Can design save the planet—one soy sauce fish at a time? Meet the innovative minds behind a sustainable alternative to the iconic plastic soy sauce container. Discover how clever design is tackling single-use plastics, reducing waste, and reimagining everyday objects for a greener future Guest: Angus Ware, Co-founder and Director at Heliograf
The surprising new world of designing for non-humans
02/02/2026 | 27 mins.
What happens when architects design for animals instead of humans? In this episode, we explore a bold new frontier where animal behavior—not human comfort—shapes the spaces we build. From wildlife sanctuaries to urban habitats, this surprising trend flips traditional design thinking on its head. How do professionals trained for people reimagine environments for paws, claws, and wings? Guests: Stuart Harrison, Architect - project Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria Mike Drinkwater, Wildlife Project Officer at Taronga Zoo Sydney Grey Fisher, Senior Keeper at the Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Zoo Sydney
Extraordinary Everyday: Backyard Pools
28/01/2026 | 11 mins.
Extraordinary Everyday: Backyard Pools Why do Aussies love a backyard pool? In this episode, we dive into its evolution—from retro status symbol to sleek, sustainable showpiece. Discover how pool design trends have shaped our summers, our homes, and our obsession with outdoor living. It’s a deep end of culture, creativity, and cool innovation! Guest: Professor Hannah Lewi, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Melbourne University
Can we find a new and exciting future in prefabricated homes?
26/01/2026 | 27 mins.
Prefab is back—and it’s changing the game. Once a Federation-era staple, prefabrication is now being hailed as a creative design solution and a practical fix for the housing crisis. Innovative modular techniques are delivering sustainable, stylish homes faster than ever before—but is this the future of construction? Guests: Warren French, Lead Architect Valley Workshop Tasmania and expert in prefabricated builds Mathew Aitchison, CEO of Building 4.0 CRC Amber Laris, Owner of a prefabricated build in Lymington Tasmania
Extraordinary Everyday: The toothbrush
21/01/2026 | 10 mins.
From twigs to tech, the toothbrush has had quite the glow-up! In this episode of Extraordinary Everyday, we brush up on the wild history of dental hygiene—from ancient chew sticks to sleek smart brushes—revealing how this humble tool became a design icon in our daily lives. Guest: Scott Swank, Curator at National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, and an associate professor in the Dental Public Health Department of University of Maryland in Baltimore
Hosted by Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at UTS and one of Australia's leading voices on how we might build better futures, Anthony Burke's By Design podcast explores the clever ideas and human stories behind the spaces, systems, and objects shaping our everyday lives.
Anthony is well-known as the host of Grand Designs Australia, Grand Transformations, Restoration Australia, and Culture by Design (streaming on ABC iview). His expertise and passion for design make this podcast an essential listen for anyone curious about how design impacts the way we live.
From prefab housing and smart homes to designing cruise ships or animal habitats and the future of the open-plan home, each episode dives deep into a theme through engaging interviews and real-life case studies from across Australia.
Every show ends with The Extraordinary Everyday, a short segment uncovering the cultural and social history of familiar objects: think plunge pools, corduroy, and even the humble welcome mat. With an informal, accessible tone, By Design makes design visible, relatable, and relevant for everyone.
Whether you're curious about architecture, interior design, urban design, product design, furniture or fashion design, sustainability, or the hidden stories behind everyday objects, this podcast reveals why design matters, especially in a rapidly changing world.