Gravestones may be stark reminders of our mortality, but they’re also powerful records of history, identity and belief. What can the design of these enduring markers tell us about the people they commemorate — and the eras they lived through? From symbolism and materials to craftsmanship and changing cultural values, we trace how grave markers have evolved over time.
Is adaptive reuse worth the investment?
13/04/2026 | 25 mins.
Heritage buildings can be pretty … but are they worth the money? Adaptive reuse advocates argue that reworking existing structures isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about unlocking potential. These projects take longer, cost more, and demand far greater creative problem‑solving, but for designers willing to take them on, the value extends well beyond the balance sheet.
Extraordinary Everyday: Pockets
08/04/2026 | 14 mins.
Men expect them in every pair of pants, every jacket, every coat. And yet, for women, pockets have been mysteriously withheld, removed, resized, or declared “unnecessary” for centuries. Why? In this episode, we unpack the surprisingly political, practical, and quietly rebellious history of pockets — from their deliberate disappearance in women’s fashion to the small jolt of joy when a dress actually has them. This is a story about design, power, independence, and the everyday details that shape how we move through the world. Guest: Nicole Jenkins, Fashion historian, Circa Vintage
How AI is reshaping architecture
06/04/2026 | 24 mins.
Algorithms are sketching, rendering, optimising, and quietly reshaping who holds creative power. In this episode, we ask the uncomfortable questions: Is AI a tool, a collaborator, or a threat? What happens to expertise when clients can generate designs in seconds? And who really benefits when intelligence is automated? Guests: * Philip Allsopp, Co-Chair, RIBA Expert Advisory Group on AI, Generative Design and Data* James Loder, Wardle
Extraordinary Everyday: Surfboards
01/04/2026 | 12 mins.
Australia’s surfing story has been influenced from far beyond our shores, from ancient Peruvian reed boards to Hawaiian royalty and the design revolutions that shaped the modern surfboard. So how did we get from the earliest surf boards of heavy wooden planks to the sleek, high‑performance boards ridden today? Guest: Andrew McKinnon, Surf reporter and historian
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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