#41 Building Better: Architect–Builder Collaboration with Mitch Emery (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dean Backman & Luke Callery sit down with Mitch Emery (Align Architect) to open the hood on how architects and builders can work tighter— from the first client brief through concept, documentation, permits and pre-construction.
What you’ll learn
How Mitch approaches the early brief, concept design and client onboarding
Why engaging the builder early saves time, rework and budget
Documentation standards that reduce RFIs, variations and on-site friction
How to balance design intent with cost (smart value-engineering)
Planning permits, council realities and setting expectations with clients
Practical advice for builders and homeowners to keep projects on track
00:00 – Intro & welcome (Dean & Luke)
02:22 – Meet Mitch Emery (Align Architect)
04:43 – Mitch’s path into architecture
07:05 – Align’s approach: brief to concept
09:27 – Early builder engagement & budgets
11:48 – Documentation that reduces risk
14:10 – Client communication & expectation-setting
16:32 – Planning permits & council realities
18:53 – Design vs cost: value engineering
21:15 – Site constraints & constructability
23:37 – Advice for homeowners & builders
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery
Guest: Mitch Emery — Align Architect
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite
🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au
--------
25:56
--------
25:56
#40 Building Better: Culture, Systems & Growth with J Vella Builders
Founders’ stories aren’t just about “starting a business”—they’re about building something that lasts.
In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, we sit down with Jesse & B'ashae from J Vella Builders to unpack the real journey behind a growing building company—how they split responsibilities on site vs operations, the systems that keep projects moving, and what it takes to lead a team while keeping clients informed and happy.
What you’ll learn
How founders split roles (on-site vs back-office) without stepping on each other’s toes
Early lessons that shaped quality, culture, and client communication
The systems and workflows that reduce chaos and keep projects on schedule
Pricing, estimating, and margin thinking as you scale
Marketing that actually wins work (referrals, brand, and being present online)
What’s next for the business and where they’re placing their bets
00:00 – Intro & guest welcome
03:01 – Founders’ backstory
06:01 – Starting the business
09:02 – Early challenges & lessons
12:03 – Roles: on-site vs operations
15:03 – Team, culture & leadership
18:04 – Systems & workflow
21:04 – Client experience & comms
24:05 – Estimating, budgets & margins
27:06 – Marketing, referrals & brand
30:06 – What’s next & growth plans
33:07 – Wrap-up & where to find us
Perfect for builders, site managers, and ops leads who want a smoother business with happier clients.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite
🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au
--------
36:06
--------
36:06
#39 Building Better: Energy Efficiency and Architecture with Ben Walsham - Part 2
The theory's one thing. Making it work on site? That's where it gets interesting.
In part two with Ben Walsham from Arkata, we get into the nitty-gritty of energy-efficient building—the stuff that separates good intentions from homes that actually perform. Ben walks us through a high-performance passive solar project in cold climate conditions, breaking down the real challenges: slab insulation that works, achieving proper airtightness, and delivering thermal comfort that homeowners can feel.
What you'll get from this episode:
- How energy modelling software actually helps you make smarter decisions (and where to spend your money)
- The honest trade-offs different design choices involve
- Why your builder-architect-engineer triangle can make or break a project
- Where the retrofit market is heading and what it means for your business
- Window performance insights that impact your energy ratings
- Ben also shares his move from Adelaide to Melbourne and what opportunities he's seeing in the Victorian market—plus some candid thoughts on collaboration and where the industry's headed.
Perfect for builders, architects, and anyone who wants homes that perform as well as they look.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Alterations & Additions
00:32 – Welcome to Build Insite Podcast
00:49 – High-Performance Passive Solar Design
01:20 – Exploring Slab Insulation Options
02:25 – Software for Star Ratings
04:25 – Cost & Performance Analysis
06:38 – Future Performance & Resilient Homes
13:45 – Collaboration & Design Decisions
15:59 – Big Move: Adelaide to Melbourne
17:30 – A New Beginning in Brunswick
18:08 – Exploring Retrofit Opportunities
20:14 – The Importance of Window Performance
22:10 – Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained
26:03 – Sponsorship Announcement
28:14 – Future Plans & Personal Connections
29:35 – Rapid Fire Questions
32:17 – Closing Remarks & Contact Information
33:24 – Acknowledgements & Disclaimer
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite
--------
34:09
--------
34:09
#39 Building Better: Energy Efficiency and Architecture with Ben Walsham - Part 1
In this episode of the Build Insite podcast, Luke and Dean sit down with Ben Walsham, founder of Arkata, an energy efficiency consultancy specialising in residential projects.
Ben shares his journey from architecture to energy consulting, revealing why early engagement in the building process is crucial for long-term project success. The conversation explores the impact of seven-star NatHERS ratings, whole-of-home assessments, and how the NCC 2022 updates are reshaping the industry.
You’ll also hear Ben’s perspective on:
- The challenges and opportunities in today’s construction landscape
- How to design healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes
- The growing role of Passive House principles in residential projects
- Insights from his current work and future aspirations
Packed with practical advice and forward-thinking strategies, this episode is a must-listen for builders, designers, and homeowners who want to stay ahead of the curve in sustainable construction.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
00:33 – Meet Our Guest: Ben Walsham
01:53 – Ben’s Journey & Arkata’s Mission
03:17 – Energy Efficiency & Process Changes
05:45 – Understanding Energy Efficiency Consulting
12:44 – NCC Compliance & Star Ratings Explained
20:12 – The Future of Energy Efficiency & Passive House Design
24:31 – Conclusion & Sponsor Acknowledgements
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite
--------
25:37
--------
25:37
Real Stories from the Site with Andrew, Oscar, and Nathan of Callery Building - Part 2
In this second half of our on-site chat with the Callery Building team, we focus on a skill that’s just as important as swinging a hammer: clear communication.
Luke sits down again with Andrew, Nathan, and Oscar to unpack how communication impacts productivity, culture, and ultimately—project success. From daily run-throughs to handling mistakes, the boys share how good communication can prevent chaos and build trust across the crew.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why clear communication is make-or-break in construction
How team culture and site vibes set the tone
What makes a great supervisor or team leader
Honest advice for those new to the trade
And plenty of stories and insights straight from the tools
Whether you’re leading the job site or just getting started, this episode offers real talk on how to keep the site moving—and the team strong.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:40 – The Power of Clear Communication
05:32 – Team Culture & Site Vibes
11:44 – Lessons Learned for Supervisors
14:13 – Advice for Industry Newcomers
17:43 – Sponsorship & Industry Insights
26:00 – Rapid Fire Questions & Final Takeaways
28:45 – Conclusion & Sponsor Acknowledgements
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite
Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond.Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build.Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters:Smarter, healthier homesBusiness strategies that support better livingTechnology and systems that future-proof your workThe balance between building, business, and well-beingFrom high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week.Let’s build better, together.
Australia