What happens when architecture is driven by passion, adventure and the power of nature?

On the latest episode of Design Your Life, Chad Oppenheim joins Vince Frost for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, resilience and designing life beyond buildings.

From growing up in suburban New Jersey dreaming through films like Star Wars and James Bond and becoming fascinated by the dramatic architecture of movie villains’ lairs, to creating some of the world’s most extraordinary hospitality projects shaped by desert, sea and landscape, including Desert Rock Resort and Shibara Resort, Chad shares the experiences that formed his worldview.

Tune in as Vince and Chad explore travel as education, the realities of running a creative business, balancing ambition with family, and why great architecture should engage every sense; sound, scent, emotion, memory and our connection to the natural world.

A powerful conversation with one of architecture’s most passionate voices.

https://oppenoffice.com/

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What does it take to design spaces that feel like a series of carefully crafted scenes?

In this episode, Vince sits down with architect Ismael Soto, founder of SOTO, whose global career spans some of the world’s most influential practices before launching his own studio in Los Angeles.

They discuss the role of research in design, the evolving impact of AI on architecture, and how new housing models must respond to climate, community and changing ways of living.

Listen as Vince and Ismael explore how architecture can be experienced like a sequence of scenes — shaping mood, emotion and the way we move through space.

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What does it take to build not just a successful practice, but a lasting partnership?

In this episode, Vince sits down with Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon, founders of the critically acclaimed architecture and design practice Fearon Hay. Nearly 30 years into their journey, they reflect on how a shared vision, mutual respect and deep friendship have shaped both their work and their lives.

From early ambitions and formative influences, to growing a globally recognised studio across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, Tim and Jeff share how they’ve stayed intentionally small, focused and true to their values.

They discuss why New Zealand design consistently punches above its weight, their approach to creating architecture that is deeply connected to place, and what it means to design with longevity in mind.

Listen as Vince, Tim and Jeff explore partnership, purpose, and the idea of designing a life through architecture.

https://fearonhay.com/

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