Made To Build by HIA

Designing Smarter: Solving the Missing Middle Housing Crisis

Housing policy, planning constraints and industry ego are stalling the homes we actually need.  Architect AJ Bala, Director of DNA Architects, unpacks why the “missing middle” — duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments — remains critically undersupplied, and what needs to change to fix it.  With over 20 years across residential and commercial projects, AJ brings a grounded, real-world perspective to medium-density done properly — beyond glossy renders and into what actually gets built. He also chats on how builders can drive real industry change through committees. In this episode, we cover: Designing smarter to reduce build costs  The ‘Missing Middle’ explained  Multi-generational living and medium density done properly  Why approvals drag out for months  Getting community on board with gentrification  How policy affects what actually gets built  How builders can drive real change through committees  AI in architectural practice  Connect with AJ: 👉 Insta: @dna_architects 👉 FB: @DNAArchitectsCanberra 👉 LinkedIn: Ajanthan Bala 

Why Modular Isn’t Cheap Prefab — It’s Tight, Controlled, and Repeatable

Clients are asking for prefab — but most builders are still picturing cheap boxes and design limits. This episode clears things up.Steve Bridger, founder and Managing Director of Saltair Modular, explains how design-led modular delivers good-looking custom outcomes, tighter finishes, and repeatable quality without cutting corners.We dig into how modular methods can shorten build times, improve productivity, and where modular fits in lifting pressures on housing supply and affordability.Check it out yourself:Insta/FB: @SaltairModularHomesLinkedIn: Saltair Modular | Steve Bridgersaltairmodular.com.au

Bad Sites Lose Good People: Jo Farrell on the Behaviours That Matter

Good people are leaving worksites. Productivity cops it. Culture is usually why. In this episode, carpenter and Build Like a Girl founder Joanne “Jo” Farrell breaks down what actually keeps women—and good blokes—on the tools and in the industry. From lifting female participation at Kane Constructions ACT from 6 to 48 per cent, to fixing the behaviours that push apprentices out, Jo demolishes stereotypes and builds up the next gen of female builders. An eye-opening story on how site culture links directly to retention, safety and profit.

Momentum Over Margin – Choosing the Right Systems, People and Purpose for a Boutique Build Business

Get a practical look at running a business like an engine, so you’re not just wearing every hat. Caleb Adams, founder of Pilgrim Homes, follows the principle of ‘momentum over margin’ and breaks down how he built a boutique design-and-build business using clear systems, the right people, and a strong sense of purpose. We talk hiring staff based on attitude, really understanding your business model, how having a growth mindset and branding impact your profitability - even before the slab’s poured.Insta: @by.pilgrimFB: @bypilgrim.coLinkedIn: bypilgrimSubscribe to the Made To Build podcast on: 🔔SPOTIFY PODCASTS: https://open.spotify.com/show/26QevY9nm0gapy6yhtn3o9?si=6f6a5b964a7744c4&nd=1&dlsi=dac874550eff4586🔔APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/made-to-build-by-hia/id1806259466

Building Better Cities: How Australia Can Cut Carbon and Meet Housing Demand

What can we learn from international cities to build more affordable, sustainable communities? Professor Philip Oldfield explains how 15-minute cities can influence the way we plan and build; and what the $10b Housing Australia Future Fund means for supply and affordability. He lays out the practical design choices, material decisions and planning moves that help builders improve their carbon footprint while still meeting rising housing demand. Questions are welcome! Connect with Philip via Email: p.oldfield@unsw.edu.auInstagram: @sustainabletall