In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank reveal the smartest, most budget-friendly ways to extend your home—without cutting corners on quality or design. Learn why keeping your roofline simple is one of the biggest money-saving decisions you can make, and how standard sizing for windows, doors and building …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the one question every home builder has: How much is this going to cost? From budgeting for the basics to planning for the unexpected, Frank and Amelia break down the key factors that influence your building costs before you even start building —so you can m…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of land and property development — flood overlays. Whether you're looking to buy a block of land, planning a renovation, or designing your dream home, knowing whether a flood overlay affects your site is absolutely critical. …

In this eye-opening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by special guest Leanne Jordan, a qualified Bushfire Practitioner, to unpack everything you need to know about Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings and how they impact your build. Whether you're planning a new home, an extension, or converting a…

In the second part of our two-part series which follows on from the previous episode, Amelia and Frank discuss with special guest Clarence from Ionic Construction a deeper look into one of the most overlooked challenges in the construction industry—condensation. They discuss poorly designed and constructed homes that are not just inefficient; they …

As homes become more airtight, the need for proper ventilation has never been more important. In this episode, Frank and Amelia welcomed special guest Clarence Macalister from Ionic Construction to talk about the effects of condensation in homes and explore how changes in building standards and energy efficiency measures are impacting indoor air qu…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the complexities of building envelopes and how they impact your home design. We discuss key regulations, including setbacks, height restrictions, and site coverage, particularly for smaller and steeper blocks. Frank and Amelia also explore how different zones and…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia tackle a scenario no homeowner wants to face—what happens if you suspect your builder is not complying with regulations during construction? From poor workmanship to outright breaches of the building code, non-compliant work can cause serious issues down the track. But wha…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia are joined by special guest Tahleah, a building designer, to explore the often-complex world of home renovations, building permits, and compliance. They highlight several real life scenarios discussing what you can and can't do on your property without needing a permit. The…

In this episode, Frank and Amelia dive into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of home ventilation. With changes to the National Construction Code and Bushfire Code, many modern homes are now so airtight that they’re trapping moisture, leading to mould, mildew, and poor air quality. They explore the Catch-22 of bushfire protection and ventilati…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into planning and creating spaces to accommodate teenagers and the changing needs of families and what to consider to accommodate these changing needs. From adding a master bedroom with an ensuite to creating sheds and backyard studios for rental income or teenage ret…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the art of creating the perfect getaway spot, whether it’s a shack, a shed at the beach, or a holiday home. JoinFrank and Amelia as they explore how to design functional, budget-friendly spaces that cater to your family's current and future needs for your current…

In this special episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, we celebrate Prime Design’s incredible achievement of winning the Practice of the Year Award at the 2024 Building Design Association of Australia National Gala Awards. Join Frank, Amelia, and special guest Alicia take you behind the scenes of this prestigious win, exploring the ded…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia explore the complexities of wastewater treatment systems, particularly for rural properties and holiday homes. Join Amelia and Frank as they discuss the importance of planning wastewater systems early in the design process and how they influence other aspects of your build…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, were on location in Hobart for the Building Designers, Association of Australia Trade night as part of the annual national conference held for building designers. Featured is a discussion about one of the biggest challenges, bridging the knowledge gap among contractors and professionals. J…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, we dive into the world of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)—an innovative, sustainable building material revolutionising the construction industry. In the episode we welcome special guest Ken Slamet from the Rubix Collective. Our guest explains why European spruce outperforms Australian timber,…

In this podcast episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia continue interviews at the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) National Festival of Design at the trade night on location in Hobart at Wrestpoint Convention Centre. Frank and Amelia invite special guest Clint from Nero Tapware who discusses the journ…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia were on location at the 2024 Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) trade show where professionals in the industry network and liaise with building suppliers and experts in the field. Frank and Amelia sat down with Luke from James Hardie to explore the durabili…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank were on location at Wrest Point Convention Centre in Hobart at the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) Festival of Design trade night. They invited special guest Vanda, from Weathertex, to talk about Weathertex products and talk about the importance of susta…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the hidden challenges of buying land and navigating the building process. Whether you're purchasing your dream block or tackling construction, this episode is packed with essential tips to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth journey. This episode e…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the often-overlooked constraints that can significantly impact your building design and site orientation and what considerations should be made when you are choosing the position of your home on your block as well as the floorplan and where your rooms will be loc…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast hosts Amelia and Frank introduce the importance of design briefs, explaining that a design brief serves as a blueprint for clients to clearly express their project desires to the designer. Frank describes the four main types of clients he encounters, ranging from those with a detailed plan …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia discuss the challenges property owners face when neighbours object to developments on their property. Frank and Amelia explore how local councils manage objections and the impact these disputes can have on the development approval process. The discussion highlights common r…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about a variety of past questionable design trends, highlighting both their appeal and impracticality. They start by poking fun at outdated elements like old wallpaper, shag pile carpet climbing walls, and the use of asbestos, whil…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast we’re joined once again by special guests Carrie and Kirsty from Uploans, alongside Prime Design's own Frank and Amelia. Together, they tackle the critical topic of keeping your building project on budget. Carrie and Kirsty share their expert financial insights, offering valuable tips on ho…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, we’re joined by special guests Carrie and Kirsty from Uploans, to join the regular duo Frank and Amelia. Kirsty and Carrie highlight key areas of the finance world as they celebrate a decade in business as mortgage brokers. Carrie and Kirsty share their expert financial insights, offering …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia discuss the critical importance of conducting a site analysis in any development. Frank and Amelia discuss several real-life examples, that homeowners experienced discovering too late about important infrastructure running underneath where they had built their new shed and…

