Episodes

  • Merging Green With Grey: The Importance of Landscape Architecture
    May 1 2024

    Delve deep into the world of landscape architecture, with our guest, Charlotte Warren, whose roots are deeply entwined with the land. Charlotte, a seasoned landscape architect from Studio Pacific Architecture, shares her journey and opens our eyes to the profound relationship between the natural and built environment. As we traverse this terrain, we delve into the importance of green spaces, the role of landscape architects in city resilience, and how urban design impacts our daily lives. Charlotte's international experiences, including her work in cities like Auckland, London, and Wellington, provide a unique lens through which we examine the integration of ecological and social considerations from the inception of architectural projects.

    Venture into the heart of urban living where landscapes meet lifestyle, discussing the delicate balance needed for high-density environments to accommodate play spaces vital for children and family life. We shed light on the historical urban planning models that have shaped our cities and consider the legacy of landscape architecture in future-proofing our urban spaces. The conversation spans from the practical to the personal, and looks at how we can navigate the potential for landscape architecture to enhance residential experiences, challenging the conventional separation of built and natural environments.

    As we wrap up this insightful discussion, we ponder the aesthetic and functional dimensions of landscape design. We weigh the merits of native against exotic plants, the cultural significance of historical indigenous cultivation, and the critical importance of soil health. By elevating the conversation beyond mere aesthetics, Charlotte demonstrates the powerful influence landscape architecture has on our cultural and environmental heritage. Join us this week and discover the greenie within you.

    0:12 - Introduction
    8:04 - Urban Design and Landscape Architects
    13:18 - Importance of Landscape Architecture Integration
    19:33 - Landscapes Role In Densification
    24:56 - Value Engineering in Landscape Architecture
    34:52 - Species - what should we plant?
    47:52 - Design Approach of Landscape Architects

    Key links from this episode:
    WCC Regional Planting Guide - https://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Documents/2021/10/Wellington-Regional-Native-Plant-Guide-Revised-Edition-2010-Web.pdf

    Kiss the Ground - https://kissthegroundmovie.com/

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    57 mins
  • From Classroom to Studio: The Evolution of Design Process
    Apr 15 2024

    Remember those all-nighters during university, where concepts and craft merged into design projects that felt like extensions of ourselves? We take you back to those formative days, where our design philosophies were born amidst the rigors of conceptual training and critical thinking. Join us as we contrast the nostalgia of academia with the realities of professional practice, navigating the push and pull between creative freedom and real-world constraints.

    Step into our studio as we dissect the evolution of our design process, from groundbreaking theses to the profound influence of architectural talks on our professional development. We shed light on how our craft, much like pottery, demands commitment to iterative processes and adaptability. The episode is a toast to the hands-on experiments that sculpt our architectural skills, and a reflection on whether our most instinctual designs remain our purest expressions, or if we truly refine our craft through experience.

    Have your thoughts ever danced around the subjectivity of architecture? We scrutinize the creative legacies of luminaries like Frank Gehry, Peter Zumthor, and Anne Holtrop, and consider how architectural firms can spur innovation beyond waiting for the perfect brief. We wrap up on an uplifting note from Gerard's recent chair exhibition, urging fellow creatives to leap over the barriers they've built around their work. So, grab your favorite sketchbook and join us for a conversation that's as much about the beauty of design as it is about the journey that shapes it.

    0:12 - Design Education and Practice Perspectives

    11:25 - Evolution of Design Process

    16:36 - Iterative Design Process in Architecture

    22:56 - Design Intuition

    39:23 - Architectural Design and Process Influences

    45:00 - Future Architectural Exploration for Clients

    51:27 - Design Development Through Physical Modeling

    57:05 - Encouraging Creativity and Taking Action

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    59 mins
  • Its Awards Season!: The Validation of Awards in Creative Fields
    Mar 31 2024

    Ever wondered if the glittering world of architectural awards is more than just a trophy on the shelf? Join us as we unpack the tangible benefits of prestigious accolades like the NZIA awards for architects and their projects. From the thrill of the awards night to the strategic marketing advantages of award submissions, we delve into the real-world implications of being recognised by peers.

    As past award-winners, and newly shortlisted ones, we dissect the financial commitment and long-term gains of entering the competitive architectural arena. As we reminisce over the shortlisted projects and the vibrant architectural scene in New Zealand, we venture beyond the accolade itself, discussing the potential for awards to elevate public appreciation of architecture. We even toss around the idea of a People's Choice Award, musing over how social media could democratise the recognition process. Biggest Cantilever anyone?

    Tune in for a candid blend of industry insights, hearty laughs, and a passionate exchange of ideas on the awards scene in architecture and design.

