Anthony Burke's By Design

About Anthony Burke's By Design

Hosted by Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at UTS and one of Australia's leading voices on how we might build better futures, Anthony Burke's By Design podcast explores the clever ideas and human stories behind the spaces, systems, and objects shaping our everyday lives. Anthony is well-known as the host of Grand Designs Australia, Grand Transformations, Restoration Australia, and Culture by Design (streaming on ABC iview). His expertise and passion for design make this podcast an essential listen for anyone curious about how design impacts the way we live. From prefab housing and smart homes to designing cruise ships or animal habitats and the future of the open-plan home, each episode dives deep into a theme through engaging interviews and real-life case studies from across Australia. Every show ends with The Extraordinary Everyday, a short segment uncovering the cultural and social history of familiar objects: think plunge pools, corduroy, and even the humble welcome mat. With an informal, accessible tone, By Design makes design visible, relatable, and relevant for everyone. Whether you're curious about architecture, interior design, urban design, product design, furniture or fashion design, sustainability, or the hidden stories behind everyday objects, this podcast reveals why design matters, especially in a rapidly changing world.

Publisher

ABC Australia

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Jan 2026

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

40 of 78 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   How sunscreen went from niche remedy to public health essential

   Host Anthony Burke explores sunscreen's design evolution from niche remedy to public health essential, revealing its adaptation to changing lifestyles and health concerns.

2. 

   5 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Designing recovery: What comes next for Nepal?

   Host Anthony Burke interviews experts on how architecture shapes Nepal's post-disaster recovery and risk reduction efforts.

3. 

   30 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   What did babies wear before nappies?

   Host Anthony Burke explores historical innovations for keeping babies dry, revealing ancient methods that offer surprising insights into modern childcare.

Inside a recent episode

How sunscreen went from niche remedy to public health essential

Published 7 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] That is absolutely correct. On that then, I mean, there have been some concerns recently about all sorts of things to do with sunscreens, you know, mislabelling, chemicals that are added and so on and so forth, even environmental issues. So when we are choosing a sunscreen, what should we actually be looking for? So I am not going to recommend a particular product. Good. The sunscreen that is best for you is the sunscreen you use consistently, regularly and reapply. It's as simple as that. People develop preferences. Some people prefer sprays or roll-ons, you know, compared to really thick creams. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Anthony Burke's By Design

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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