In this episode of the Building Design Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the realities of sticking to a tight building budget while achieving the home of your dreams. They discuss everything from the hidden costs of high-performance windows to the surprising expenses of raked ceilings and custom lighting, our experts discuss the i…

In this engaging episode of the Building Design Prime Time podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank Geskus tackle some of the most common and curious questions that clients often ask. From how to adapt a home for different life stages to understanding the regulations around spas, front fences, and retaining walls, this episode is packed with valuable insigh…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia explore the unique challenges and opportunities of inner-city home design, focusing on alterations and extensions. Frank delves into the critical considerations when renovating or extending homes in bustling city environments and explores real life scenarios and the challen…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of prefabricated homes. Prefabricated homes, are gaining popularity for their efficiency and affordability. Frank and Amelia explore how these homes are built in a controlled factory environment, ensuring quality control and reducing waste, before b…

In this enlightening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and special guest Bianca from Access for Life dive into the crucial topic of accessibility in both residential and commercial spaces. Special guest and access consultant Bianca shares her expertise on creating inclusive environments that cater to everyone, regardl…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the essential topic of maintaining your home and selecting the right materials to suit your lifestyle. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or prefer low-maintenance options, understanding the balance between aesthetics and upkeep is crucial. Frank and Amelia explore …

In this episode of the Building Design, prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia welcome special guest Rebecca from Sheds n Homes. Frank and Amelia have spoken about sheds before but it was important to bring in an expert to discuss the specifics and possibilities, especially with prefabricated sheds. Rebecca shares her knowledge of working with prefabr…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Amelia and Frank discuss some hard truths about concrete and concrete products. Frank talks about his experience working with different concrete products and the pros and cons of using concrete in different ways around the home from external claddings to floor slabs, benchtops and more. It'…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia talk about sheds and carports and when you need a permit. Frank talks about the different categories of work that determines the level of risk and therefore when a permit is required or when you can erect the shed yourself without a permit. In addition, further discussions …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia talk about building in hazardous environments. Frank talks about various hazardous environments such as corrosive environments, landslip, bushfire prone areas and environments with high salinity. In this gripping episode of the Building Design Prime Time Podcast, Frank and …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia delve straight into part 2 of Structural Engineering with special guest Andrew from RES Engineering who shares his experiences as a senior structural engineer. Please watch the previous episode to listen to part 1 with Andrew from RES Engineering as this episode (part 2 of …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia welcome special guest Andrew from RES Engineering to talk all about his role as a Senior Structural Engineer and what elements impact how a home is engineered. Andrew shares some great insights about blocks that have had large levels of fill added to the site and how this c…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia discuss covenants and easements and how these can impact how you can develop the site, and what you can develop. Frank talks about covenants that can be hidden behind a title that can affect the development of the site. In addition, Frank and Amelia talk about why these fac…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia dive straight into part two, the final in this two part episode on Planning with our special guest and Town Planner, Mick Purves from Town Planning Solutions. In part 2, the final part of this episode Frank Amelia and Mick discuss the quality of the drawings required during…

We are excited to release our 50th episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast. We were thrilled to have Mick Purves from Town Planning Solutions be part of our 50th episode to talk about his work from behind the planning desk as a Town Planner. Mick has over two decades of experience as a Town Planner. In this episode, Frank, Mick and Ameli…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia talk about accessibility within the home. Frank shares a lot of personal experiences and challenges particularly when people within his own family have struggled with mobility. Frank and Amelia also go into some features and benefits of the Livable Housing Australia criteri…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia discuss a recent enquiry from a client about turning the lower storey of their large home into a flat. This thought provoking discussion raised a lot of questions about the difference between flats, granny flats, duplex and share houses. The conversation also delved into to…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia delve into the considerations on being an owner builder. Frank shares some stories with the good the bad and the ugly and even shares some more personal experiences of being an owner builder for his own home and the impact it had on him in terms of his education and how it …

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia discuss why and how it's important for your house to breathe. Frank shares his experiences on when houses cannot breathe and the implications. Frank discusses the National Construction Code (NCC) and how problems have occurred because some breathability aspects of a home ar…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia discuss when to use licensed professionals. Frank delves into the types of professionals in the building and construction industry that require a license in order to operate. Frank also shares his tips and tricks to find out if the professional you want to engage is license…

In this episode of the Building Design, prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia delve into the implications of changes that are made during the construction stage of building. Changes during construction can create a domino affect extending the time it takes to complete the build and the cost of the project. Frank share real accounts of when changes ha…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia delve straight into part two of the healthy homes podcast with Zara D'Cotta. In the previous episode we released part one of this two part series. Zara shares her thoughts and approach to healthy construction practices as well as how everyone can implement changes to have a…

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast Frank and Amelia welcome special guest and Building Biologist Zara D'Cotta to talk about healthy homes. The podcast will be broken down into two bite sized episodes. Zara dives deep into healthy homes and shares her harrowing story of multiple cancer diagnoses and how it drastically changed…