Architectural Alchemy

Astrologer Vanessa Montgomery has a formal background in graphic and fashion design. This chat is an astrology meets architecture exploration of trends and how they align astrologically. We also discuss how to use your unique birth chart to design your home. Links: Instagram -  @architecturalalchemy @elisesorge @astro_allstarz Web: Find out more about my services: elisesorge.com.au Find out more or book a reading with Vanessa: astroallstarz.com Astro All-starz Podcast

Izabela Katafoni from Studio Origami Architects joins me for an in depth chat about all things architecture, sustainability and wellness in our homes.We discussed:Her background and how she moved from Poland to Ireland and, then Australia where Studio Origami was bornThe meaning behind the name Studio OrigamiDispelling myths around the cost of building a sustainable homePassive House - what it is and the principles behind itDispelling common misconceptions about Passive House designHow Izabela designed a stunning (award winning) sustainable home for a reasonable price using modular construction - Oxley HouseHow wellness is incorporated into naturally into Studio Origami's designsDesigning for connection with our community and their Jagar House design entryHow we can incorporate sustainable features into our homes in small ways if we are not building or undergoing extensive renovations (hint: tips on thermal comfort)Links:@studioorigamiarchitectsThe RyecroftJager House (The Missing Middle)Oxley HouseSIP panels@architecturalalchemy@elise.sorgeDon't forget to rate and review and feel free to contact me via instagram or elise@architecturalalchemy.com.au if you have any feedback or guest suggestions.

In this episode I chat with Karmin Kenny of Alabaster Trader - a stunning homewares store with unique and one-of-a-kind antiques sourced directly from India by Karmin herself.We talk about:The inspiration behind the name and the storeKarmin's process for sourcing the antiques and how she gets into 'flow' to find the magical pieces for her brandHow she works with artisans to have each piece carefully whitewashedThe journey from a career in IT to transitioning to Alabaster TraderHer home renovation (featured in Inside Out magazine) and the ups and downs of specialty finishesMineral Fox - her new offering for specialty finishesHer tips for incorporating antique pieces amongst your contemporary itemsLinks:@architecturalalchemyFor an indepth look at my own projects and journey: @elisesorge@alabaster.trader@mineral_foxhttps://www.alabastertrader.com/https://mineralfox.com.au/

Today's special guest is Kate Potter who has worked extensively in the Travel and Tourism industry as a project manager and now a customer experience manager.She is also an avid renovator having renovated and built several homes, created a holiday rental in Blackheath and has also renovated for profit (flipping).I am working with Kate on her latest project, her forever home on the Northern Beaches.We chatted about:Kate's background and what sparked her love of renovatingHer previous project, a full renovation and extension of a 100 year old cottage and the subsequent saleWhat she was looking for in her forever homeHer vision for the property and their requirementsHer unique strategy to minimise stress and cost by utilising Complying DevelopmentDesigning and planning the renovation in an agile methodology rather than the traditional wayThe issues we've encountered so far and the creative solutionsCheck out the progress on this project via instagram:@architecturalalchemy@elisesorge (for more in depth on my projects and journey)@renos_by_kateIf you are looking for a designer or draftsperson or, if you'd like to recommend a guest or be a guest, get in contact elise@architecturalalchemy.com.au

This episode is all about getting clear on your requirements and your vision before embarking on your renovation or build.It includes tips on:discovering your valuesdefining how you want to feel in the spacegetting clear on your functional 'must have' requirementsyour dream itemshow to factor in your site and locationpulling together your visionI hope you get value from this episode, let me know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear about in future episodes.Links:@architecturalalchemy@elisesorgeIf you are looking for renovating advice, need plans drawn for your pool house, renovation or new build get in touch at elise@architecturalalchemy.com.au

Architectural photography is not as easy as it may seem. Ever tried to take a nice photo of your freshly styled home only to discover it looks flat or empty?In my chat with Tim Shaw of Shaw Photography he explains that it's a very technical art and we walk through some scenarios with some tips for us novices.But the most interesting parts of the chat was hearing Tim's backstory and how in his late 20's after living in London and traveling around Europe for 6 years he made a career change and started his photography career.We also talked about the art of storytelling via photography and how it's far more than just shooting a room to look as large as possible.Photography takes the story that has been developed through the concept, design and, build of an architectural project and presents it in the best possible light in a way that subtly tells that story. Whether you are a designer, holiday property owner, business owner etc, photography is how you will be judged by potential clients and customers so it's essential to get it right.Tune in for a dose of inspiration, encouragement and, some practical tips.Links:Shaw Photography websiteInstagram: @timshawphotography @architecturalalchemyLink to the stair photograph referenced in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NzaIIgCMG/

