Talk Design

In this episode, we welcome a globally recognized builder and building science expert to bridge the gap between architectural beauty and rigorous construction durability. With decades of experience and a massive online following for his construction expertise, our guest takes us on a deep dive into high-performance homes.The conversation centers around a prestigious local Homes Tour, using specific projects as case studies to discuss durability, detailing, and the "nerdy" side of construction that keeps a home standing for generations.In this episode, we cover:The "Golf Umbrella" Theory: Why deep roof overhangs are the single best insurance policy for a home’s longevity, and how they protect even older brick facades from water intrusion.The Personal Rebuild: Our guest takes us inside the construction of his own personal home. He explains his use of "Monopoly Framing" (where sheathing runs straight up to the roof deck for a perfect air seal) and why he installed a vented "over-roof" to manage the heat.Architect-Driven Details: A look at the construction reality behind stunning design features, such as flush baseboards, hidden doors, and the challenges of parapet walls that require an "envelope engineer" to waterproof correctly.Wabi-Sabi Construction: Embracing the "coolness of imperfection" in board-formed concrete and how to hide structural ties for a seamless finish.The Business of Building: Why the traditional "bid-build" model is broken and why engaging a builder for Pre-Construction Services during the schematic phase is the only way to align a client’s budget with their dream.Market Realities: A professional perspective on construction inflation and why, despite rising costs, waiting to build rarely saves money.

In this episode, the conversation dives deep into the profound connection between our physical environment and our personal well-being. Moving beyond the "wow factor" of aesthetic style, the discussion centres on Conscious Home Design—a philosophy that treats the home as a powerful tool for personal development and a direct reflection of one’s truest self.The dialogue explores how to move past merely accommodating a client to truly hearing their needs. By layering architectural precision with emotional intelligence, the discussion highlights how a home can be organised to support the activities that foster human excellence, from creative expression to physical vitality.This episode explores the vital importance of ensuring beautiful designs are grounded in reality and budget from the outset to maintain the joy of the building journey. By applying Maslow’s hierarchy to the floor plan, the conversation illustrates how a home can serve more than just basic shelter by dedicating specific zones to inner growth, wellness, and the quality of our connections—giving, receiving, and reciprocal.Listeners will discover how to identify and remove "friction points" in a layout to create a daily boost in efficiency and mood that compounds over decades. From strategically placing activities according to the sun’s path via the "sunny window effect" to creating physical touchstones that allow for a conscious mental shift into a space of sanctuary, this episode challenges you to view your four walls through a new lens. It is a masterclass in sensitive, user-centric design that organises space to nourish the soul and facilitate a richer, more authentic life.

In this episode of the Talk Design podcast, host Adrian Ramsay welcomes 8-time US National Champion and international cyclist Eddy Huntsman to the Wellness Edit. At just 23 years old, Eddy is racing for APS Pro cycling and is training for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and looking ahead to Brisbane 2032. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of elite performance, the evolution of an athlete, and the radical discipline required to compete at the world-class level.Eddy shares his unique perspective on why “mastery” is a moving target and how his upbringing in Australia and California shaped his approach to the sport.Whether you are an aspiring athlete, a parent of a young sportsperson, or someone interested in the mechanics of a high-performance mindset, this episode offers a masterclass in dedication and the pursuit of excellence.

Forsite Studio is an integrated architecture and construction practice dedicated to modern sustainable design solutions. The firm’s practice encompasses architectural design, building construction and renovation, project management and consulting. As a design-build firm, Forsite Studio is involved in all aspects of our projects, allowing us to deliver products and design solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective.The work of Forsite Studio reflects a clean, modern sensibility infused with handcrafted custom details and a sensitivity to local vernacular. We are particularly interested in promoting sustainable design and construction, which starts with educating our clients on the positive impact to both the environment and the health of the end user. We believe that good design, sustainability, and economy are intrinsically linked. We salvage and reuse materials and structures wherever possible, incorporating and celebrating them in our designs, resulting in buildings of character and personality. Our varied backgrounds in architecture and sculpture inform our designs and shape our approach to each project. With completed work in the United States and abroad, we produce distinctive projects uniquely adapted to their local climate, culture, and context.---Daniel oversees a talented team of architects and designers as the Sr. Architect of a busy design-build firm in Austin, TX. Experience working in NYC and MN on a wide assortment of projects in nearly every climatic zone makes him uniquely qualified for this role. Most recently, he’s been the lead designer and project manager overseeing construction of various commercial and multifamily projects in the Central Texas region. Daniel generally looks before he leaps, but he always trusts his cape.

Kassidy Warren is a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and host of the For Your Own Good podcast. He focuses on building financial freedom through real estate, including short-term rentals, boutique hotels, and passive income strategies. Beyond investing, Kassidy also mentors others on shifting from corporate life or side hustles into sustainable wealth-building and entrepreneurship.

Fabio Zaniboni is a technology leader with over two decades of experience in sustainable innovation, digital transformation, and the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in the lighting industry. Currently, he is the Founder and CEO of BubblyNet and Chief Vision Officer of Zaniboni Lighting. His career, including key roles at Emerson Electric and Comau Robotics, has provided him with a global perspective and deep market insights. Leading an R&D team, Zaniboni focuses on integrating advanced technologies to drive energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment through scalable applications. His research shared with Fortune 500 companies globally demonstrates how factors such as light, sound, and air affect well-being are driving smarter, more sustainable building solutions. 

In this episode of Talk Design, Adrian Ramsay sits down with his Dream Homes Revealed co-host and award-winning interior designer, Maryann Schmidt. From imagining floor plans in the back of a car as a child to managing iconic Sydney rock bars like the Annandale Hotel, Maryann's journey into high-end design is anything but traditional. Together, Adrian and Maryann dive deep into the psychology of the client relationship, debating the crucial difference between an ego-driven "signature style" and the art of designing with people to uncover their unique dream.Maryann opens up her portfolio to share the challenges and triumphs behind some of her most spectacular projects. She takes us inside "The Citadel"—a jaw-dropping conversion of a 1920s heritage Salvation Army Hall into a family home and creative studio—and discusses the complexities of managing a heritage restoration remotely on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. Join us for a conversation packed with laughter, insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of TV renovation. In this episode, we cover:From Rock & Roll to Reno: Maryann’s eclectic background in fashion, HR, and hospitality. The Design Philosophy: Why the best designers leave their ego at the door. Project Spotlight - The Citadel: Transforming a derelict church hall in Crow’s Nest into a modern masterpiece. Heritage Challenges: Balancing 3D scanning technology with 100-year-old crooked walls. Global Design: The realities of managing a luxury project in Lake Como from Sydney. Dream Homes Revealed: What it’s really like filming season three.

Andrea Keller is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in multifamily, residential and boutique hotel design. Her work seeks to bring people into greater alignment with their core values, their communities and the earth.A key component of Andrea’s work lies in the life-long study of sacred geometry, symbols and pattern language. Andrea uses unique geometry and proportion systems for each project, bringing power and resonance to the design. As we know from epigenetics, our environment can literally change our genes – her mission is to use architecture for healing, activation, and amplification of personal power. She is currently designing healing centers worldwide.She was a professor of Architecture at both USC School of Architecture and Otis College of Art + Design. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., Design of the Environment) and UCLA (M.Arch), and studied Sustainability through Gaia Education. She lectures regularly for the Institute of Classical Art + Architecture.