HeyJaredThe MTDC Lounge
MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 9
- Latest publication
- Sep 7, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 5, 2026
Latest episodes
The Display Home Dream vs The Contract Reality - Kerri-Ann Hooper, Carnelian Projects (Ep 056) (opens the original)
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Building a new home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when you don’t know what questions to ask. In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt is joined by Kerri-Ann from Carnelian Projects to explain what homeowners should look for in tenders, building contracts and display builder packages. They talk about the hidden costs that can sit outside the headline price, why “fixed” prices can still have conditions, and why items like retaining walls, driveways, estate requirements, BASIX upgra
Don’t Rush The Pool Just To Make Summer (opens the original)
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A pool sounds simple until you start asking the real questions. Where will the fence go? How will the pool connect to the house? Do you need retaining walls? Where does the water drain? Is the ground suitable? Has the pool been approved before it gets delivered? Who is doing the surrounds, deck or pool house? In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch explain why proper planning, surveys, soil checks and approvals matter before homeowners rush into a pool installation. It’s a practical
Design Advice, White Interiors & Pool Approval Problems (opens the original)
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Thinking about adding a pool, spa, deck or cabana? This episode of The MTDC Lounge is a practical Q&A for homeowners trying to understand why simple ideas can quickly become more complicated once design, compliance and approvals are involved. Matt and Mitch also talk about what makes a good building designer, why designers need to show clients why something does or doesn’t work, and why the best homes are designed from the inside out — not just styled to chase a look. Book a free no-obligation h
The Tennis Ball Gap House: What Went Wrong? (opens the original)
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When you’re building on a small block, every millimetre matters. In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch look at the viral Sunshine Coast A Current Affair story where two homes ended up with gutters almost touching. They discuss how this kind of situation can happen, what checks should be happening along the way, and why building envelopes, private open space, setbacks, zero-lot rules and approval pathways need to be understood before construction gets too far down the track. It’s a
When a Cheap Renovation Becomes A Nightmare (opens the original)
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A renovation shortcut might feel cheaper at the start, but it can become devastating when council, certifiers, engineers or future buyers start asking questions. In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch explain why unapproved works are such a serious issue for homeowners. They cover garage conversions, illegal granny flats, Building Information Certificates, title insurance, building and pest reports, cash jobs, missing contracts, waterproofing, structural issues, and why doing things
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