Podcast: Why some homes feel right and others don’t
In episode 18 of the Build Your Legacy podcast, host Sam Piasente sits down with Jason to explore the design decisions that can make or break a custom home.
Drawing on years of experience designing homes for Australian families, Jason shares the foundational principles that every homeowner should understand before putting pen to paper. From orientating a home to maximise natural light, comfort and energy efficiency, to creating flow between living spaces and strengthening indoor-outdoor connections, he explains why great design is about far more than how a floor plan looks on paper.
The conversation dives into some of the most common mistakes homeowners make during the design process, including designing for a floor plan instead of their lifestyle, over-investing in rarely used spaces, and overlooking critical details such as storage, window placement and seasonal sun exposure. Jason provides practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls and create a home that works not just on day one, but for years to come.
Sam and Jason also discuss how homeowners can get the most value from working with a draftsperson or designer. They unpack the importance of bringing clear inspiration, being upfront about budget expectations, communicating preferences effectively, and avoiding the trap of “design by committee” that often leads to confusion and costly redesigns.
Finally, Jason shares his checklist for preparing for a first design meeting, including understanding your block, defining must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and gathering examples of homes and features you love. He also reveals the one question he wishes every client would ask; a simple question that often unlocks the most valuable professional advice and leads to a significantly better outcome.
If you’re planning to build a custom home, preparing for your design journey, or simply want to create a home that better suits the way you live, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make smarter design decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
