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What happens when award-winning architects and builders challenge the notion that sustainable, high-performance buildings must sacrifice aesthetics? This thought-provoking conversation brings together Passive House experts who are transforming New Zealand's built environment through buildings that are both beautiful and functional.

Architect Rafe Maclean shares how client feedback about a poorly-performing design prompted his journey into building science, while Joe Lyth reveals the heartbreaking reality of watching his children develop respiratory issues in cold, damp rental properties. Builder Josh Atkins describes his frustration with energy-inefficient new homes that cost homeowners thousands in ongoing expenses. These personal stories highlight why performance isn't just about sustainability—it's fundamentally about health and comfort.

The guests dismantle common misconceptions about high-performance buildings, particularly the idea that Passive House certification requires boxy designs with minimal windows. Through their work, they demonstrate how constraints often generate more creative, thoughtful architecture. As Joe explains, "If you've got a blank canvas you can do anything, and you don't necessarily need to judge all your decisions." The discussion explores how early collaboration between architects, builders and clients allows performance requirements to enhance rather than limit design possibilities.

Perhaps most compelling is their suggestion to shift terminology—referring to conventional construction as "low-performance buildings" rather than elevating better practices as "high-performance." After all, would anyone willingly purchase a "low-performance refrigerator" that might spoil your food? This reframing helps normalize better building standards as baseline expectations rather than premium add-ons.

Ready to experience architecture that looks beautiful and actually works? Subscribe to hear more conversations that challenge convention and inspire better building practices.

Key Links:

• https://www.rafemaclean.co.nz/
• https://www.welarchitecture.nz/
• https://www.compound.co.nz/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwuFra50HN8
• https://passivehouse.nz/

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction with expert guests

14:44 - Personal journeys into high-performance building

34:52 - Performance vs aesthetics in design

43:15 - Constraints breed creativity

54:49 - Education and passive house perception

1:01:46 - Architecture education and closing thoughts

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What happens when architecture becomes more accessible through images than through physical experience? This question forms the backbone of our conversation with Nina Boyd, a New Zealand architect currently working in Paris.

The traditional architectural pilgrimage—traveling to see important buildings firsthand—has fundamentally changed. Where Alvar Aalto's visit to Italy completely transformed his design approach, today's architects arrive at celebrated buildings having already seen countless images online. This digital pre-exposure creates a curious paradox: greater accessibility to architectural imagery but potentially diminished impact when finally experiencing spaces in person.

Nina shares insights from her recent Scandinavian travels, exploring how Finnish towns balance high density living with beautiful public spaces. The conversation takes a candid turn when discussing famous buildings that disappointed in person—Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao described as "facadeism" and certain parametric designs criticized for poor finishes despite conceptual brilliance. These confessions reveal the gap between architectural celebrity and genuine spatial quality.

Working internationally exposes architects to different budget realities, material access, and planning approaches. While New Zealand struggles with limited resources for bespoke elements, the team explores how collaborating with local craftspeople could produce distinctive architectural moments without breaking budgets. This "small batch" approach to custom design might actually represent the future—creating architecture with a genuine human touch that resists both global homogenization and AI-driven processes.

Perhaps the most compelling insight emerges near the end: the architectural breakthrough might not require overseas travel at all. Looking inward to local craft traditions and small-scale collaborations could yield more authentic design expressions than chasing international trends. After all, architecture's most powerful aspects—temperature, texture, acoustic qualities, social interactions—resist digital flattening and demand physical presence.

Ready to rethink your architectural inspirations? Listen now, and join the conversation about where true design epiphanies come from in our digital age.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction with Nina Boyd

6:04 - Traveling Through Scandinavia

15:50 - Architectural Exposure and Inspiration

26:48 - Working in International Architecture Firms

35:36 - Famous Buildings That Disappoint

49:36 - Bespoke Design and Human Touch

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The conversation with Raimana Jones from Atelier Jones Design delves deep into the heart of what makes good design truly exceptional—craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from architectural legends like Alvar Aalto and Walter Gropius, we explore how the most revered designers extended their vision beyond buildings to encompass furniture, lighting, and complete environments.

Raimana shares his journey through fabrication and making, revealing the powerful feedback loop between crafting with your hands and designing with your mind. We unpack how this tactile understanding shapes thoughtful design decisions that simply can't emerge from digital processes alone. The discussion turns to a concerning trend—the gradual disappearance of workshop culture from design education, as hands-on making gives way to digital tools and 3D printing.

What truly elevates this conversation is our exploration of material understanding as the essence of craftsmanship. Just as Tadao Ando mastered concrete through deep connection with the material, Romana's elegant steel kitchens showcase how intimate knowledge transforms ordinary materials into extraordinary designs. While budget realities often dictate the level of craft possible in projects, we discover inventive approaches to maintaining craftsmanship even with constraints.

