The Build Insite Podcast

The theory is one thing. Making it work on site is where it gets real. In this builder’s panel, we dive into the journeys, wins, and hard lessons shaping how great homes actually get delivered.
Live from Circa Studio at Bowens Port Melbourne, hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman sit down with Chris Cahill (Primebuilt Constructions) and Timothy Greenham (Emerald Building Services). From carpentry beginnings to leading teams, they unpack culture, communication, and the decisions that keep projects moving. You’ll hear how a “Focus 30” check-in builds buy-in, why renovations still sharpen a builder’s edge, and what it takes to navigate a tougher market without losing momentum.
Tim shares his Passive House lens, along with a personal reason for chasing healthier homes, plus the story behind a Scandinavian-style subdivision he’s building for his own family. Chris lifts the lid on a 40-metre hallway rural residence with stables and a painstaking 12-sided ceiling over a pool. He also explains how clarity, pre-cons, and honest client education keep complexity under control. It’s practical, candid, and full of on-site wisdom.
What you’ll learn• How carpentry foundations shape decision-making as a builder• Practical ways to keep culture strong when you’re off the tools• Using quick “Focus 30” check-ins to spot issues early and support your team• Renovations vs new builds: where the real problem-solving happens• Staying resilient through a challenging 18 months: pipeline, pricing, and mindset
Chapters00:00 – Introduction & live from Circus Studio (Bowens Port Melbourne00:40 – Meet our guests: Chris (Primebuilt) & Tim (Emerald Building Services)02:10 – Carpentry beginnings and family trade stories05:05 – From apprentice to registered builder: early milestones07:10 – Staying connected with the crew when you’re off the tools10:05 – Culture in practice: go-karts, BBQs, and the “Focus 30” check-in13:20 – Project mix: renovations, extensions, and custom new builds16:00 – Clients, life stages, and designing for health (Passive House)18:15 – Tim’s Scandinavian-style Passive House subdivision (personal project)21:10 – Chris’s large-scale rural residence & stables: lessons from complexity25:00 – Market reality check: the last 18 months and buyer confidence28:20 – Leading through uncertainty: transparency, CRMs, and team comms31:00 – Tools & teamwork: sharing models, job channels, and growth paths
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Chris Cahill - Primebuilt ConstructionsTimothy Greenham - Emerald Building Services
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

In this episode, Dean Backman & Luke Callery sit down with John Bowen (Managing Director, Bowens) to unpack what keeps a 131-year business alive—culture, disciplined basics, and smart bets on innovation. Recorded live at CIRCA Studio, Bowens Port Melbourne, John talks about starting in Victoria’s early-90s downturn, rebuilding crumbling yards into modern builder hubs, and why Bowens stays laser-focused on pros: stock depth, rapid delivery, and solutions that actually save days on site. They dig into long-tenured teams, the Bowens Expo, and new hands-on spaces for high-performance building.
What you’ll learn
How to scale without losing the soul: the habits that keep teams for decades
The real meaning of “best at the basics” (and why it beats shiny new things)
Practical ways suppliers can accelerate your day: stock, systems, and a yes-mindset
A builder-first approach to innovation: selection centres, expos, and training
What’s coming for high-performance building—and how Bowens plans to help
How private, purposeful growth keeps the focus on builders (not retail volume)
Chapters00:00 – Introduction (live at CIRCA Studio, Bowens Port Melbourne)00:23 – Meet John Bowen: 4th-gen MD, 131 years strong01:07 – Early ’90s downturn: starting out when Victoria stalled03:17 – Store closures, hard lessons, and culture that stuck06:20 – From timber yard to selection experience: why it took years10:33 – Formalising innovation: from Steve Mannion to Andrew Healy13:04 – Bowens Expo: drawing real innovation from suppliers15:33 – Rebuilding the asset base: bigger, better, builder-focused stores21:24 – Basics done right: stock, range, and rapid delivery24:31 – Challenges: do fewer things, execute them better26:22 – Acoustic, fire, thermal—solving real site problems27:30 – Hastings innovation space: hands-on display and training29:08 – Growth philosophy: private, purposeful, and builder-led
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: John Bowen — Managing Director, Bowens
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Dean Backman & Luke Callery continue with Mitch Emery (Align Architect) to move from pre-construction into delivery — contracts, documentation, council realities, and the on-site coordination that keeps projects on track.
What you’ll learn
Planning permits & council realities
Keeping budget aligned with design intent
Documentation that reduces RFIs & variations
Choosing contracts & defining scope clearly
On-site coordination, RFIs & information flow
Handover, defects & client experience
00:00 – Intro & Part 1 recap02:30 – Planning permits & approvals05:00 – Client onboarding & brief refinement07:29 – Budget alignment & allowances09:59 – Documentation: drawings & specs12:29 – Contracts, scope & risk14:59 – Variations & change control17:29 – On-site coordination, RFIs & info flow19:58 – Handover, defects & next steps
 
