Made To Build by HIA

Good people are leaving worksites. Productivity cops it. Culture is usually why. In this episode, carpenter and Build Like a Girl founder Joanne “Jo” Farrell breaks down what actually keeps women—and good blokes—on the tools and in the industry. From lifting female participation at Kane Constructions ACT from 6 to 48 per cent, to fixing the behaviours that push apprentices out, Jo demolishes stereotypes and builds up the next gen of female builders. An eye-opening story on how site culture links directly to retention, safety and profit.

Get a practical look at running a business like an engine, so you’re not just wearing every hat. Caleb Adams, founder of Pilgrim Homes, follows the principle of ‘momentum over margin’ and breaks down how he built a boutique design-and-build business using clear systems, the right people, and a strong sense of purpose. We talk hiring staff based on attitude, really understanding your business model, how having a growth mindset and branding impact your profitability - even before the slab’s poured.
Insta: @by.pilgrim
FB: @bypilgrim.co
LinkedIn: bypilgrim

Subscribe to the Made To Build podcast on: 🔔SPOTIFY PODCASTS: https://open.spotify.com/show/26QevY9nm0gapy6yhtn3o9?si=6f6a5b964a7744c4&nd=1&dlsi=dac874550eff4586🔔APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/made-to-build-by-hia/id1806259466

What can we learn from international cities to build more affordable, sustainable communities? Professor Philip Oldfield explains how 15-minute cities can influence the way we plan and build; and what the $10b Housing Australia Future Fund means for supply and affordability. He lays out the practical design choices, material decisions and planning moves that help builders improve their carbon footprint while still meeting rising housing demand.
Questions are welcome! Connect with Philip via
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @sustainabletall

If you’re flat-out but still not getting ahead, this episode shows you the way out. Andy and Angela Smith from Lifestyle Tradie break down the systems, pricing habits and team structures that pull builders out of the grind. They call out the “busy = successful” mindset and show how to break the Tradie Trap. Real examples, simple fixes and practical steps you can use straight away to run a cleaner, more profitable building business.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to attract and employ the right people
• How to identify your ideal clients and projects
• Why organisational structure matters in husband/wife teams
• The key numbers every builder must know
• How your mindset and habits impact business
performanceFacebook: facebook.com/lifestyletradie
Instagram: instagram.com/lifestyletradie
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lifestyle-tradie

Look behind the build of a 1900s heritage villa with brothers Hamish and Jed Villis of SA’s Build Theory. They transformed a run-down city house into an award-winning home after a full structural overhaul, open courtyards, and a kitchen that won 2025 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year. Watch now for stunning before-and-after results. 
 
https://buildtheory.co/ 
@build.theory

Subscribe to the Made To Build podcast on: · SPOTIFY PODCASTS: https://open.spotify.com/show/26QevY9nm0gapy6yhtn3o9?si=6f6a5b964a7744c4&nd=1&dlsi=dac874550eff4586· APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/made-to-build-by-hia/id1806259466 Find out more about Made To Build: https://hia.com.au/hia-community/made-to-build-podcast