Whether you're a practicing designer, architecture enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the beauty of well-crafted spaces, this episode offers a compelling reminder of why material engagement matters. As James Dyson wisely noted, "The visceral experience of making things by hand is a wise teacher." Join us for an inspiring discussion about rediscovering play, embracing failure, and cultivating a deeper connection with the materials that shape our world.

Key Episode Links:

- https://www.atelierjonesdesign.co.nz/pages/about-us

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction to Craft in Design

5:00 - Exploring Cross-Media Design Processes

11:15 - Workshop Culture and Material Play

20:25 - The Design Process: Sketching to Making

27:00 - Understanding Materials Deeply

33:48 - Budget Constraints and Craft Quality

41:47 - Craftsmanship in Architecture

48:30

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What happened to the architectural manifesto? This fascinating question from a listener propels us into an exploration of how architects have historically proclaimed their design philosophies—and why such bold declarations seem increasingly rare in contemporary practice.

The architectural landscape was once dramatically shaped by manifestos: Le Corbusier's "Towards New Architecture," Adolf Loos's "Ornament and Crime," and the revolutionary Bauhaus movement all articulated clear visions that transformed how we think about building. But today, as we scroll through endless Instagram feeds of similar-looking projects, has something fundamental been lost? Have we surrendered the courage to stake out distinctive architectural territory?

We examine whether BIG's "Yes Is More" represents perhaps the last true modern architectural manifesto, and whether practice websites and mission statements have become watered-down replacements for the revolutionary spirit that once drove architectural movements. The conversation takes surprising turns toward craft, material engagement, and how the "tall poppy syndrome" might be preventing architects from boldly declaring their principles.

Most importantly, we consider whether writing your own manifesto—even if just for personal clarification—could help combat the global homogenisation of architectural styles. By articulating what you believe about design, perhaps you can recentre your practice and contribute something meaningful to architectural discourse. As we navigate a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated forms and committee-driven decisions, maybe the time is right for a return to architectural conviction.

Key Sources:

• https://www.archdaily.com/921760/how-to-write-an-architectural-manifesto
• https://designformindfulness.blog/significant-manifesto-examples/
• https://www.architectural-review.com/awards/world-architecture-festival/a-manifesto-for-the-next-10-years
• https://www.thoughtco.com/architecture-timeline-historic-periods-styles-175996
• https://archeyes.com/architecture-chronology-timeline-important-architecture-projects/

Chapters:

0:29 - Episode Introduction

2:03 - Defining Architectural Manifestos

6:44 - Famous Historical Manifestos

13:19 - Modern Manifestos - Do They Exist?

17:56 - Global Homogenisation of Architecture

27:43 - Manifesto vs Craftsmanship

36:56 - The Future of Architecture

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What happens when the people who shape our cities, schools, and homes are missing from the public conversation about our built environment? Award-winning architect Lisa Webb joins us to unpack architecture's growing crisis of relevance in New Zealand.

Following her thought-provoking piece in the NZIA Bulletin, Lisa shares her concerns about architects becoming increasingly sidelined in discussions about housing, climate resilience, and community building. "We have a lack of voice, a lack of mandate, and a lack of mana," she observes, pointing to recent political attacks on the profession that went largely unchallenged.

We explore the disconnect between how architects communicate their value (often through beautiful images) versus what clients and communities truly value about architectural services. As one colleague noted, "Pretty pictures are scrollable but have no real sense of the agency the architect brought to bear." This insight leads us to discuss meaningful alternatives – sharing client testimonials, documenting transformed lives, and telling the stories behind successful projects.

The conversation reveals a profession at a crossroads: highly trained professionals with unique holistic oversight capabilities who nonetheless struggle to assert their relevance. We discuss how smaller practices in particular face challenges being heard, while questioning whether the profession's traditional reluctance toward marketing has become self-defeating in today's media landscape.

Lisa challenges listeners to move beyond waiting for someone else to advocate for architecture. Whether through greater engagement with the NZIA, strategic marketing, or simply telling better stories about what architects actually do, the path forward requires collective action from a profession that designs not just buildings, but lives.

Key Links:

- https://www.studiolwa.co.nz/

- https://www.nzia.co.nz/member-area/resources/news/2025/architecture-in-crisis-why-our-relevance-is-fading/

- https://www.nzia.co.nz/member-area/resources/news/2025/a-response-to-architecture-in-crisis/

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction to Lisa Webb

6:00 - The Problem with Architectural Advocacy

16:40 - Lost Voices in the Housing Crisis

26:30 - Architecture as Service vs. Product

35:25 - Marketing Architecture: Breaking Taboos

43:45 - Finding Power in the Profession

54:30 - Collective Action and Moving Forward

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A revolution is brewing in the housing industry, and it's coming from an unexpected source – Zuru, the New Zealand toy company that's now setting its sights on disrupting how we build homes. Their ambitious AI platform called "Dreamcatcher" promises to deliver fully customizable houses for as little as $500 per square meter, a fraction of current construction costs.

