Designing Australia

In this episode of Designing Australia, Dave sits down with Brisbane builder Dan Murray, Director of Finer Touch Projects, to explore what true collaboration between designers and builders really looks like.With a simple philosophy — to build cool things, well — Dan shares how early communication, transparency, and mutual respect can transform a project from functional to exceptional.Together, Dave and Dan unpack the nuances of the designer–builder relationship: navigating revisions, managing on-the-fly changes, balancing creativity with constructability, and maintaining a client’s confidence from start to finish.Whether you’re a designer, builder, or just love good process, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes great homes are built through teamwork — not tension. Find more of Finer Touch's work here - https://www.finertouchprojects.com.au/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/finer_touch_projects/

Bathrooms aren’t just functional spaces; they can also be a reflection of our values. In this episode, Dave speaks with Kacie Evans, founder of Harlen Design, an Australian brand designing solid timber vanities with a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility.Kacie shares the story behind Harlen, what inspired her to create the brand, and the unique considerations of working with timber in a bathroom setting. We discuss Harlen’s approach to Australian-led design paired with social manufacturing in South Africa, exploring the challenges and opportunities of creating a product that balances global collaboration with ethical practices.The conversation also dives into logistics, the realities of producing socially conscious bathroom furniture, and what the future holds for Harlen as it grows.If you’ve ever wondered how design can combine craftsmanship, beauty, and responsibility, this episode will give you plenty to think about.Explore the range of products from Harlan - https://harlendesign.com.au/