Anthony Burke's By Design podcast | Listen online for free

54 episodes

Extraordinary Everyday: How the Aussie lawnmower shaped our identity
15/07/2026 | 13 mins.
What can a lawnmower reveal about the Australia that emerged after World War II? More than a machine for trimming grass, the Victor lawnmower became a powerful symbol of suburban aspiration, backyard pride, masculinity and Australian ingenuity. But where did it start? And how did it evolve?
Extraordinary Everyday: What's Really in Your Cup? The 5,000-Year Journey of Tea
08/07/2026 | 12 mins.
Australians love a good cuppa, but do you know the twists and turns this little leaf has taken over the years? From being brewed in medicinal bowls to being “jiggled” in a tea bag - the distilling of tea has its own fascinating history.
The Home Front, Lessons from afar
06/07/2026 | 41 mins.
In episode five of our special series The Home Front, around the globe, architects and designers are reimagining housing with bold, inventive solutions - from sprawling multi use compounds in Indonesia to compact cooperative models in Europe.
These global experiments offer fresh perspectives on affordability, sustainability and community. But could they work in Australia? In this episode, we explore what local housing can learn from international innovations - and how these ideas might be adapted to fit our unique social and environmental context.
Extraordinary Everyday: Do locks really keep you safe?
01/07/2026 | 11 mins.
Locks have existed as long as we’ve had something to keep safe. From ancient Sumeria to the lock on your front door - the design evolution of locks is a series of twists and turns. So how well do locks today stand up against their predecessors? And what is the future of safety in a world of AI?
The Home Front, Money money money
29/06/2026 | 41 mins.
In episode four of our special series The Home Front, we all know that house prices have gone through the roof - but what’s driving them, and what can actually be done?
In this episode we dig into the money behind the housing crisis; from tax policy and global market shifts to government targets and the growing role of intergenerational wealth.
We explore how renters and homeowners alike are feeling the squeeze, and ask what kind of radical policy - and cultural - change it will take to make housing more equitable for all Australians. Because this isn’t just an economic problem. It’s a social one. And it’s going to take more than creativity to fix it.

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About Anthony Burke's By Design

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.

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