The Build Insite Podcast

• #43 Builder’s Panel: On-Site Wins, Apprentices & Smarter Systems with Chris Cahill & Timothy Greenham -Part 2

  The theory is one thing. Making it work on site is where it gets real. In Part 2, we get practical about airtightness, apprentices, software, and the habits that help builders and families thrive. Hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman sit down again with Chris Cahill (Primebuilt Constructions) and Timothy Greenham (Emerald Building Services), live from Circa Studio at Bowens Port Melbourne. From blower door “aha” moments to the culture that transforms apprentices into leaders, this episode is full of lessons you can take straight to site. We also explore the realities of switching to all-in-one software (WunderBuild), how being your own client changes design decisions, and where the industry is heading with code changes and shifting demand. Plus, we look at the boundaries and routines that help business owners stay healthy, both on and off the tools. What you’ll learn • How on-site blower door testing sharpens team culture and build quality • Practical ways to grow apprentices into confident carpenters and leaders • When to rip the band-aid off software migration—and what to standardise first • Client-first decision making: prefab vs stick build vs SIPs, and how to find the sweet spot • Mindset shifts for a tougher market, and why boundaries like no weekends still matter Chapters 00:00 – Introduction (Episode 43, Part 2) 00:58 – Passive training experience in Fiji 02:58 – On-site insights from blower door testing 03:32 – Apprentice achievement: 0.35 ACH project 05:36 – Trade school compared to on-site learning 06:14 – Job documentation and compliance practices 10:06 – Transitioning to WunderBuild software 13:05 – Building your own home: balancing cost and efficiency 19:04 – Establishing work–life boundaries 24:12 – Industry outlook: NCC changes and market pressures 28:15 – Quick Fire Q&A with guests 29:53 – Closing remarks and guest details Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guest: Chris Cahill - Primebuilt Constructions Timothy Greenham - Emerald Building Services 🎧 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

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• #43 Carpentry Roots, Team Culture & Real-World Builds with Chris Cahill & Timothy Greenham - Part 1

  The theory is one thing. Making it work on site is where it gets real. In this builder’s panel, we dive into the journeys, wins, and hard lessons shaping how great homes actually get delivered. Live from Circa Studio at Bowens Port Melbourne, hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman sit down with Chris Cahill (Primebuilt Constructions) and Timothy Greenham (Emerald Building Services). From carpentry beginnings to leading teams, they unpack culture, communication, and the decisions that keep projects moving. You’ll hear how a “Focus 30” check-in builds buy-in, why renovations still sharpen a builder’s edge, and what it takes to navigate a tougher market without losing momentum. Tim shares his Passive House lens, along with a personal reason for chasing healthier homes, plus the story behind a Scandinavian-style subdivision he’s building for his own family. Chris lifts the lid on a 40-metre hallway rural residence with stables and a painstaking 12-sided ceiling over a pool. He also explains how clarity, pre-cons, and honest client education keep complexity under control. It’s practical, candid, and full of on-site wisdom. What you’ll learn • How carpentry foundations shape decision-making as a builder • Practical ways to keep culture strong when you’re off the tools • Using quick “Focus 30” check-ins to spot issues early and support your team • Renovations vs new builds: where the real problem-solving happens • Staying resilient through a challenging 18 months: pipeline, pricing, and mindset Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & live from Circus Studio (Bowens Port Melbourne 00:40 – Meet our guests: Chris (Primebuilt) & Tim (Emerald Building Services) 02:10 – Carpentry beginnings and family trade stories 05:05 – From apprentice to registered builder: early milestones 07:10 – Staying connected with the crew when you’re off the tools 10:05 – Culture in practice: go-karts, BBQs, and the “Focus 30” check-in 13:20 – Project mix: renovations, extensions, and custom new builds 16:00 – Clients, life stages, and designing for health (Passive House) 18:15 – Tim’s Scandinavian-style Passive House subdivision (personal project) 21:10 – Chris’s large-scale rural residence & stables: lessons from complexity 25:00 – Market reality check: the last 18 months and buyer confidence 28:20 – Leading through uncertainty: transparency, CRMs, and team comms 31:00 – Tools & teamwork: sharing models, job channels, and growth paths Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guest: Chris Cahill - Primebuilt Constructions Timothy Greenham - Emerald Building Services 🎧 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

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• #42 How Bowens Balances Tradition, Innovation, and Builder Needs with John Bowen

  In this episode, Dean Backman & Luke Callery sit down with John Bowen (Managing Director, Bowens) to unpack what keeps a 131-year business alive—culture, disciplined basics, and smart bets on innovation. Recorded live at CIRCA Studio, Bowens Port Melbourne, John talks about starting in Victoria’s early-90s downturn, rebuilding crumbling yards into modern builder hubs, and why Bowens stays laser-focused on pros: stock depth, rapid delivery, and solutions that actually save days on site. They dig into long-tenured teams, the Bowens Expo, and new hands-on spaces for high-performance building. What you’ll learn How to scale without losing the soul: the habits that keep teams for decades The real meaning of “best at the basics” (and why it beats shiny new things) Practical ways suppliers can accelerate your day: stock, systems, and a yes-mindset A builder-first approach to innovation: selection centres, expos, and training What’s coming for high-performance building—and how Bowens plans to help How private, purposeful growth keeps the focus on builders (not retail volume) Chapters 00:00 – Introduction (live at CIRCA Studio, Bowens Port Melbourne) 00:23 – Meet John Bowen: 4th-gen MD, 131 years strong 01:07 – Early ’90s downturn: starting out when Victoria stalled 03:17 – Store closures, hard lessons, and culture that stuck 06:20 – From timber yard to selection experience: why it took years 10:33 – Formalising innovation: from Steve Mannion to Andrew Healy 13:04 – Bowens Expo: drawing real innovation from suppliers 15:33 – Rebuilding the asset base: bigger, better, builder-focused stores 21:24 – Basics done right: stock, range, and rapid delivery 24:31 – Challenges: do fewer things, execute them better 26:22 – Acoustic, fire, thermal—solving real site problems 27:30 – Hastings innovation space: hands-on display and training 29:08 – Growth philosophy: private, purposeful, and builder-led Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery Guest: John Bowen — Managing Director, Bowens 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite 🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au

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• #41 Building Better: Architect–Builder Collaboration with Mitch Emery (Part 2)

  In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Dean Backman & Luke Callery continue with Mitch Emery (Align Architect) to move from pre-construction into delivery — contracts, documentation, council realities, and the on-site coordination that keeps projects on track. What you’ll learn Planning permits & council realities Keeping budget aligned with design intent Documentation that reduces RFIs & variations Choosing contracts & defining scope clearly On-site coordination, RFIs & information flow Handover, defects & client experience 00:00 – Intro & Part 1 recap 02:30 – Planning permits & approvals 05:00 – Client onboarding & brief refinement 07:29 – Budget alignment & allowances 09:59 – Documentation: drawings & specs 12:29 – Contracts, scope & risk 14:59 – Variations & change control 17:29 – On-site coordination, RFIs & info flow 19:58 – Handover, defects & next steps   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

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• #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

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