The Build Insite Podcast

Build Insite

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

    #62 Running a Heritage Building Business Through Tough Times with Brett Way - Part 2

    The real test of a building business isn't the boom times. It's how you communicate, hire and hold your ground when things get tight.   In Part 2 of this conversation on the Build Insite Podcast, Dean and Luke continue the chat with Brett Way from VW Building Projects. This time, the focus shifts from heritage craftsmanship to the engine room of running a strong building business through uncertain conditions.   Brett opens up about VW Building's Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, how they educate clients on the unknowns that come with heritage homes, and the challenges of navigating council delays in Victoria. He also gets candid about the current pressure on pricing, fuel costs and material escalations, and how transparent conversations with trades, clients and team are more important now than ever. The discussion moves into team structure, apprentice development, building culture across two divisions, and Brett's personal approach to staying present at home while running a high-performing business. He also shares where he gets his best learning, his honest take on AI in construction, and what the future looks like for VW Building. What You'll Learn: - Why Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) protects both builder and client - How to have honest pricing conversations with clients and trades in tough markets - What real apprentice development looks like across multiple sites - How to set clear communication lines so problems get solved at the right level - Why networking and collaboration are now non-negotiable for solo operators Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:18 - Educating Clients Through Heritage Content 02:33 - Managing Client Expectations and Unknowns 04:13 - Council Delays and Approval Challenges 05:19 - Navigating Price Hikes and Tough Conversations 10:02 - Inside the VW Building Team Structure 11:43 - How They Train and Retain Apprentices 13:19 - Team Events and Run Melbourne 14:22 - Staying Healthy and Switching Off 17:32 - Best Learning Resources and AI in Construction 20:44 - Future Plans and Pipeline for VW Building 24:51 - One Thing to Change in the Victorian Building Industry 26:25 - Rapid Fire Questions 29:30 - Where to Find Brett 🎧 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

  2. Jul 12

    #62 Heritage Restoration & The Sea Change with Brett Way - Part 1

    A heritage facade with an architectural extension is one thing. Conserving Australia's oldest sandstone castle from 1849? That's an entirely different game. In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, Dean and Luke sit down with Brett Way, co-founder of VW Building Projects. Brett and his business partner Josh started out as childhood friends turned carpenters, working under the same mentor for nearly a decade before going out on their own. Today, VW Building operates two divisions across Melbourne and the Geelong/Bellarine Peninsula, with a sharp focus on true heritage conservation and high-complexity architectural builds. Brett walks us through the story behind Corriell, the oldest building on the Bellarine, where his team is undertaking real restoration work on an 1849 sandstone property once owned by the founders of Drysdale and Newcomb. From six metres of underpinning beneath untouched stonework to hand-stencilled fretwork replicas, this is heritage building at its most demanding. He also opens up about making the sea change to Barwon Heads, splitting roles with his business partner, building culture across two locations, and why VW Building hires the right people first and builds the role around them. What You'll Learn: - Why heritage conservation demands a completely different skillset to standard renovation - How to split roles across two locations without losing momentum as a business - What it actually takes to underpin a 175-year-old sandstone wall - How to manage team culture and communication across two divisions - Why hiring for the person, not the position, pays off long term Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Brett's Journey into Building 03:07 - Finding the Heritage Niche 04:05 - Splitting the Business Across Two Locations 05:54 - Inside the Corriell Restoration 08:12 - Underpinning 175-Year-Old Stonework 11:31 - The Sea Change to Barwon Heads 13:09 - Avoiding Burnout as a Business Owner 14:42 - Advice for Builders Considering a Sea Change 17:19 - Managing Culture Across Two Locations 20:26 - Hiring the Right People Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Brett Way co-founder and builder from VW Building Projects 🎧 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

  3. Jul 5

    #61 Smart Estimating Through 3D Modelling with Tom Lawson - Part 2

    Every builder has a different DNA. The way you trench plates, wrap a cavity, run your crews. It all changes the price, the program, and the product. So why are most builders still being handed a one-size-fits-all quote? In Part 2, Dean and Luke continue the conversation with Tom Lawson from Vision 2 Estimating, going deeper into how V2E tailors every model to the way your business actually builds. From pre-model meetings and onboarding through to integrating directly with Buildxact and price book setup, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what makes their process tick. Tom also opens up about where V2E is heading next, including some serious investment in AI tools, a new model viewer release, and plans for an AI chatbot built into the model itself. It wraps with rapid fire questions, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that the builders winning in 2026 are the ones treating estimating like the engine room of the business. What You'll Learn: - Why your "Builder's DNA" should drive every estimate, not generic plan notes - How pre-model meetings catch the costly stuff missing from drawings - The smart way to integrate estimating data into Buildxact and your price book - Why a "measuring stick" beats gut feel when reviewing subbie quotes - Where AI is heading in construction and how V2E is leading the charge Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – What is "Builder's DNA" and why it matters 02:38 – Onboarding and pre-model meetings 04:25 – Inside the V2E team: building the right mix of skills 08:05 – Integrating with Buildxact the smart way 12:00 – Building your price book for instant pricing 14:30 – Why empathy with builders is the V2E difference 16:00 – Using data as a measuring stick against subbie quotes 19:08 – When to bring V2E in and what you need 22:30 – What's next: AI tools, model viewer, and chatbot integration 24:33 – How Michael first reached out to Luke 25:24 – Rapid fire questions 26:35 – Final advice and where to find V2E 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

  4. Jun 28

    #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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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