est living | design conversations

About est living | design conversations

est living presents the podcast series: This Much I Know, hosted by editorial director and design commentator Karen McCartney in dialogue with globally renowned architects and designers. est living is a global design resource showcasing the best in architecture, interiors and products.

Publisher

est living | Karen McCartney, editorial director

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2023

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Manuel Aires Mateus | This Much I Know With Karen McCartney

   Manuel Aires Mateus on doubt, memory and the life of a building. In Lisbon, est living's Editorial Director, Karen McCartney, sits down with Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to explore the ideas that have shaped one of the most distinctive architectural practices of the past three decades. From restoring an 18th-century convent to creating houses that disappear into the landscape, Manuel speaks about how people live, move, remember and connect with a space. He shares why he believes architects should remain in doubt, why “problems are our material”, and how limits can become the starting point for invention. The conversation moves through the Tower House in Sicily, the Mori House in Melbourne and the house at Montserrat, revealing an approach grounded in restraint, continuity and a deep sensitivity to light, landscape and memory. For Manuel, architecture is not simply about how a building looks, but what it makes possible—and how it can remain meaningful across generations. This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Jon Tjhia for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen is the Editorial Director of est living. Her impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly. For more architecture and interior design inspiration, visit estliving.com

2. 

   10 Jun 2026

   John Pawson | This Much I Know with Karen McCartney

   In the first of our international episodes, McCartney visits John Pawson at his Notting Hill home for an edifying conversation on his lifelong commitment to reduction, necessity and simplicity in design. Pawson recalls his upbringing in Yorkshire and early years in Japan, stories of Calvin Klein arriving at his studio to commission the New York City flagship store and monks discovering the same project through his monograph. It’s this unexpected continuity between fashion retail and a Cistercian monastery, the belief that the right clients always seem to find him, and designing to need rather than trend, which continue to form his raison d’être—the lived experience of architecture at every scale. Explore John Pawson's Home Farm: https://estliving.com/at-home-with-john-pawson/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Jon Tjhia for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly.

3. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Flack Studio | This Much I Know with Karen McCartney

   In this episode, Karen McCartney sits down with Flack Studio founder and principal David Flack. From the designer's designer’s Fitzroy studio, which he calls “a giant 3D business card,” Flack looks back at the inventive material approach he developed early on—one that remains as relevant as when he established the practice more than a decade ago. Now leading a holistic architecture and interiors studio, Flack’s art-led, nonchalant attitude sees the practice traverse continents to design homes, hotels and hospitality spaces that aren’t afraid to resist the expected. Learn more about Flack Studio: https://estliving.com/professional/flack-studio/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Jon Tjhia for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly.

4. 

   29 Sept 2025

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Casey Brown Architecture & Fiona Spence

   In this episode, we revisit Babylon, the home of Fiona Spence and Morris Lyda. Here, Karen McCartney speaks with Casey Brown Architecture founder Rob Brown and Spence about their eight-year collaboration to revive the 1960s house and honour its dramatic sandstone site. Watch our exclusive film on Babylon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAFtFqc9xis Read Karen McCartney's write up on Babylon: https://estliving.com/babylon-fiona-spence-casey-brown-architecture/ Learn more about Casey Brown Architecture: https://estliving.com/professional/casey-brown-architecture/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Marcus Costello from Audiocraft for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly.

5. 

   24 Jun 2025

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Clare Cousins Architects

   Karen McCartney interviews Clare Cousins, exploring her Melbourne home, her affinity for materials, and architecture's responsibility to the community through various projects.

6. 

   17 Mar 2025

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Richards Stanisich

   Richards Stanisich founders and architects Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich sit down with Karen McCartney in Stanisich’s home to discuss designing emotionally resonant spaces, resisting trends while evolving aesthetically, and the importance of adaptive reuse in their work. Learn more about Richards Stanisich: https://estliving.com/professional/richards-stanisich/ See Kirsten Stanisich’s own home: https://estliving.com/where-architects-live-kirsten-stanisich/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Marcus Costello from Audiocraft for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.5M+ design consumers weekly.

7. 

   19 Dec 2024

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Fiona Lynch Office

   Interior design expert Fiona Lynch reveals unconventional design ideas, fascination with materials, and championing local creatives in conversation with host Karen McCartney.

8. 

   29 Sept 2024

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Studio Prineas

   Studio Prineas principal Eva-Marie Prineas reflects on 20 years of building an authentic and sustainable architecture practice focused on relationships, problem-solving, and creating lasting design solutions for everyday life. Learn more about Studio Prineas: https://estliving.com/fishermans-house-studio-prineas/ See Eva-Marie Prineas' Home: https://estliving.com/where-architects-live-eva-marie-prineas/ See more recent projects by Studio Prineas: https://estliving.com/alpha-house-by-studio-prineas/ https://estliving.com/fishermans-house-studio-prineas/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney. Recorded and produced by Audiocraft's Marcus Costello for est living. About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.3M+ design consumers weekly.

9. 

