Connected ‘Smart’ Kitchens and Bathrooms: What’s Next For Home Design
Gavin Hepper, Kitchens and Bathrooms specialist, unpacks how futuristic connected homes (where kitchens can ‘talk’ to bathrooms) are closer than you think. Hear how he uses the “Umbrella Effect” to keeps projects moving, what silica rules mean on-site, designing for ‘A.M/breakfast zone’, and why more clients want multigenerational living. Gavin also previews the latest global trends from Salone del Mobile.Milano, the world's #1 design expo - and how they could feature in your next project. Connect with Gavin:conceptsbygavinhepper.com.au @conceptsbygavinhepper
--------
49:43
--------
49:43
How HIA's 2025 Australian Home of the Year was built in 10 Months!
Architect and builder Sarah Waller shares how she built HIA's 2025 Australian Home of the Year in only 10 months. 'Blackwood' is a clean, monochromatic masterpiece set in lush Noosa. Refusing to be beat, she tackled months of rain, slopes, scale, detail, and pressure, crediting her trusted subbies along the way. This ep is a sharp look at full-project control, and how she finished a winner.
--------
45:20
--------
45:20
Scaling with smarter systems – Tips from building 40+ custom homes a year
Good trades stick around when the boss is hands-on and leads by example. Anthony Karlovic of First Avenue Homes didn't do a traditional apprenticeship - he went from pro-tennis player to working at KPMG, before finding his way back to his family roots in building. In this ep, Anthony shares how his competitive streak fuels his work ethic and how being strategic with tech helps him take on 40+ custom homes a year - taking jobsites from clipboards to live schedules. He explains why "skin in the game" still matters, especially when it comes to retaining crew and reducing turnover. This is a no-BS look at scaling, culture, and using tech to make it all work. Follow @hia_au Check out Anthony’s work at @firstavenuehomesmelbourne andhttps://firstavenuehomes.com.au/
--------
48:04
--------
48:04
Ditching old-school thinking & building better teams with CRA Construction
Kim Allen, CEO of CRA Construction, shares how she stepped up from the office to lead a growing team - and why hiring more women made business sense. Her business partner and hubby, Chris Allen backs her with real talk on culture tweaks and rebranding the business for success. Find out how this couple is building a business that people want to work in. Follow @hia_auCheck out Kim & Chris’ work at @craconstruction and craconstruction.com.au
--------
44:58
--------
44:58
How to build a business you could sell - even if you never will
Branding that stands for something. A bible for your build quality. Leaders who lift the load. Ryan Goodwin from Mode Group lays out how to build a business that could run - or even sell - without you. It’s about honouring the craft, setting the bar, and backing your team. Tune in on how you can think beyond today’s job.
Made to Build is the podcast that dives into the real stories behind residential building—the wins, lessons, and practical advice from the people shaping Australia’s housing future today. Each ep brings you raw, honest conversations with HIA members across the industry. Voices of experience who go beyond polished project photos to share the grit, growth, and hard-earned knowledge that truly make an impact. Wherever you are in the industry, we’re your go-to for insights that help you build better, smarter, and with purpose. Some people are just made to build. New eps every second Tuesday.