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The Building Talks Podcast
A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides).
In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector.
Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’
The Building Talks Podcast
Talking with Tony Phillips about Modern Methods, Mindset Shifts, and Shaking up Construction with AltForm
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G’day legends! In this episode of The Building Talks Podcast, I’m joined by Tony Phillips, Executive GM at AltForm, a bloke with deep industry roots and big ideas on doing things better.
We unpack Tony’s journey from steel sheds in rural Vic to product innovation at AltForm, plus how they’re tackling speed, safety and sustainability on-site. We also get into culture, leadership, and shaking up a pretty traditional industry.
If you’re into smarter building and bold thinking, you’ll love this one.
Takeaways:
✅ Tony’s career path from steel sheds to startup
✅ What AltForm actually is and how it's helping reshape site delivery
✅ The real-world benefits of productised construction: faster, cleaner, safer
✅ Why influencing a conservative industry is a slow but important game
✅ Hiring the right people and building a strong internal culture
✅ Why modern methods need modern mindsets
✅ The disconnect between uni and on-site experience
✅ The importance of flexibility, without losing accountability
✅ How to turn challenges into innovation opportunities
Chapters:
07:52 – Generational Influence in the Construction Industry
10:41– The Role of Young Professionals in Construction
13:26 – Empathy and Leadership in Attracting Talent
16:20 – Introducing AltForm and Modern Methods of Construction
19:51 – The Vision and Purpose of AltForm
22:33 – Personal Journey and Career Decisions
26:51 – Navigating Change in the Construction Industry
31:14 – The Quest for Certainty in Construction
36:59 – Building a Flexible Delivery Method
44:47 – The Role of AI in Design and Construction
50:56 – Lessons Learned from One-off Projects
52:42 – Innovative Construction Projects and Client Engagement
54:50 – The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptation in Leadership
57:32 – Building Trust and Managing Risks in Business
59:39 – The Need for Outside-the-Box Thinking in Construction
01:05:40 – Sales as a Core Component of Construction
01:07:42 – Future Aspirations for AltForm and the Construction Industry
Hit play and hear how Tony’s helping drive change from the ground up literally!
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #AltForm #ConstructionInnovation #ModernMethodsofConstruction #MMC #ProductisedConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #IndustryCulture #ConstructionCareers #FutureOfConstruction #SafetyInConstruction #BuildingSmarter #ConstructionTechnology #AustralianConstruction
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
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