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Mitch Emery — Align Architect
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dean Backman & Luke Callery sit down with Mitch Emery (Align Architect) to open the hood on how architects and builders can work tighter— from the first client brief through concept, documentation, permits and pre-construction.
What you’ll learn
How Mitch approaches the early brief, concept design and client onboarding
Why engaging the builder early saves time, rework and budget
Documentation standards that reduce RFIs, variations and on-site friction
How to balance design intent with cost (smart value-engineering)
Planning permits, council realities and setting expectations with clients
Practical advice for builders and homeowners to keep projects on track
00:00 – Intro & welcome (Dean & Luke)02:22 – Meet Mitch Emery (Align Architect)04:43 – Mitch’s path into architecture07:05 – Align’s approach: brief to concept09:27 – Early builder engagement & budgets11:48 – Documentation that reduces risk14:10 – Client communication & expectation-setting16:32 – Planning permits & council realities18:53 – Design vs cost: value engineering21:15 – Site constraints & constructability23:37 – Advice for homeowners & builders
 
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Mitch Emery — Align Architect
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au

Founders’ stories aren’t just about “starting a business”—they’re about building something that lasts.
In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, we sit down with Jesse & B'ashae from J Vella Builders to unpack the real journey behind a growing building company—how they split responsibilities on site vs operations, the systems that keep projects moving, and what it takes to lead a team while keeping clients informed and happy.
What you’ll learn
How founders split roles (on-site vs back-office) without stepping on each other’s toes
Early lessons that shaped quality, culture, and client communication
The systems and workflows that reduce chaos and keep projects on schedule
Pricing, estimating, and margin thinking as you scale
Marketing that actually wins work (referrals, brand, and being present online)
What’s next for the business and where they’re placing their bets
00:00 – Intro & guest welcome03:01 – Founders’ backstory06:01 – Starting the business09:02 – Early challenges & lessons12:03 – Roles: on-site vs operations15:03 – Team, culture & leadership18:04 – Systems & workflow21:04 – Client experience & comms24:05 – Estimating, budgets & margins27:06 – Marketing, referrals & brand30:06 – What’s next & growth plans33:07 – Wrap-up & where to find usPerfect for builders, site managers, and ops leads who want a smoother business with happier clients.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite🌐 More at buildinsite.com.au

