#9 AI isn’t the enemy — ignorance is. Michael and Jacob sit down with Rashan from Inspired Education Australia to unpack how AI is transforming design, education, and construction. From ChatGPT to Tesla liability, Terminator fears to 3D printing homes — this episode cuts through the hype and hits the truth: learn, evolve, or fall behind.

Check out Rashan here...

https://rashansenanayake.com/

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#8 Decisions made in haste without considering all possible outcomes are where construction problems begin. Interior designer Melissa Woodcroft from Ivy Rose Interior Design reveals how proper planning transforms the building process, eliminating stress and budget blowouts along the way.

Check out Mels work at Ivy Rose Interior Design here...

https://ivyroseinteriordesign.com.au/home/

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#7 The journey to building or renovating your dream home begins long before the first blueprint is drawn. In this eye-opening episode, mortgage broker Kelly Cameron from Get Real Finance reveals why financial planning should be your first step.

Check out Get Real Finance here...

https://www.getrealfinance.com.au/

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#6 Structural engineer David Lewis from Apex Structural Engineers breaks down the critical importance of getting your home's foundations right and why early collaboration between engineers, designers, and builders leads to successful projects.

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#5 What makes a building project truly successful? Is it coming in under budget, or is there something far more valuable at stake? In this powerful conversation with builder Duayne Pearce, we uncover the profound purpose behind construction that goes beyond bricks and timber.

check out Duayne's website here...

https://duaynepearce.com/

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#4 This week on "The Blue Couch" we chat with Mick Tyrrell from Building Approvals and Advice (BA&A). Mick dishes out some great advice on the building approval process and where to start when building your dream home. As Mick states "the certification process can be complex, but understanding the rules early and working with experienced professionals creates the best chance for a successful outcome."

check out BA&A here...

https://www.buildingaaa.com.au/

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#2 Peta Charles from Brisbane Town Planning reveals why understanding development approvals is crucial for homeowners and how seeking expert advice early can save time, money, and emotional distress.

Check out Brisbane Town Planning here...

www.brisbanetp.com.au

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast

#2 On this weeks episode Jacob and Michael explore the crucial elements of successful home design and construction, focusing on how proper planning and collaboration prevent costly mistakes and ensure dream homes become reality.

Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here...

jmhdesigns.au

Check out Michael at MR designs here...

michaelandruysch.com.au

• 0:45 Design Trends and Style Choices
• 3:35 Traditional vs Modern Home Costs
• 6:13 Budget Challenges and Priorities
• 10:49 Consultant Roles in Design Process
• 17:59 Timeline from Design to Construction
• 26:53 Common Mistakes in Building Projects
• 33:40 Budgeting Realities and Investment Mindset

Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here...

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast