Talk Design

In this special TalkDesign episode, Peter Twohy flips the script, interviewing Adrian Ramsay to dive into his holistic, land-centered approach to architecture. Adrian shares his “land whispering” and “emotional floor plans,” methodologies that prioritize connecting deeply with both clients and the environment.Adrian describes how his design process begins by aligning with the natural elements of a site—wind, sunlight, and terrain—creating homes that flow harmoniously with their surroundings. Through alpha brainwave activation, he enters a state of intuitive clarity, allowing him to understand the land's nuances, enhancing design responsiveness. His philosophy is rooted in observing the site’s daily rhythms, crafting spaces that evolve with the land itself.Adrian also talks about “design magic” as a collaborative journey, emphasizing the synergy of client input, creative professionals, and the land. This process culminates in emotional floor plans, inspired by Sam Gosling and Christopher Travis, which bring clients’ unique emotional needs to life through customized spaces.Balancing the podcast, Dream Homes Revealed TV show, and architectural tours requires careful scheduling, with early-morning podcast recordings and quarterly design tours. These tours, now offered in partnership with Feast Experiences, provide immersive architectural journeys for small groups, fostering deep connections with the world of design and with each other.

Celebrated pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, known as the "Sweet Assassin," shares insights into his journey from a rural New South Wales supermarket to international stardom. Famous for his inventive desserts and creative food pairings, Adriano reflects on his early passion for sweets, his hands-on apprenticeship, and his time working with top chefs in Paris.Adriano also discusses the unexpected rise to fame through MasterChef, where a croquembouche challenge catapulted his career, leading to more television opportunities. Despite his TV success, Adriano’s true passion lies in cooking and creating unique flavour combinations, blending sweet and savoury elements in unconventional ways.Tune in to hear Adriano's exciting plans, including his upcoming food tour in Catalonia, Spain, and the artistry behind his iconic desserts!

Anthony Laye's story is as unique as his skills. He's a gifted speaker, host, trainer, and performer who knows how to connect with people. With over 25 years of experience, Anthony has delivered more than 1000 presentations, appeared on TV and radio, and wowed audiences with his understanding of human behaviour.Anthony started his journey as a socially awkward entrepreneur but learnt very quickly that the way he presented himself and the way he communicated had a huge impact on his success. Anthony’s curiosity around communication led him into the world of mentalism, where he became a standout performer in one of the biggest magic shows in the world, 'The Illusionists'. His time on stage, and a semi-final place on Australia's Got Talent in 2012, taught him a lot about connecting with audiences.From this experience, he developed 'The Confident Communicator Formula', a new way to improve communication and create meaningful relationships. Anthony's time as a mentalist showed him that his skills aren't just for the stage - they can help everyone communicate better every day.Anthony is also an author. His book 'Get Ready For Impact - Communication Tools To Stand Out, Win Trust And Influence' offers practical tips to help people communicate better in all parts of their lives.People love working with Anthony because he's enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and focused on helping others. His lessons can help anyone - whether you're a leader, salesperson or team member - improve their communication skills.Imagine knowing how others see you, understanding what your customers really need, or leading a motivated, high-performing team. Anthony can show you how to do all this and more.He doesn't just teach you how to read and influence others. He also helps you understand your own thoughts so you can become more confident and self-aware. This means you can build stronger relationships, work better together, and become a leader who truly connects with others.Anthony Laye knows what you're thinking. And he's ready to share his skills and experience to help you and your organisation succeed. Are you ready to know what others are thinking?

This ground-up home built just south of downtown Austin was designed for empty nesters looking to accommodate both gatherings for friends and family as well as moments of serene respite. By designing the house in a compact form and setting it against the rear set-back, we were able to congregate all the available site into a central courtyard. A second open-air structure consisting of a 2-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch sits on the front set-back line and forms the entry of the courtyard. To address the southern exposure of the house, the 2-story dining porch is defined by a steel louvered screen, which also gives a level of privacy to the second-floor bedrooms. The material palette of this home is simple and honest. Board formed concrete pairs with steel and stucco on the exterior. On the interior, walnut, steel and plaster mix with earthen hues within a light filled white box. All coming together in loft-like interior spaces along with interactive exterior spaces to create places for entertaining as well as contemplating. Patrick's philosophy is to act as an extension of his clients, providing balanced solutions that align with their needs and desires. His passion for combining science and creativity started early and led him to architecture at 12. After earning his degree at the University of Texas, he worked at several prominent firms before founding FAB in 1996. As Principal Architect, Patrick oversees design, collaborating with his team to create award-winning projects that truly fulfil his clients' visions.Pam thrives on the details and material palette that define the soul of a project. After earning a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Texas, she worked in Los Angeles, where her first project was featured on the cover of Architectural Record. Since 1998, she has been Principal Architect at FAB, shaping award-winning projects across Texas. Pam loves traveling with family, blending nature and urban culture for inspiration when she's away from work.

Sundown, a 6,000 sq ft private residence nestled in West Austin, epitomizes revitalization. Originally crafted in the 1980s by renowned architect Robert Renfro, it breaks away from conventional design rules. Like the post-modernists, the owners embraced individualism and nature in its recreation. Perched on a secluded, sloping lot, Sundown gracefully integrates with its surroundings. It steps down the hillside, spanning a tranquil stream and embracing the ravine. Meticulous attention to detail honours the original design ethos while incorporating modern innovation. Preserving its post-modern charm, Sundown seamlessly blends past and present. We've integrated top amenities while harmoniously integrating nature. Blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries, it celebrates the timeless beauty of its surroundings. Sundown stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its architectural heritage, incorporating the essence of modern living while celebrating the timeless beauty of its natural surroundings. Joshua, founder of Hogan Architects and Development, combines a rich architectural background with a unique perspective shaped by his French heritage and Texas roots. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, Joshua’s philosophy was refined through his experiences living in France. There, he developed a deep appreciation for timeless elegance and attention to detail. His career spans continents, working with renowned architects like Philippe Bodin and Dick Clark, where he honed his skills in heritage preservation and innovative design. Joshua's portfolio blends tradition and modernity, from historic renovations to cutting-edge developments.

A retired couple chose a derelict 1930’s cottage on a rhombus-shaped property in the heart of Austin, to create a modern, landscape-driven house. The quirky storybook structure hovered 4ft above grade and was crowded by two live oaks in the middle of a tight lot.A house and habitat fuse to Austin’s urban forest with a steel and wood carport and rear arbour, cypress screen porch, a cantilevered concrete tree bench and sinker-cypress windowsills. Narrow and primary gardens bookend a permeable, cantilevered living space protecting trees and watershed. Room-size terraces settle the house into the land. ̹Vertical rough cypress clad addition with a curved metal roof is parallel to the side yard edges and skewed to the original house. Stepping inside, the entry expresses the asymmetric gabled roof, celebrating offbeat qualities. Cypress-clad walls transition gardens to white gallery walls and along with designed light make the art ordinary and the ordinary art.Nick Deaver's journey into architecture began in West Texas, inspired by his father's work as an electrical contractor and his mother’s love for sewing. These early influences shaped Nick's vision, blending construction with creativity. His formal education at Texas Tech provided a strong technical foundation, but it was in practice that Nick developed his deep appreciation for human-centred design.When Jes Deaver joined their firm, she broadened their scope, shifting the focus from individual homes to larger community impact. Together, they emphasize thoughtful design that resonates emotionally with people and respects the environment. Their philosophy centres around inclusivity, collaboration, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and connection to the land.