Creating a soulful home is the core of designer Simone Mathew's work. In today's episode we cover:Simone's journey into design and switching from a career in marketing to becoming an interior designerMarrying a builder and getting started in property developmentBuying a rundown cottage in Gerringong on the NSW South Coast and creating the highly successful 'Soul of Gerringong' holiday rental propertyHer online community 'Soul Home' which helps holiday property owners design and market their properties as well as styling and how to work with buildersManaging stress with an ambitious personality, a full family and many projectsHer new project 'The pause' which will be launching with a YouTube series based on the build of their newest holiday propertyIf you got value from this episode please rate and review, subscribe to receive weekly episodes.Links:Soul of GerringongSoul HomeInstagram:@soulofgerringong@soulhomeaus@thepause@architecturalalchemy

Wollongong based Building Designer Alex Urena of Alex Urena Design Studio and I went deep into his background to uncover what drew him to architecture as a kid, his career in Peru and his journey to Australia and becoming a Building Designer.We discussed:how Alex discovered his passion for architecture as a childhis early start at university in Peruhis early architecture careermoving to Australia and becoming a Building Designer (and why)how Alex draws inspiration and creates space for creativityhis process for drawing out all of his clients' wants and needswe discussed his design process using some of his previous projectstips for building design and architecture studentsand way more in between!links:ArchDaily article - Edgar Street projectPavilion HouseWebsite: Alex Urena Design StudioInstagram: @alexurenadesignstudio @architecturalalchemy

S1E4 BFDAOn today’s episode I chat with my teachers Teresa Serrao and Vanessa Couzens from Built Form Design Academy.We chatted about where they started and their interesting career progression and how they came to create the online Building Design college of which I am a current student.We went in depth to identify the difference between and architect, Building Designer and, a Draftsperson and how to choose between these professions depending on your project.I got their thoughts on how they see the industry shifting towards sustainability and eco-consciousness including how Teresa has been advocating for sustainable practices since the ’80’s.This episode is also great if you are interested in a career in building design and we discuss how they got Built Form Design Academy started, the career opportunities available for building designers, how they have built a foundation of sustainable design into their courses and, their future vision for the college.Website: Built Form Design AcademyInstagram: @builtformdesignacademy@architecturalalchemyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/builtformdesignacademy

Grab your pen and paper we are diving deep into the details of lighting design in this episode with Vicki Mullins from The Interior Design Institute!We covered so much practical detail including:Designing spaces to work from homeCreating spaces for schooling kids at home and how to separate that from home lifeHow to use colour to create a sense of calm in your homeHow to use lighting to create the right mood for relaxation and also for productivityHow light is reflected or absorbed by different surfaces and what this meansWarm vs cool lighting and the applications for eachLayering your lightingCreating a spa at home experience in your bathroomLighting for makeup applicationCan we have a pendant light over the bath?Kitchen lightingLighting for kitchens with skylightsVicki's take on the how trends may shift post the stress of 2020I'd love to hear your feedback! Join me on instagram @architecturalalchemy to see some of my projects and more on the topics discussed in each episode.Links:Website: The Interior Design InstituteInstagram: @theinteriordesigninstituteInstagram: @architecturalalchemyIf you got value from this episode please leave a rating and a review as a thanks :)

Bernadette from The School of Renovating joins me to discuss:the difference between renovating your home and renovating for profit,factoring health and wellbeing into your renovating (including flip properties),her thoughts on how the market is changing after our bushfire crisis,how as renovators we can reduce our environmental impact whilst remaining profitable and,simple tips for property owners looking to increase the value of your home or investment propertyFollow us on instagram @architecturalalchemy where we explore each episode and I showcase my current projects and studies.Find out more about Bernadette and The School of Renovating at:theschoolofrenovating.comInstagram: @the_school_of_renovating/FacebookShe Renovates Facebook GroupShe Renovates Podcast

Branding expert and designer Samantha Wills and I chat about designing a home office, using design to separate work from home life, her process to design her new home, the big lesson she learned moving back to Australia from New York and; designing a space that authentically reflects you and all members of your home.