design expressions than chasing international trends. After all, architecture's most powerful aspects—temperature, texture, acoustic qualities, social interactions—resist digital flattening and demand physical presence. Ready to rethink your architectural inspirations? Listen now, and join the conversation about where true design epiphanies come from in our digital age. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction with Nina Boyd 6:04 - Traveling Through Scandinavia 15:50 - Architectural Exposure and Inspiration 26:48 - Working in International Architecture Firms 35:36 - Famous Buildings That Disappoint 49:36 - Bespoke Design and Human Touch Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    1h 3m
  8. Where Craft Meets Design: Exploring Material Understanding with Raimana Jones

    MAY 1

    Where Craft Meets Design: Exploring Material Understanding with Raimana Jones

    Send us a text The conversation with Raimana Jones from Atelier Jones Design delves deep into the heart of what makes good design truly exceptional—craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from architectural legends like Alvar Aalto and Walter Gropius, we explore how the most revered designers extended their vision beyond buildings to encompass furniture, lighting, and complete environments. Raimana shares his journey through fabrication and making, revealing the powerful feedback loop between crafting with your hands and designing with your mind. We unpack how this tactile understanding shapes thoughtful design decisions that simply can't emerge from digital processes alone. The discussion turns to a concerning trend—the gradual disappearance of workshop culture from design education, as hands-on making gives way to digital tools and 3D printing. What truly elevates this conversation is our exploration of material understanding as the essence of craftsmanship. Just as Tadao Ando mastered concrete through deep connection with the material, Romana's elegant steel kitchens showcase how intimate knowledge transforms ordinary materials into extraordinary designs. While budget realities often dictate the level of craft possible in projects, we discover inventive approaches to maintaining craftsmanship even with constraints. Whether you're a practicing designer, architecture enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the beauty of well-crafted spaces, this episode offers a compelling reminder of why material engagement matters. As James Dyson wisely noted, "The visceral experience of making things by hand is a wise teacher." Join us for an inspiring discussion about rediscovering play, embracing failure, and cultivating a deeper connection with the materials that shape our world. Key Episode Links: - https://www.atelierjonesdesign.co.nz/pages/about-us Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Craft in Design 5:00 - Exploring Cross-Media Design Processes 11:15 - Workshop Culture and Material Play 20:25 - The Design Process: Sketching to Making 27:00 - Understanding Materials Deeply 33:48 - Budget Constraints and Craft Quality 41:47 - Craftsmanship in Architecture 48:30 Please Like and Subscribe it really helps :) Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!

    58 min
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About

Architecture. A hot topic, a buzz word, a realm for the rich and famous, or the thing that your step uncle does? We will be unpacking the good, the bad and the downright reality of the architectural and construction industry. With insights from industry professionals and personal anecdotes from our three hosts Ben, Gerard and Sam, you will be given a look behind the closed pages of those fancy looking moleskins. Tune in and redline out.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Brown, Ben Sutherland and Gerard Dombroski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Design Principles Pod
  • Show Website
    Design Principles Pod

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