The theory's one thing. Making it work on site? That's where it gets interesting.
In part two with Ben Walsham from Arkata, we get into the nitty-gritty of energy-efficient building—the stuff that separates good intentions from homes that actually perform. Ben walks us through a high-performance passive solar project in cold climate conditions, breaking down the real challenges: slab insulation that works, achieving proper airtightness, and delivering thermal comfort that homeowners can feel.
What you'll get from this episode:- How energy modelling software actually helps you make smarter decisions (and where to spend your money)- The honest trade-offs different design choices involve- Why your builder-architect-engineer triangle can make or break a project- Where the retrofit market is heading and what it means for your business- Window performance insights that impact your energy ratings- Ben also shares his move from Adelaide to Melbourne and what opportunities he's seeing in the Victorian market—plus some candid thoughts on collaboration and where the industry's headed.
Perfect for builders, architects, and anyone who wants homes that perform as well as they look.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Alterations & Additions00:32 – Welcome to Build Insite Podcast00:49 – High-Performance Passive Solar Design01:20 – Exploring Slab Insulation Options02:25 – Software for Star Ratings04:25 – Cost & Performance Analysis06:38 – Future Performance & Resilient Homes13:45 – Collaboration & Design Decisions15:59 – Big Move: Adelaide to Melbourne17:30 – A New Beginning in Brunswick18:08 – Exploring Retrofit Opportunities20:14 – The Importance of Window Performance22:10 – Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained26:03 – Sponsorship Announcement28:14 – Future Plans & Personal Connections29:35 – Rapid Fire Questions32:17 – Closing Remarks & Contact Information33:24 – Acknowledgements & Disclaimer
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

In this episode of the Build Insite podcast, Luke and Dean sit down with Ben Walsham, founder of Arkata, an energy efficiency consultancy specialising in residential projects.
Ben shares his journey from architecture to energy consulting, revealing why early engagement in the building process is crucial for long-term project success. The conversation explores the impact of seven-star NatHERS ratings, whole-of-home assessments, and how the NCC 2022 updates are reshaping the industry.
You’ll also hear Ben’s perspective on:- The challenges and opportunities in today’s construction landscape- How to design healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes- The growing role of Passive House principles in residential projects- Insights from his current work and future aspirations
Packed with practical advice and forward-thinking strategies, this episode is a must-listen for builders, designers, and homeowners who want to stay ahead of the curve in sustainable construction.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 00:33 – Meet Our Guest: Ben Walsham 01:53 – Ben’s Journey & Arkata’s Mission 03:17 – Energy Efficiency & Process Changes 05:45 – Understanding Energy Efficiency Consulting 12:44 – NCC Compliance & Star Ratings Explained 20:12 – The Future of Energy Efficiency & Passive House Design 24:31 – Conclusion & Sponsor Acknowledgements
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

In this second half of our on-site chat with the Callery Building team, we focus on a skill that’s just as important as swinging a hammer: clear communication.
 
Luke sits down again with Andrew, Nathan, and Oscar to unpack how communication impacts productivity, culture, and ultimately—project success. From daily run-throughs to handling mistakes, the boys share how good communication can prevent chaos and build trust across the crew.
 
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why clear communication is make-or-break in construction
How team culture and site vibes set the tone
What makes a great supervisor or team leader
Honest advice for those new to the trade
And plenty of stories and insights straight from the tools
Whether you’re leading the job site or just getting started, this episode offers real talk on how to keep the site moving—and the team strong.
 
 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:40 – The Power of Clear Communication05:32 – Team Culture & Site Vibes11:44 – Lessons Learned for Supervisors14:13 – Advice for Industry Newcomers17:43 – Sponsorship & Industry Insights26:00 – Rapid Fire Questions & Final Takeaways28:45 – Conclusion & Sponsor Acknowledgements
 
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

In this continuation of our chat with Andrew George from Lou Projects, we dig deeper into what it takes to grow a thriving construction business in today’s high-performance building landscape.
Andrew opens up about the real-world challenges he's facing, from balancing innovation with efficiency, to scaling a team that’s equipped for passive house principles and energy-efficient builds. He also shares the story behind building Lou Projects' brand-new hub and office space—a game-changer for team collaboration and culture.
This episode is packed with practical tips for builders, including the importance of early project collaboration, professional development, and staying ahead with modern construction techniques. Whether you're a solo operator or managing a growing team, Andrew’s insights will help elevate your business.
Chapters:00:00 – Intro00:50 – Collaboration at the Start of a Build01:11 – Using High-Performance Building Products02:57 – Team Training & Upskilling for Efficiency07:17 – Designing a Functional Office & Hub12:23 – Future Business Plans & Growing the Team20:56 – Rapid Fire Questions23:28 – Final Thoughts & Sponsor Acknowledgements
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite