Corduroy is back—and its story is wilder than you think. From its origins in ancient Egypt to royal courts, retro fashion, and now a modern design renaissance, this humble fabric has lived many lives. In this episode, we unravel how corduroy went from utilitarian to iconic, and why designers are embracing it in clothing and furniture today. Guest: Elaine Evans, Senior Teaching Fellow in Fashion Design Innovation at the University of Leeds
Is open plan officially dead?
09/02/2026 | 29 mins.
Is the open-plan home officially over? How has COVID and the rise of remote work reshaped the way we live; From privacy-friendly layouts to multifunctional spaces, discover why designers are rethinking open-plan living and what the future of home design looks like. Guests: Dr Libby Sander, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Bond University Eva-Marie Prineas, Lead Architect and Founder Studio Prineas
Extraordinary Everyday: Soy Sauce Containers
04/02/2026 | 12 mins.
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
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.