Best Ben Sutherland Podcasts (2025)

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Capturing Architecture: Moving Image and Storytelling 50:49

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6d ago50:49

50:49

Send us a text When we consume architecture, which speaks louder - the frozen moment or the flowing narrative? This question sits at the heart of our fascinating conversation with Clare Chapman, editor of Home Magazine, and Simon Devitt, renowned architectural photographer. Despite both guests being masters of still imagery, our discussion reveals …

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Growth Through Design: An Architectural Evolution 56:44

26d ago56:44

56:44

Send us a text The path to finding your architectural voice isn't a straight line—it's a series of experiments, failures, resets, and breakthroughs. Sam Brown, founding director of Arête Architects, takes us on a candid journey through his evolution as a designer and the growth of his practice. Starting with foundational experiences at Victoria Uni…

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ImmersiFi - Built For Immersive Experiences With Katie Sparrevohn 23:31

26d ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, we’re talking about a new name in home entertainment solutions – ImmersiFi. How does this new company reflect what’s going on in the industry today and what makes its business proposition stand out in a competitive market? I’m joined by Katie Sparrevohn, founder of ImmersiFi, to tell us more. Thanks to our series partner, Integrate…

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Mass Timber Construction: A Woody Renaissance 53:51

2M ago53:51

53:51

Send us a text Step into the revolutionary world of mass timber construction with our enlightening conversation featuring Jordan Robinson, Head of Business Development at X-Lam. What begins as a reunion of old architecture school friends quickly transforms into a masterclass on how engineered timber is reshaping our built environment. Remember when…

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Beyond Control: Understanding Lighting Design With Vanessa Macedo, Dan Griffiths, Daniel Hughes and James Ratcliffe 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

High-end residential lighting design presents a major opportunity for integrators, especially given the lack of dedicated lighting experts on most projects. Unlike other smart home technologies, great lighting has an immediate, visible impact that homeowners easily value, making it a compelling offering. However, success in this space demands a dee…

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Design With Intent: A Conversation with Architects, Seear-Budd Ross 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

Send us a text The seemingly effortless elegance of minimalist architecture masks the extraordinary attention to detail required to achieve it. Tom Seear-Budd and James Ross, founders of Wellington-based Seear-Budd Ross Architects, pull back the curtain on this process, revealing the meticulous thought behind their refined residential designs. Havi…

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Hydroforming the Future: Gerard Dombroski's Exhibition, Inflation 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

Send us a text What happens when steel becomes soft? When industrial materials take on organic forms? In Gerard Dombrowski's debut solo exhibition "Inflation" at Season Aotearoa Gallery, steel transforms into something unexpectedly fluid and inviting. We turn the microphone on our own Gerard Dombrowski as he shares the journey behind creating "Infl…

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Form and Function: Exploring Programme in Design 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

Send us a text Ever wondered what architects mean when they talk about "programme"? In our latest deep dive, we crack open this fundamental concept that shapes everything from the tiniest apartments to sprawling civic buildings. This episode begins with a seemingly simple question: what exactly is program in architecture? We explore how program ope…

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Inside WOWhouse! With Alex Dauley, Durgesh Sinh, Abby Fox, Clèmence Pirajean and James Lees 30:28

4M ago30:28

30:28

In this special episode, we take you inside WOWhouse! WOWhouse! is a pop-up showhouse at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour open for the month of June into early July and featuring 22 rooms and outdoor spaces, each one created by a different interior design studio. What makes WOWHouse! 2025 so interesting is the role that technology is playing in…

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Lessons From The Life Of An Integrator With Ben Pratt And Stuart Lillis 36:26

4M ago36:26

36:26

Everyone’s journey in the smart home industry is a winding path of triumphs, detours, and the occasional spectacular failure. These moments often hold the most valuable insights. In this candid discussion, we unpack the real, raw lessons that only experience can teach with the help of Ben Pratt from White Onyx Automation and Stuart Lillis from Limi…

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Feel Good, Look Good: Performance vs Aesthetics in Architecture 1:04:51

4M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Send us a text 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. A…

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Outside Influence: Has the Architectural Pilgrimage Changed? 1:02:52

4M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Send us a text 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 chan…

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Where Craft Meets Design: Exploring Material Understanding with Raimana Jones 58:23