What makes this potential game-changer so fascinating is the comprehensive approach Zuru is taking. While most prefabrication systems still rely on standard designs and external supply chains, Zuru plans to manufacture every component in-house. From structural elements to finishes and fixtures, their vertically integrated model aims to eliminate the inefficiencies and markups that plague traditional construction.

The Dreamcatcher platform itself represents a significant departure from conventional architectural software. Built on technology similar to game engines rather than clunky CAD programs, it allows designers to experiment freely while the AI handles technical aspects like structural requirements and building code compliance. The system provides real-time cost calculations, making the often opaque world of construction pricing transparent and accessible.

This approach raises provocative questions about the future of architectural practice and the building industry. Will this democratize good design, making quality architecture available to average homebuyers? How will traditional builders and suppliers respond to this potential disruption? Could this be the "Tesla moment" for housing that finally forces the industry to embrace innovation?

While Zuru's system is still in the prototype stage, with actual on-site implementation yet to be proven, the potential implications for addressing housing affordability are too significant to ignore. As construction costs continue to rise globally, technologies that fundamentally rethink how we design and build might be exactly what we need to solve one of society's most persistent challenges.

Curious about how AI and mass customization might transform your future home? Listen to our full discussion about this fascinating intersection of technology, design, and manufacturing that could change how we think about housing forever.

https://zuru.tech/

0:48 - Parrot Dog Partnership Announcement

1:12 - Introduction to Zuru's Housing Revolution

5:29 - Dreamcatcher: AI-Driven Design

9:44 - Mass Customization vs Traditional Architecture

19:47 - Cost Implications and Affordable Housing

31:12 - Industry Disruption and Future Challenges

43:57 - Automation and the Future of Building

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Step into the new year with us as we reopen the doors to our podcast, diving deep into the vibrant world of architecture and design. We'll share our personal highlights from the recent Dezeen Awards, a celebration of exceptional creativity, and inspire listeners with the remarkable projects that put New Zealand on the global design map. Throughout the episode, we unpack the differences between local awards and their international counterparts, examining how to enhance the celebratory aspects of these events.

Join us as we advocate for the revitalisation of competition in the architectural landscape, encouraging fresh ideas and innovative approaches to design. From discussing Wellington's thriving talent to recognising the need for more dynamic celebrations, we aim to uplift and inspire the architectural community. Our conversation challenges the norms that often dampen creativity and emphasises the necessity for an engaging environment where designers feel confident to share their work.

Within this episode, we reflect on the rich potential within New Zealand’s architecture, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead. The dialogue encapsulates our belief that architecture should not only be about buildings but about community, creativity, and recognition. We invite you to engage with us, share your experiences, and collaborate in shaping a brighter future for design in our country. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review—it truly helps us connect and grow our community!

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What happens when you build an entire house from just one material? We explore the revolutionary "everything house" concept, inspired by architectural visionaries like Robert Bruno, Tadao Ando, and Tom Kundig. This episode takes you on an imaginative journey through the possibilities and challenges of constructing homes from singular materials like wood and concrete. We question the marriage of aesthetics and functionality in architecture and reflect on the profound impact such designs have on our daily lives.

Be inspired by the unexpected as we humorously consider a house made entirely of plasterboard and marvel at Shigeru Ban's ingenious use of cardboard. Discover the magic that unfolds when architects push a design concept to its fullest, as seen in the ice hotel where every element is sculpted from ice. We delve into the importance of bold colour choices and materiality, highlighting the creative courage required to challenge conventional design norms and realise truly unique architectural masterpieces.

The debate surrounding architectural ornamentation resurfaces as we explore the tension between modernist minimalism and ornate classical styles. Are we missing something by shunning decorative elements in contemporary design? As we reflect on projects that successfully blend ornamentation with modern aesthetics, we invite listeners to reconsider the role of decorative features in enhancing a building's unity and rhythm. Join us in celebrating the artistry and innovation that can emerge when architects dare to push beyond traditional boundaries.

Chapters:

• 0:13 - Exploring the Everything House Concept
• 14:35 - The Impact of Architectural Design
• 18:18 - The Art of Process-Based Design
• 33:18 - Pushing Architectural Boundaries
• 46:19 - The Debate on Decorative Elements

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Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!