The Hartford Residence, a 1932 home in Old West Austin, required architectural help to address flow and add living space while maintaining the home's original charm and honouring its historic neighbourhood. The team chose to maintain a single story for the 483 SF addition of a new primary bedroom suite and laundry/mudroom. Brick from the original rear façade was carefully preserved to clad the new Mudroom entrance and outdoor fireplace so they blend seamlessly with the original structure. The original layout of the living room, dining and kitchen created challenges placing furniture, had unused space and convoluted access between rooms. The revised layout creates spaces for gathering, optimizes usable floorspace and establishes visible and accessible connections from the front to the back of the house. The addition of a large island with bar seating activates unused space in the kitchen, while new windows offer connection to the backyard and cozy new screened porch.Carina has worked in the architectural field in Austin since 2003 and is recognized within the community for her ability to create well-designed, sustainable dwellings in a way that clients feel they have been heard and valued in the process. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on two AIA Austin Homes Tours, and a number of local media outlets and publications. Carina received a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a B.A. in Architecture and Art History from Rice University in Houston. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).

Tucked behind a 1940's house, this new home peeks out from an alley in historic East Austin. The primary design intent was to make a compact space feel generous with tall ceilings, views to the outdoors, and changeable components. Clerestory windows look into neighbouring pecan trees and provide serene daylighting. The primary axis through the house ends in a window seat overlooking the protected backyard, nestled between neighbouring houses. Counterbalanced shed roofs nod to the gables of nearby houses in contemporary language. Our clients are a new type of Austinite; they work from home and enjoy walking everywhere. As such, they prioritized a screen porch to enjoy the street life of the neighbourhood, but no garage. Spaces transform from live to work with foldaway cabinetry and pieces that do double duty like an island / table. The living room expands into the screen porch with glass doors that fold away.Elizabeth Alford founded Pollen Architecture in Austin, Texas in 2008 with Michael Young, and Dason Whitsett. Elizabeth’s work centers on creating engaging spaces that are carefully integrated into their surroundings, both natural settings and urban contexts. Elizabeth uses section, natural light and materiality to enrich the experience of a space. Prior to forming Pollen, Elizabeth ran her own firm, Elizabeth Alford Projects in Austin and New York, doing projects including studio renovations and farm buildings.

The Daniel Residence is a modern re-interpretation of the shotgun typology responding to both the owner’s Louisiana roots and the long narrow nature of her property. Visitors enter past the formal sitting room into a central vestibule which flows in an enfilade procession between kitchen / dining and the sitting. In section, 11’ and 13’ ceilings and extensive glazed openings offset the compact planimetric constraints of the site. Beyond the public spaces, a u-shaped stepped retaining system receives the intertwined forms of the principal suite and pool with the principal bedroom occupying a special place of prospect, looking out to the waterline. Back at the vestibule, a floating steel stair takes visitors to the second floor living space where the procession flows to an oversized screened porch overlooking Austin’s downtown skyline.April has over 16 years of professional experience in architecture and design specializing in sustainable projects.  She has designed award winning residential, commercial and institutional projects ranging in scale from large campus projects to smaller single building and residential projects.  April’s research and experience in sustainable design has been published internationally. Previous commercial and institutional clients have included the University of New Mexico, Institute of American Indian Arts and Girls Inc. In a desire to focus solely on sustainable projects, April launched Clark | Richardson Architects with her partner Ed Richardson, in 2009.  Many firms have a design sensibility that is either traditional or modern or somewhere in between. We have done it all. C|R approaches each project individually, looking at the needs and desires of the client, individual aspects of the site and the climate of the area and creates a design that brings it all together arriving at the most elegant solution possible.  C|R designs sustainable renovation, residential and commercial projects with the goal of creating holistic experiences through form, sustainability and attention to detail.Ed Richardson is originally from New Orleans and has practiced architecture in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Texas. He specializes in custom residential and commercial architecture.  He studied architecture on at both Yale University, where he was awarded the Blanning Prize, the Parsons Memorial Medal and a merit scholarship, and the University of Virginia. Ed has instructed both undergraduate and advanced studio courses at the University of Texas and University of New Mexico. Ed was the editor of the 39th edition of Perspecta, the Yale Architecture Journal, titled Re_Urbanism (MIT, 2007) which investigates the transformation of capital cities in the era of globalization. He has also contributed articles to MONU, Texas Architect and MasContext. He was a participant / winning entrant in AIA DesCours 2010 in New Orleans and was a panelist in the inaugural 2011 SXSW Eco conference on the topic of biomimetics.