5M ago58:23

58:23

Send us a text 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…

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A CEDIA Smart Home Awards Special With Rob Sutherland And Jen McGuire 23:36

5M ago23:36

23:36

With the CEDIA Awards deadline fast approaching, we bring you a special episode focused on the event of the year for the smart home sector. We find out what it takes to win a project award in a conversation with Rob Sutherland of Inspired Dwellings, Rob shares the inside story of their fantastic Cavendish Square project, winner of the Best MDU cate…

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Dare to Declare: What Happened to Manifestos? 48:46

5M ago48:46

48:46

Send us a text 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 man…

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The Architects' Voice: Advocating for the Role of the Architect 1:05:20

6M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Send us a text 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 concern…

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The CEDIA Smart Home Assurance Scheme With Steve Moore 26:59

6M ago26:59

26:59

We’re at the CEDIA Tech + Business Summit in Bristol in front of a live audience with renowned industry guru, Steve Moore to look at a new Smart Home Assurance scheme from CEDIA. What is the scheme all about? How will it benefit property developers and their homebuyers? And what can CEDIA members do to get involved as an assessor for the scheme? Jo…

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AI Meets Architecture: The Zuru Revolution 48:17

6M ago48:17

48:17

Send us a text 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 fracti…

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Flying High: From Dezeen to Design Dreams 54:02

7M ago54:02

54:02

Send us a text 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 m…

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The Resimercial Opportunity With Kevin Wilton, Jack Cornish and Stephen Rhead 27:52

7M ago27:52

27:52

Smart home technology is crossing over from residential to commercial, hospitality and other applications. In this episode, we find out how it can enhance and personalise the customer experience and look at where business opportunities exist for integrators with the help of Kevin Wilton from SMC, Jack Cornish of Tateside and Stephen Rhead of Sonos.…

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Identifying The Right Home Cinema Client For You With Giff Malcolm, Mel Malcolm And Roddy Abbott 46:07

8M ago46:07

46:07

For this episode, we're joined by Giff and Melanie Malcolm of Bespoke Home Cinemas and Roddy Abbott from Cinemabuild Systems as we discuss how best to identify the right client for your business. How do you pitch professional home cinema design and installation, what is the process of setting expectations with your customer and what are the clues t…

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Electrician, Installer, Teacher - A Career Journey WIth Kyri Androu Of Electricus 18:24

9M ago18:24

18:24

We sit down with Kyri Androu from smart home automation company, Electricus to find out how he moved from working as an electrical contractor to building a successful smart home business and sharing his expertise with others at the start of their careers. What motivates him about the smart home industry, how did he grow his knowledge and where does…

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Looking Forward To ISE 2025 29:04

10M ago29:04

29:04

In this special show, we look ahead to Integrated Systems Europe, the premier event for smart home professionals, taking place at the Fira in Barcelona from 4-7 February 2025. Host Jeff Hayward sits down with Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events and Daryl Friedman, CEO of CEDIA, a co-owner of the show, to find out why next …

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'A Temple For The Ears' With Nick Fichte 25:32

10M ago25:32

25:32

In this episode, we visit the recently re-designed L-Acoustics showroom in Highgate which now features HYRISS, an immersive sound system capable of adapting perfectly to any listening space for any purpose within the home or yacht. Nick Fichte from L-Acoustics talks us through the technology and how integrators can bring customers the ultimate, ver…

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Inside The Joy Division Room With Zac Vracevic Of M.E.G.A. AV Installations 27:33

11M ago27:33

27:33

Crafted by M.E.G.A. AV Installations and brought to life with the design expertise of Volume 3 Architects, the Joy Division Room, inspired by Peter Saville’s iconic cover design for the Unknown Pleasures album, has become a globally recognised masterpiece. It was announced as the winning project in the Best Media Room – Level 2 and the Technology M…

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The Everything House: Materiality in Architecture and Pushing Boundaries 56:11

11M ago56:11

56:11

Send us a text 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…

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Beyond Design: Architecture, Innovation and Business with Pamela Bell 45:54

11M ago45:54

45:54

Send us a text Pamela Bell, a trailblazer in New Zealand's architecture and construction scene, shares her inspiring journey from studying architecture to embracing prefabrication and entrepreneurial ventures. Pamela's story is not just about personal triumphs but also about innovating at the crossroads of design and business. Her narrative is a te…

