Talk Design

“Together we can build a thriving future for the building industry globally.” Duayne Pearce.  I was raised on the smell of sawdust and paint fumes, spending countless hours on building worksites around South East Queensland, with my idol and best mate, my tradie Dad. I fully immersed myself in an industry that I would ultimately find irresistible. It was obvious from the get-go that an ever-present sense of tension between workers, bosses and customers was the way business was done. But more apparent was that money always seemed to be a problem. Nevertheless, leaving school early I jumped in with both feet. I worked hard, became a licensed builder and carpenter, and then reached the dizzying heights of what would appear on the outside to be an incredible success.  The cars, the boats, the properties and even the accolades were afforded by our skyrocketing business turnover, but it was all a thin veneer. Underneath, my business was in danger of going bust and I was heading down that familiar rabbit hole of chronic stress, tension and inevitable outcomes of anxiety and depression. Like many contractors before me, I was about to lose everything. My rock bottom thankfully came with a silver lining and the wherewithal to reach out to my wife, friends and my team to try and sort things out. We worked together and took small steps to turn things around but I knew that I needed more help with structure and process.  Business Coaches were part of the solution, but my ah-ha moment was realising none of the ones I had engaged understood or had experience in the building industry. That was my light-bulb moment. I’d found my niche and the journey to re-invent and elevate the industry that has always been so important to me, began.  Now, with many collaborators and several innovations under my belt, it’s my vision to level up the building industry. I’m on a mission to help others who are just like I was, struggling to make a living, working in one of the most important industries in the country.  Informing, guiding, training and speaking are the tools of my trade that push for a revolution in the way residential builders and contractors approach their business to thrive. In doing so, we make vital inroads on how this multi-billion dollar industry is perceived positively by homeowner clients, the community and importantly the next generation of contractors choosing it as their own rewarding career.

Phillip Johnson is one of Australia’s most innovative landscape designers, recognised as a sustainable landscape pioneer in the residential and commercial sectors.Phillip leads one of the most awarded firms in the landscaping industry, known for its use of indigenous and native plants, water management and the re-creation of thriving habitats.In 2013 Phillip represented Australia at the world’s most prestigious horticultural event – the Chelsea International Flower Show in its milestone 100th year — and was crowned the first Australian in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s 152-year history to win the coveted Best In Show award.

Mercedes is a US Navy Veteran of 10 years where she served as a SEABEE in the Naval Construction force. She was deployed 3 times to the pacific while being stationed in Ventura California and Naples Italy. After the military she continued to explore alternative building options looking to address homes that could be healthy, accessible, and minimal environmental impact. Mercedes currently works for SIREWALL USA, helping to consult on Rammed Earth Buildings, while starting CIEL CONSTRUCT this past year to focus on building with Rammed Earth in Austin Tx. 

In 2017 Simon, together with Bernard Salt, co-founded The Demographics Group. The group provides specialist advice on demographic, consumer and social trends for business.Simon has presented to corporate, government and industry groups across Australia on demographic trends, consumer insights and cultural change in Australia. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.Simon is a columnist for The New Daily newspaper and is a contributor to The Australian newspaper.  He is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters.Simon has amassed 700,000 global followers on social media and reaches over 35 million people every month.  He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. Simon holds degrees in geography from leading universities in Berlin and Melbourne and worked for 4 years as a consultant with KPMG Australia.

This episode brings together a diverse group of architects and designers, each with a unique niche and expertise. From heritage architecture and landscape integration in New York to early childhood education design in New Jersey, historical renovations in Pittsburgh, and evidence-based architecture in California, our guests share their insights and experiences. We also explore contemporary hillside homes in Phoenix, master planning for aging-in-place in Fairfield County, and dream home designs in Chicago. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on how architecture shapes communities, adapts to life changes, and meets modern challenges.

Todd Polke is an international educator and trainer in investing and wealth creation.In addition to the 20 years of experience as a professional investor, he has worked with thousands of investors to grow and scale their personal wealth helping them to create more freedom, choices and sovereignty for themselves and their families.

Mike Roberts, a Louisiana native and successful real estate investor with a deep passion for horses and a competitive spirit. Driven by an insatiable hunger to learn and grow, Mike created ‘The Converse Cowboy’ platform as a way to connect with incredible people from all walks of life, gaining insights he can apply to his own journey.While stepping into the spotlight and being on camera doesn’t come naturally to Mike, he embraces the challenge, knowing that growth often lies just outside of his comfort zone. His curiosity, authenticity, and determination to improve make him not just a great podcast host, but a student of life, eager to share the lessons he uncovers along the way.

Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, is an owner and design principal of Olson Kundig. Kundig has received some of the world’s highest design honors, including a National Design Award in Architecture from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, an Academy Award in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and an election to the National Academy as an Academician in Architecture. Most recently, Kundig was awarded the AIA Seattle Medal of Honor as well as a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Washington. Known for his contextual approach to design, Kundig emphasizes the primacy of the site. His buildings are a direct response to place, often serving as a backdrop to the built, cultural or natural landscapes that surround them. Tom’s current projects include homes across North America, Asia, Europe and New Zealand; adaptive reuse projects for a host of different functions; and hospitality projects in the United States, Austria, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

Brandon Jorgensen is a native Californian with a design practice based in Napa California. A third-generation Californian, born and raised in the bay area, his family came here in the 30’s migrating from Denmark to work on the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Having served in the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division he went on to study architecture and received his Bachelor and master’s in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.He has worked with Toyo Ito on the Berkeley Art Museum, Studied with Tadao Ando, and spent several years honing his skills as a young man at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. He started his own studio in 2011 where he and his small team are currently working on projects in Greece, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and all throughout wine country with a focus on residential and hospitality.