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Made to Build: Stories that shape the industry

Made to Build: Stories that shape the industry

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HIA's Made to Build is a new podcast sharing real stories, advice and practical tips from the people shaping Australia's residential building industry. From the worksite to behind the scenes, these conversations dig deep and go beyond the build.

Liz Barrett

Senior Content Producer

In an industry where things are constantly evolving, the one thing that never changes is the value of lived experience. That's why HIA has launched Made to Build — a podcast created to capture the stories, lessons and practical insights from the people who know building best.

Each episode features a different HIA member from across the industry — from award-winning builders and design professionals to business coaches, mentors and hands-on trades — with candid discussions that go beyond the glossy project photos to the grit and growth underneath.

Whether you're on the tools, running a crew or growing your business, Made to Build is the place to hear from the voices shaping the future of our industry.

Each episode of Made to Build features a different HIA member from across the industry.

Real talk, real tips

At a time when the residential building sector is facing major shifts — from workforce shortages and changing regulations to digital disruption and economic and environmental pressure — connection and conversation matter more than ever.

There's no shortage of advice, knowledge and practical tips in this industry, and there's something powerful about hearing it directly from the people who've seen and done it.

We dig deep into navigating challenges, embracing change, managing growth, and looking for better ways to build, bringing stories that inform, inspire and remind us that no builder builds alone.

Built by builders - for builders

Hosted by Richard Armstrong and Owen Bazdaric, Made to Build is grounded in experience and driven by a shared passion for home building.

Made to Build co-host Richard Armstrong.

Meet Richard Armstrong

Co-host Richard is a former registered builder and founder of ProCalc, an online industry feasibility tool builders use to qualify client budgets and secure higher-quality projects. He's passionate about sharing knowledge and instigating opportunities where builders can learn from each other.

With experience both on the tools and in business, Richard knows how critical shared experience is to building well. He brings curiosity, industry smarts and a strong sense of purpose to every episode.

'Builders are busy. They're often head-deep in delivering projects, so staying across industry innovations and opportunities is hard. I’m so excited that we can distil the knowledge of experts so builders can access valuable, specialised advice,' Richard explains. 

Meet Owen Bazdaric

Co-host Owen is a fourth-generation builder surrounded by construction since childhood, following in his father's footsteps into the family business, Camelot Homes. For Owen, building isn't just a career – it's who he is. As a custom home builder, he brings visions to life, helping clients build their dream homes.

He's especially driven to engage the next generation of trades, showcasing the industry's opportunities beyond the tools and sparking conversations that help young people see building as a meaningful, long-term career.

Owen's practical experience, fresh thinking and down-to-earth style make him the kind of builder you'd want to chat with onsite or over a beer. He connects easily with apprentices and seasoned tradies alike, making him a powerful voice for the industry's future.

He says, ‘It’s not every day you get to learn one-on-one from so many amazing people. As a host, it’s a chance to learn from the best—and share those insights with the industry. I’m not wasting it.’

Made to Build co-host Owen Bazdaric.
New episodes of Made to Build drop every second Tuesday.

Richard and Owen bring different perspectives but a shared belief: when builders connect and share knowledge, the whole industry benefits. They will explore business, leadership, sustainability, compliance and the future of building.

Don’t miss new episodes

Join us for Made to Build – the podcast made for you. Whether you're building homes, businesses or careers, some people are just made to build.

New episodes of Made to Build drop every second Tuesday, so keep an ear out for real talk from across the industry. To hear the latest episode, visit Spotify or Apple Music.

First published on 11 March 2025

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