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Inside the KEF Music Gallery 23:27

12M ago23:27

23:27

For this show, we’re joined by Durgesh Sinh from Nucleus AV to take a close look at a new industry showroom in London, the KEF Music Gallery. We find out about the vision behind this new facility in the heart of London, the technology that is showcased there and the integration challenges the project presented. This episode is supported by our seri…

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Real World Education: A Conversation with Kevin Hui of Archimarathon 57:06

1y ago57:06

57:06

Send us a text Ever wondered how architecture can be more than just buildings? Join us as we chat with Kevin Hui of Archimarathon, an architecture tour curator, educator, YouTuber and social media savant. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from creating architecture running tours to collaborating with Andrew Maynard on a YouTube channel, especially…

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Together For Cinema 20:15

1y ago20:15

20:15

In this episode, we interview Ian Morrish, the man behind the industry good cause, Together For Cinema. We find out about Together For Cinema's recent £1 million dinner and the upcoming London to Brighton charity cycle ride, Ian also tells us about plans for the future, its new status as a Community Interest Company and how installers and brands ca…

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The Greener Way to Go: A Conversation with Matthew Cutler-Welsh 1:06:25

1y ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Send us a text Wondering how you can stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of sustainable architecture? Join us as we sit down with Matthew Cutler-Walsh, a leading expert in green building practices, for a deep dive into the rapidly changing landscape of sustainable building in New Zealand. Matthew sheds light on the recent H1 regulation updates, t…

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Taking Cinema To The Max 29:57

1y ago29:57

29:57

We're joined on location in the Surrey countryside by Daniel Lee from Media Max and Barry Sheldrick from DbM for a deep dive on a fantastic home cinema project that takes immersive audio performance to another level. Listen in to find out about the design thinking, the installation challenges and the performance attributes of this incredible space.…

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Money Talks: The Challenges of Cost in Architecture and Construction 1:05:53

1y ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Send us a text How do you navigate the maze of fluctuating construction costs and avoid the pitfall of overcapitalization? Join us as we tackle these pressing questions and uncover practical solutions to manage building expenses effectively. We’ll break down the frustrations professionals face when clients are vague about budgets and how quantity s…

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Balancing Art and Architecture: Matt Liggins' Inspiring Journey 1:05:57

1y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Send us a text Join us for an invigorating conversation with the multifaceted Matt Liggins (Ngati Ruanui) as he shares his remarkable journey through the realms of architecture, art, and design. Matt dives into the exhilarating process of preparing for his TEDx presentation and the profound impact of forging relationships within New Zealand's art s…

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The Humans are Dead: AI in Architecture 1:00:20

1y ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Send us a text Can AI transform the architecture industry? Join us on this episode of the Design Principles Podcast as we unravel the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and architectural design. We’ll kick off by breaking down AI into digestible bits, distinguishing it from machine learning and discussing the elusive concept of …

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Where Are The Business Opportunities? 31:12

1y ago31:12

31:12

We hosted a special discussion at the CEDIA Tech + Business Summit in May, looking at the business opportunities for smart home integrators. Listen in to Stuart Lillis from Limitless Automation and David Coutts from Highland Smart Homes as they cast their eye over the industry and share their insights and experiences. Recorded in front of a live au…

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A Deeper View: A Conversation with Architect, Chris Moller 1:16:00

1+ y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Send us a text Discover the secrets behind the harmonious marriage of digital and analog design with acclaimed architect and Grand Designs New Zealand host, Chris Moller. Chris shares his unique perspective on the vital importance of tactile, sensory engagement in the creative process, reflecting on how traditional tools like pencils and legos can …

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Grand Designs Live With Butler Harwell 15:46

1+ y ago15:46

15:46

We’re at Grand Designs Live at the ExCeL Centre in London with Tom Butler of CEDIA integrator, Butler Harwell, to find out how the company has worked with the show organisers and alongside brands in the industry to bring home cinema to life for visitors in the Grand House at the show. We find out what's involved in building such a high-impact room …

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A Lens on Life and Design: A Conversation with Photographer, Simon Devitt 1:10:29

