Made To Build by HIA

Construction workers experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and burnout than the general population. This is the stress problem nobody talks about. 
 
In this episode, Greg Jennings discusses why builders and small business owners face unique mental health challenges, from financial pressure and long hours to the responsibility of leading a team. He explains why looking after yourself is one of the smartest business decisions you can make. 
 
Learn how to recognise the early warning signs of burnout, practical ways to manage stress, build healthy resilience, and create a workplace culture where people feel comfortable speaking up and supporting one another. Greg also explores the link between mental wellbeing, business performance and team culture, and shares why it's never too early to seek support or start a conversation. 
 
Better businesses start with better mental health. 
 
Free support available through Beyond Blue and NewAccess for Small Business Owners.

Social researcher and futurist Ashley Fell explores how affordability, lifestyle shifts and changing generational values are reshaping the future of Australian housing. Drawing on her research into consumer behaviour and emerging trends, she explains how younger Australians are redefining homeownership and what they expect from the homes and communities of the future.
The conversation examines the impact of remote work, wellbeing, flexibility and affordability on housing design, while challenging common assumptions about Gen Z homeowners. Ashley also shares practical insights for builders looking to better understand future buyers and prepare for the social and demographic shifts shaping Australia's housing market.
Connect
 ashleyfell.com.au
 LinkedIn: Ashley Fell
 Instagram: @ashfell

For years, the formula for success in building was simple: be a great tradesperson, do quality work, and the jobs would keep coming. But today's most successful builders are discovering that craftsmanship alone isn't enough. 
 
Chris Guilbert, Director of Tenfold Homes and winner of the 2026 HIA Australian Emerging Builder award, joins the podcast to discuss how the next generation of builders are combining construction expertise with systems, technology and operational excellence to gain a competitive edge. He shares the lessons that helped him move from builder to business owner and the mindset shifts required to build a scalable, resilient company. 
 
The conversation explores how Chris stopped pricing from plans, trained AI tools, set up CRM systems, value engineered client requests and uses modern construction methods such as SIPs and ICF systems.
 
Along the way, he explains why upfront feasibility, clear client alignment and strong processes often prevent problems before construction even begins, helping builders in a cost-sensitive market.
 
Connect 
 tenfoldhomes.com.au 
 Instagram: @tenfoldhomes

Australia needs more homes. There is broad agreement that increasing housing supply is critical to improving affordability and meeting the needs of a growing population. Yet delivering more homes remains a major challenge, with regulation, planning, infrastructure, rising costs and complex approval processes continuing to create barriers across the housing pipeline.
In this episode of Made to Build In Focus, HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin joins Rob Douglas, CEO of MJH Group, and Graham Walker, Managing Director of Combined Development Group, explore what is standing in the way of delivering housing at scale.
The discussion examines the challenges facing the industry from land development and planning approvals through to construction, and the impact of increasing regulation and fragmented processes across different levels of government.
The panel also explores what could be done to create a more coordinated and efficient system that makes it easier to deliver more homes, more efficiently and in the places that Australians need them.
Connect:
Jocelyn Martin – Housing Industry Assocation
Rob Douglas – McDonald Jones Homes
Graham Walker – Combined Development Group

Why do some homes still feel right 20 years later while others feel outdated within five?
 
Award-winning designers from Studio Minosa, Darren Genner and Simona Castagna, explore the psychology behind great residential design and why the most successful homes aren't driven by trends but by a deep understanding of how people live. They discuss how thoughtful planning, functionality, materials and craftsmanship combine to create homes that remain relevant and enjoyable for decades. 
 
The conversation also covers renovation planning, reducing renovation regret, improving communication between clients and project teams.  
 
After visiting Salone del Mobile in Milan, Darren shares the emerging ideas, materials and lifestyle trends influencing residential design globally, and what Australian builders, designers and homeowners should be paying attention to in the years ahead.  
 
Connect 
 studiominosa.com.au 
 Instagram: @studio__minosa