   28 Mar 2024

   This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Hecker Guthrie

   Hecker Guthrie founding principals Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie reflect on their contrasting and complementary approaches to interiors, how they emphasise the spatial experience, and design for adaptability and comfort.

10. 

    19 Dec 2023

    This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Kennedy Nolan

    Recorded while sitting in one of their latest projects, Kennedy Nolan founders and principal architects Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy discuss how buildings can engage the imagination, the impact of colour and memory, and designing homes relevant to today. Learn more about Kennedy Nolan: https://www.estliving.com/10-questions-ask-your-architect-kennedy-nolan/ (https://www.estliving.com/10-questions-ask-your-architect-kennedy-nolan/) https://www.estliving.com/professional/kennedy-nolan/ (https://www.estliving.com/professional/kennedy-nolan/) See an example of their work: https://www.estliving.com/matthews-house-kennedy-nolan/ (https://www.estliving.com/matthews-house-kennedy-nolan/) This Much I Know is a podcast by est living, hosted by Karen McCartney Recorded and produced by Jon Jon Tjhia for est living About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living. About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.3M+ design consumers weekly.

11. 

    6 Dec 2023

    Creatives At Home – How I Collect | David Flack, Hannah Tribe, Ronan Sulich & Karen McCartney

    Design commentator Karen McCartney sits down with Flack Studio founder and interior designer David Flack, Tribe Studio founder and architect Hannah Tribe and art adviser Rohan Sulich live from Australasia's premier contemporary art fair, Sydney Contemporary. Recorded as part of the ‘Talk Contemporary’ series, the panel discusses a passion for art collecting from different standpoints – architecture, interior design and art curation – and how their personal collections have evolved. This podcast is the first instalment of the Talk Contemporary series. Talk Contemporary is a podcast by est living produced in partnership with Sydney Contemporary. Introduction is by design commentator Karen McCartney Produced and recorded by Cliffie Rosenberg List of speakers: Hannah Tribe | Tribe Studio | Speaker https://www.estliving.com/professional/tribe-studio/ (https://www.estliving.com/professional/tribe-studio/) David Flack | Flack Studio | Speaker https://www.estliving.com/professional/flack-studio/ (https://www.estliving.com/professional/flack-studio/) Ronan Sulich | Speaker https://www.leonardjoel.com.au/newsletter/welcoming-ronan-sulich/ (https://www.leonardjoel.com.au/newsletter/welcoming-ronan-sulich/) Karen McCartney | Moderator https://editd.com.au/ About est living: As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.3M+ design consumers weekly.

12. 

    8 Nov 2023

    This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | Arent&Pyke

    A design dialogue with Arent&Pyke founders and principal designers Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke on how they interact with their clients, creating moments of pleasure, inspiring elements and the flow of family life. Learn more about Arent&Pyke: https://www.estliving.com/professional/arent-pyke/ (https://www.estliving.com/professional/arent-pyke/) Explore the Queens Park House while you listen: https://www.estliving.com/queens-park-house-arentpyke/ (https://www.estliving.com/queens-park-house-arentpyke/) Purchase their monologue: Arent&Pyke - Interiors Beyond the Primary Palette: https://shop.arentpyke.com/products/interiors-beyond-the-primary-palette (https://shop.arentpyke.com/products/interiors-beyond-the-primary-palette) Produced by Laura Brierly Newton | Audiocraft: https://www.audiocraft.com.au/laura-brierley-newton (https://www.audiocraft.com.au/laura-brierley-newton) Music by Sum Wave via Epidemic Sound. Read more on estliving.com (https://www.estliving.com). About Karen McCartney: Well-regarded for her work in the world of interiors, architecture and design, Karen’s impressive resume spans print and digital media. Formerly the editor of Marie Claire lifestyle and Inside Out magazine, Karen is also a bestselling author; releasing Perfect Imperfect, The Alchemy of Things, Super House, and Iconic: Modern Australian Houses 1950- 2000. Karen is the editorial advisor at est living.

13. 

    8 Nov 2023

    This Much I Know with Karen McCartney | John Wardle

    A design dialogue with Wardle founder and architect John Wardle in his own home explores his endless curiosity for the rhythms of living, working and learning and how the architect’s passion for finer details transcends all scales of work. Learn more about John Wardle: https://www.estliving.com/professional/wardle-studio/ Explore John's home while you listen: https://wardle.studio/projects/kew-residence/ This Much I Know is a podcast by est living Produced by Laura Brierley for est living Recorded by Jon Jon Tjhia Music by Sum Wave via Epidemic Sound As a global design resource, est living inspires exceptional living by featuring the best in architecture, interiors and products. We profile leading and emerging architects and designers from around the globe while spotlighting Australians and scour the globe to unveil authentic design products. est engages discerning design consumers through curating distinct, meaningful and multi-platform content. Our award-winning website estliving.com is the central hub of the est experience, complemented by our quarterly digital magazine, weekly e-newsletter 'the latest', and our social media platforms reaching 1.3M+ design consumers weekly.

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

4,474,149

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

21 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

37

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

51

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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

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