1+ y ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Send us a text Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by a childhood slideshow, each frame a stepping stone on the path to your future? Simon Devitt, a renowned New Zealand photographer, joins us to share a laugh and trace the serendipitous journey from those familial beginnings to the pinnacle of architectural photography. With his camera, Simon …

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Building Tomorrow: Why High Performance Architecture Is Important 58:48

1+ y ago58:48

58:48

Send us a text Prepare to have your notions of sustainability and high-performance architecture transformed as we take you through a deep exploration of how our industry is evolving. We're dissecting the very fabric of what makes our buildings stand the test of time, from the innovative repurposing of building materials to the critical need for bui…

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Merging Green With Grey: The Importance of Landscape Architecture 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

Send us a text Delve deep into the world of landscape architecture, with our guest, Charlotte Warren, whose roots are deeply entwined with the land. Charlotte, a seasoned landscape architect from Studio Pacific Architecture, shares her journey and opens our eyes to the profound relationship between the natural and built environment. As we traverse …

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Women In Integration 27:23

1+ y ago27:23

27:23

In this episode, we talk with Katie Sparrevohn from London AV Solutions and Surrey AV Solutions and Cristina Zamora from Lutron to explore the topic of women in the home integration industry. How do we attract more women into the sector and what benefits could that potentially bring to integration businesses? Thanks to our series supporter, DbM. We…

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From Classroom to Studio: The Evolution of Design Process 58:44

1+ y ago58:44

58:44

Send us a text Remember those all-nighters during university, where concepts and craft merged into design projects that felt like extensions of ourselves? We take you back to those formative days, where our design philosophies were born amidst the rigors of conceptual training and critical thinking. Join us as we contrast the nostalgia of academia …

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Its Awards Season!: The Validation of Awards in Creative Fields 54:55

1+ y ago54:55

54:55

Send us a text Ever wondered if the glittering world of architectural awards is more than just a trophy on the shelf? Join us as we unpack the tangible benefits of prestigious accolades like the NZIA awards for architects and their projects. From the thrill of the awards night to the strategic marketing advantages of award submissions, we delve int…

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Instagram Hacks For Integrators 15:35

1+ y ago15:35

15:35

Instagram is a key social media platform for integrators but how can they make best use of it for their business? After hosting a Social Media for Integrators class at ISE 2024, we grabbed 15 minutes with Amanda Wildman from TruMedia Home and Jenn Mallett from Level Up Automation to find out how they approach Instagram, the tools they use and the b…

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Designing for Density: Crafting Sustainable and Community-Focused Urban Spaces 1:02:34

1+ y ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Send us a text Embark on an enlightening expedition into the intricate world of urban densification with guest, Guy Marriage, an acclaimed architect, senior lecturer and esteemed author. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the transformation of cities, focusing on sustainability and the efficient use of space. From dissecting the concept of …

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The Art of Architectural Marketing: Strategies for the Creative Field 56:15

1+ y ago56:15

56:15

Send us a text This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for marking your territory in the architectural marketing jungle. We dissect the art of pre-emptive outreach, discuss the power of media presence, and weigh the impact of social media on brand recognition. Amidst the debate on publication types and their reach, we also spotlight the gene…

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Catching Up With CEDIA 15:05

1+ y ago15:05

15:05

In the latest episode, we sit down with Wendy Griffiths from CEDIA to hear about the Association's plans for 2024 with news on its NextGen initiative, the CEDIA Awards and membership growth and development. Recorded at ISE 2024. Thanks to our series supporter, DbM. We support Together for Cinema.By Wildwood

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Power of the Beast: Taking on Group Home Builders 54:36

1+ y ago54:36

54:36

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of New Zealand's housing market with architectural mavens Ben Sutherland, Sam Brown and Gerard Dombroski. Expect to gain invaluable insights as we tackle the rise of group home builders and their increasingly prominent role in shaping affordable living spaces. Our lively discussion starts off with an unexpected twi…

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New Beginnings: Starting Out and What the Future Holds 57:01

1+ y ago57:01

57:01

Send us a text Embark with us on an exploration of architecture's unique challenges and triumphs. As Ben Sutherland, Sam Brown, and Gerard Dombroski, we weave tales of personal growth and the foundations of our respective practices. We traverse the globe through stories that shape our design principles, discuss the delicate fusion of the natural wo…