Mirrors may show us our reflection today, but for centuries they were thought to reveal far stranger things. Forged through a perilous, mercury‑soaked process, these “everyday” objects hide a mysterious past that’s anything but ordinary. Guest: John Hawkins, antiques dealer
Why we all need to embrace the dark
02/03/2026 | 29 mins.
For years, designers pushed the gospel of “more light, more health.” Then LEDs arrived—tiny, efficient, and bright enough to turn night into a permanent noon—and we discovered a plot twist: human eyes (and brains, and hormones) were never built for this much brilliance. And animals? They’re even less impressed. In this episode, we dig into how our light‑soaked world has scrambled natural rhythms for creatures great and small, and how a new generation of designers is trying to un-muck the mess. From circadian‑friendly glow to wildlife‑aware street lighting, we explore how smarter illumination can help us all sleep better, migrate sanely, and live more in tune with the dark. Guests: Fiona Venn, Director of Specialist Lighting, WSP Dr Kellie Pendoley, Director and Principal Scientist of Pendoley Environmental Dr Sheryn Pitman, Carrickalinga Dark Sky Community Project Lead
Extraordinary Everyday: Traffic lights
25/02/2026 | 13 mins.
They are the silent force that guides us through our days, but how much do you know about the humble traffic light? More than just three colours that tell us when to slow down, stop or go, these machines weave complex movements of people throughout our cities. How do they work, what impact do they have and what is the future for traffic lights in a world of smart cars? Guest: Chris Miller, Spokesperson for Transport Victoria
Meet the movement reimagining the future, slowly
23/02/2026 | 27 mins.
Meet the movement reimaging the future, slowly Craft is cool again. Across Australia — and far beyond — traditional design practices long considered “old fashioned” are experiencing a powerful resurgence. From tapestry as contemporary art, to handcrafted chairs, to the ancient weaving traditions of First Nations communities, slow, tactile craftsmanship is being embraced by a generation raised in a hyper‑digital world. Guests: Sophie Travers, CEO of the Australian Tapestry Workshop Glen Rundell, Chair maker and co-founder of the Lost Trades Fair Aunty Karleen Green, First Nations weaver
Meet the movement reimaging the future, slowly
23/02/2026 | 27 mins.
Meet the movement reimaging the future, slowly Craft is cool again. Across Australia — and far beyond — traditional design practices long considered “old fashioned” are experiencing a powerful resurgence. From tapestry as contemporary art, to handcrafted chairs, to the ancient weaving traditions of First Nations communities, slow, tactile craftsmanship is being embraced by a generation raised in a hyper‑digital world. Guests: Sophie Travers, CEO of the Australian Tapestry Workshop Glen Rundell, Chair maker and co-founder of the Lost Trades Fair Aunty Karleen Green, First Nations weaver
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.
Australia