    Episode Chapters:
    0:13
    Discussing NZIA Awards and Entries
    7:29
    Value of Awards in Architecture
    17:44
    Architectural Awards and Public Engagement
    26:16
    Discussion on Architecture Awards
    33:10
    Recognition and Validation in Architecture
    42:54
    Discussion on Alternative Awards

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    55 mins
  • Designing for Density: Crafting Sustainable and Community-Focused Urban Spaces
    Mar 14 2024

    Embark on an enlightening expedition into the intricate world of urban densification with guest, Guy Marriage, an acclaimed architect, senior lecturer and esteemed author. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the transformation of cities, focusing on sustainability and the efficient use of space. From dissecting the concept of a two-kilometer high skyscraper to addressing New Zealand's quintessential quarter-acre mindset, we explore the pressing need for neighborhoods that embrace higher density living. As Guy shares his wealth of knowledge, we uncover the interplay between urban development, ethical design, and the creation of community-centric environments.

    Unpacking the evolution of apartment living, we revisit built examples and address the shift towards more compact living spaces. Delving into the role of building regulations, we discuss the critical importance of sound insulation in creating harmonious living conditions and how a focus on mere code compliance is a missed opportunity for superior quality construction. Drawing from both personal experiences and international standards, we reflect on the essence of quality in urban development, underscoring the importance of raising the bar for living spaces regardless of geographic location.

    Our insightful journey through urban planning culminates with a candid discussion on the design challenges faced by architects in New Zealand. Emphasizing the role of unique design over cookie-cutter architecture, we touch upon the nuances of creating spaces that consider both natural and social environments. Additionally, we tackle the seldom-discussed topic of toxicity in building materials, revealing the hidden environmental and health costs behind modern construction. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the future of urban landscapes, where conscientious design paves the way for sustainable, life-enhancing communities.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Art of Architectural Marketing: Strategies for the Creative Field
    Mar 3 2024

    This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for marking your territory in the architectural marketing jungle. We dissect the art of pre-emptive outreach, discuss the power of media presence, and weigh the impact of social media on brand recognition. Amidst the debate on publication types and their reach, we also spotlight the generational embrace of digital platforms that are reshaping how architects carve their signature in the industry.

    Our conversation in this episode traverses the patience needed to 'lay seeds' for future recognition, the value of high-quality photography, and the smart deployment of social media strategies. Listen in as we discuss the delicate balance between showcasing polished work and harnessing the ephemeral nature of stories, and share our experiences in navigating the challenges posed by a portfolio limited to conceptual pieces.

    We wrap up with an exploration of the benefits that strategic partnerships bring, delving into how they can inform on market trends and lead to client referrals. We also tackle the marketing of high-performance, sustainable architecture and the avenues to attract eco-conscious clients. Join us on this candid journey, and be prepared to be inspired, informed, and ready to elevate your marketing prowess.

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    If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on info@designprinciplespod.com

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    56 mins
  • Power of the Beast: Taking on Group Home Builders
    Feb 14 2024

    Unlock the secrets of New Zealand's housing market with architectural mavens Ben Sutherland, Sam Brown and Gerard Dombroski. Expect to gain invaluable insights as we tackle the rise of group home builders and their increasingly prominent role in shaping affordable living spaces. Our lively discussion starts off with an unexpected twist—a light-hearted banter on the Super Bowl and Formula 1—before diving into the nitty-gritty of turnkey solutions and economies of scale that are defining the industry.

    Discover the technological advances and material innovations, like Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), that are revolutionizing construction methods, driving down costs, and setting new standards for quality in residential architecture. As we peel away the layers of the construction process, we share our perspectives on maintaining the balance between building code compliance and the need for creating living spaces that truly enhance homeowners' quality of life.

    To wrap things up, we delve into the significant influence architects have on the built environment and the formidable hurdles they face in reaching a broader audience. Our conversation spans the potential for architectural firms to venture into the design-build sector, the complexities of marketing within the architectural world, and the challenges of sourcing materials for innovative housing designs. So join us for a session that's not just about construction and design—it's a bridge between creativity, reliability, and the future of sustainable living.

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    55 mins
  • New Beginnings: Starting Out and What the Future Holds
    Jan 30 2024

    Embark with us on an exploration of architecture's unique challenges and triumphs. As Ben Sutherland, Sam Brown, and Gerard Dombroski, we weave tales of personal growth and the foundations of our respective practices. We traverse the globe through stories that shape our design principles, discuss the delicate fusion of the natural world with innovative structures, and share our strategies for navigating the complex waters of business planning in the architectural realm.

    This conversation is a deep dive into the art of satisfying client visions without sacrificing the creative spirit that fuels us. We uncover the art behind the architecture, the passion that drives our projects, and the financial tightrope we walk in balancing the array of creative pursuits.

    As we round out our discussion, we cast a hopeful glance at the future of our industry, from the increasing demand for green building accreditations to the nuanced potential of AI in the design process. We speculate on the resilience of the construction market and the enduring value of continuous learning. Listen in for a tapestry of insights that connect the dots between architecture, business, and the evolving landscape of our profession.

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    If you wish to contact us hit our DMs or email us on info@designprinciplespod.com

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    57 mins