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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 timber was just for stick framing houses? Those days are rapidly disappearing as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and other mass timber products demonstrate capabilities that rival—and sometimes surpass—traditional concrete and steel construction. Jordan walks us through the remarkable journey of how small pieces of timber, often considered waste in conventional lumber processing, are transformed into structural panels capable of supporting buildings up to 10 stories tall.

The conversation shatters common misconceptions about timber construction. Far from being a fire hazard, mass timber chars at predictable rates, allowing engineers to design for specific fire ratings. And while acoustic performance requires thoughtful detailing, solutions exist that make timber buildings comfortable for occupants. Perhaps most surprising is the sustainability story—from the manufacturing process that utilizes timber offcuts to the carbon sequestration benefits, mass timber offers a compelling alternative to high-carbon materials.

What truly captivated us was learning about the seamless integration between digital design, manufacturing, and construction. The ability to model a structure digitally, send the files directly to CNC machines, and then rapidly assemble precision-cut components on site represents a fundamental shift in how we approach building. As Jordan aptly put it, "You can build ball gowns or you can build T-shirts with timber"—meaning the technology supports both stunning showcase projects and practical everyday applications.

Ready to reimagine what's possible in construction? Whether you're an architect, builder, developer, or simply curious about sustainable building practices, this episode offers valuable insights into a material that's been used for millennia but is now being deployed in revolutionary new ways. Join us as we explore how mass timber might just be the future of architecture in New Zealand and beyond.

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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.

Having established their practice nearly six years ago after departing larger commercial firms, the pair sought greater autonomy and the opportunity to create more intentional, considered work. What began with barely a month's worth of projects ahead has evolved into a respected studio known for exceptionally clean architectural expressions. Their journey reveals the challenges and rewards of maintaining design integrity while building a sustainable practice.

At the heart of their approach lies an almost obsessive consideration of proportion, light, and spatial choreography. Tom and James share fascinating insights into their design process – from spending days on site imagining how residents might move through spaces, to debating whether rooms can "handle" 300mm versus 250mm floorboards. In one project, they aligned every element in a hair salon to the 105mm floor tile module; in another, they meticulously planned how to choreograph a visitor's experience of views, revealing them gradually rather than all at once.

The conversation explores how their thoughtful approach to openings (preferring fixed glazing with minimal frames over complex systems), material selection (favouring harmony over contrast), and spatial division (intuitive separation of public and private realms) creates buildings of quiet confidence. They emphasise that while their work has gravitated toward higher-end residential projects, their core design principles can be applied at any scale or budget – proving that good architecture isn't necessarily about expensive materials, but thoughtful application of universal principles.

For those interested in establishing their own architecture practice, Tom and James offer valuable insights from their journey – from the importance of brand integrity and mentorship to their strategic use of high-quality renders for communication and marketing. Their story demonstrates that building a distinctive architectural voice requires not just design talent, but persistence, strategic thinking, and occasional financial sacrifice in service of long-term vision.

Want to see more examples of architecture that demonstrates how simplicity often demands the greatest precision? Follow the Design Principles podcast for conversations with leading practitioners who are shaping our built environment through thoughtful, intentional design.

Episode cover image provided by Seear-Budd Ross.

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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 "Inflation"—a collection of hydroformed steel objects that challenge our perception of what's possible with metal. The exhibition features approximately 19 pieces, including wobbly vases, rocking chairs, and cushion-like forms, all arranged as a garden-like landscape visitors can explore.

The conversation dives deep into Gerard's technique of hydroforming—welding steel shapes together, connecting a tap, and using water pressure to expand the metal outward into organic, bulbous forms. It's a process that combines precision with chance, creating objects that appear impossibly soft despite their metallic composition. The rocking chair stands out as a particular achievement: a hydroformed cube with natural roundness that creates a functional rocking motion, complete with cushions and surprisingly comfortable seating.

What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is Gerard's background in architecture and how it influences his artistic practice. The conversation follows his ambitious vision to scale up the hydroforming technique to create actual buildings—a hydroformed shed as proof of concept, potentially leading to larger structures. This cross-pollination between art and architecture demonstrates how creative experimentation in one field can generate innovative approaches in another.

Beyond the technical aspects, Gerard reveals how the exhibition came together through spontaneous creation rather than detailed planning—a month of "full send in the workshop" that nearly resulted in physical collapse from exhaustion. His story reminds us of the intense physical and mental demands of bringing creative work into the world, especially when pushing the boundaries of materials and processes.

Check out "Inflation" at Season Aotearoa Gallery in Auckland before July 12th, and experience these remarkable objects that blur the boundaries between art, design, and architecture. Sit in the rocking chair, observe the garden of steel flowers, and glimpse a potential future where our buildings might take on unexpectedly organic forms.

Key Links:

• https://www.seasonaotearoa.com/
• https://www.gdw.nz/menu
• https://artfair.co.nz/2025/07/02/meet-the-artist-gerard-dombroski-season/

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Follow us on @designpriciplespod on Instagram and if you wish to contact us hit our DMs or our personal pages. We love to hear from you it really encourages us to keep going and the ideas and feedback we get from the listeners is awesome!