Episodes

In this final episode of the Building Sciology Poddie for 2025, I had a great chat with architect and healthy home expert Pippa Lee of Haven Designed Healthy Homes. We discussed the importance of designing homes that support health and wellbeing, the impact of indoor environments on health, and practical tips for builders to create healthier spaces. Pippa shares her journey in architecture, her experiences in New York, and the significance of using non-toxic materials. We also explore the WELL...

In this episode, I chat with Shawn McIsaac and Peter Raimondo, of Oculus, to discuss building science, energy efficiency, and the challenges of modern construction. They explore the importance of airtightness, the risks of condensation, and the evolving building codes in New Zealand and Canada. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between architects and builders, the role of government incentives, and the future of high-performance building. Useful links Oculus Engineering web...

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I, Jess Kismet, discuss the ongoing building crisis in Victoria with guests Kerry Auld and Chris Crewther MP. They explore the failures of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the impact of combustible cladding, and the struggles faced by homeowners. The conversation delves into the need for accountability in the building industry, recent legislative changes, and the establishment of the new Building and Plumbing Commission. The episode emphas...

In this episode, Dr. Wolfgang Feist ,founder of the Passive House Institute, joins me Jess Kismet to unpack why the Passive House standard continues to spark debate across the building world. Why does a building standard evoke such passion, loyalty, and even resistance? We explore how innovation in architecture and building science is often misunderstood, and why new ideas, like Passive House, can feel revolutionary to some and incremental to others. Wolfgang draws parallels to historical,...

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I am joined by Dr. Tim Law, a building scientist and architectural forensic investigator. We discuss the challenges of building science, focusing on issues like condensation, mould, and the impact of building codes on health and safety. Dr. Law shares insights from his career, emphasising the importance of understanding the technical aspects of building design and the need for collaboration across disciplines. Useful Links Introduction to Archite...

In this conversation, I discuss the principles of high performance building at length with Matt Risinger, focusing on the importance of durability, water management, building science education, and the cultural differences in building practices between Australia and the US. Matt shares insights from his experiences in Australia, emphasising the need for transparency and learning from mistakes in the building industry. We also explore the concept of the 'Perfect Wall' and the upcoming "Build HD" ...

In this episode, I saw down with Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect. Amelia has been empowering homeowners in the building and renovation process, and upskilling builders in their businesses. In this episode she shares her journey in architecture, the challenges homeowners face, and the importance of communication and education in the industry. The conversation covers the PAC process, managing client expectations, and the significance of moisture management in building health. Amelia emphasizes the responsibility of builders to educate homeowners and create lasting impacts on communities through their work.

In this conversation, Jess Kismet and Dr. Cameron Munro delve into the intricacies of building performance, focusing on how to create comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient homes. They discuss Cameron's background in aerospace engineering and how it informs his approach to building science. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of mechanical ventilation, the impact of renovations on comfort, moisture management, and the significance of window and roof performance i...

In this conversation, Jess Kismet interviews Anthony Benger, a carpenter from Melbourne who shares his personal journey with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by mould exposure. The discussion explores the intersection of health and building practices, emphasizing the importance of creating healthy living environments. Anthony reflects on his experiences with chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the building industry, and the need for better education on environmental...

Join Jess Kismet as she delves into the world of high-performance building envelopes with James Pinyon, Kingspan's Technical Services Manager. Discover the intricacies of insulation, thermal performance, and the evolving standards in sustainable building. From the challenges of condensation in modern constructions to the innovative solutions Kingspan is pioneering, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how buildings can be made not just code-compliant, but genuinely better to live and work...

In this episode, I chat to Sean Buchanan, an incredible builder from Northern Tasmania, to explore his journey into the world of building science. Sean shares his insights on the importance of creating durable and healthy homes, the challenges faced in the industry, and his vision for the future. Tune in to learn how Sean is making a difference in the construction world and inspiring the next generation of builders. He's the cool nerd we all need in our lives! Show notes can be found here

In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Rosen, the founder of Home Energy Academy, to talk about building science, electrification, and homeowner engagement. Spencer shares his journey into home energy education and why he’s so passionate about helping both homeowners and professionals better understand energy efficiency and sustainable living. We chat about the challenges of upgrading existing homes, the need for a stronger baseline of knowledge among homeowners, and the exciting potential of...

In this conversation, I chat with Jess Ward, the founder of Mould Wise, about the vital intersection of health and home environments, particularly focusing on mould exposure and its health implications. Jess Ward shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues due to mould exposure to becoming a mould inspector. Our chat covers common misconceptions about mould, the connection between mould exposure and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and the importance of proper mould...

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a rambunctious chat with high-performance builders Hamish White and Matt Carland to discuss the intricacies of constructing sustainable homes in Australia. We delve into the challenges faced in the residential construction industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for better education around energy efficiency. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding building practices, the significance of Passivhaus cert...

This is the longest episode yet, but it’s worth every minute! In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I interview Clarence Macalister, a builder and scientist with extensive experience in remediation and condensation management. In our chat we go deep into problems created by moisture and also into roof ventilation, finally an explanation!! We chat about the nuances of Passivhaus design, the role of sensors in monitoring building conditions, and share case studies of building failures...

In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Clare Conroy, who shares her unique journey from homeowner to project manager at 35 South Building Co. Clare opens up about entering the construction industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of relationships and trust in building. The conversation explores the responsibility that comes with creating homes, the misconceptions around energy efficiency, and how building smaller can still mean building better. Clare also...

In this episode, I interview Villy Yordanov, a mechanical engineer and innovation engineer at Pro Clima. We discuss the importance of building science, sustainability, and moisture management in construction. Villy shares his journey into the field, the role of WUFI in hygrothermal modeling, and the significant challenges associated with managing moisture in concrete structures. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about moisture in buildings, the balance between air tightness a...

In this episode, Cindy Angel shares her journey of building a sustainable home with her husband Shane in Lake Caddai. As a thermal performance assessor, Cindy discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing their home, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency, healthy building principles, and collaboration with builders. She reflects on her educational background, the use of NatHERS software for energy assessments, and the lessons learned throughout the construction process. Cindy also highlights the significance of creating a home that supports well-being and the impact of building materials on health.

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I chat with Luke Callery, the founder of Callery Building, an Adelaide-based construction company, increasingly known for its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient building practices. Luke shares his journey from a traditional carpentry apprenticeship to embracing high-performance building techniques through programs like Elevate. He discusses the importance of education, networking, and collaboration in the construction in...

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I have a chat with Ken Long, the Regional Sustainability Manager at LendLease and chairperson of the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network. We discuss Ken's journey into sustainability, the role of the ASBN in promoting sustainable practices, and the importance of community engagement. Ken shares insights on the challenges of making sustainability, the significance of the Green Book as a resource, and the need for policy changes to ensure better l...

In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I speak with Sean Maxwell, the ATTMA Scheme Manager for Australia and New Zealand, about the importance of airtightness testing in building science. We chat about the role of blower door testing, the regulatory landscape surrounding airtightness, and the significance of the NatHERS star rating system. Sean shares insights from recent studies, including the CSIRO report on airtightness in Australian homes, and emphasises the need for better buildin...