Harnessing the power of lighting design with architecture.
First Light explores the minds shaping the built environment.
Hosted by James Zagari, each episode is a conversation with leading architects, designers, and creatives on the ideas, philosophies, and details that define exceptional spaces.
From concept to completion, this is where design thinking comes to light.
Behind every incredible project is someone who knows how to tell its story.
This week on Light Focus, we’re joined by architectural photographer Jack Lovel. The creative eye behind some of Australia’s most recognised architecture and interior projects.
We chat about what makes a photograph memorable, how lighting shapes the way we experience architecture, the biggest mistakes designers make before a shoot, and why capturing a space is about far more than just taking a photo.
Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, lighting designer, or simply passionate about great design, this is an episode packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
🎙️ New episode ot now.
#LightFocusPodcast #ArchitecturalPhotography #Architecture #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #DesignInspiration #ESTLighting #JackLovel
21 Jun 2026
Tom Robertson | Tom Robertson Architects
Episode 8 | Tom Robertson
What separates good design from truly memorable design?
In our upcoming episode of First Light, we sit down with Tom Robertson to explore the thinking behind exceptional architecture, the pursuit of refinement, and how great spaces create emotional connections that last.
We discuss:
• The journey that shaped Tom’s design philosophy
• Why emotion is one of the most powerful design tools
• The process of refining ideas into timeless architecture
• Lessons learned from years of practice and leadership
• What the future holds for architecture and the built environment
A thoughtful conversation on creativity, design thinking, and the details that make great projects stand the test of time.
#FirstLightPodcast #TomRoberston #Architecture #DesignThinking #ArchitecturalLighting #BuiltEnvironment #DesignLeadership #MelbourneArchitecture #ESTLighting #ArchitecturePodcast #DesignInspiration #LightingDesign #FirstLight
13 Jun 2026
Youssef Sheeth | INCRA
“The spaces people remember are rarely the biggest or the most expensive. They’re the ones where every detail has been considered.”
A great conversation with Youssef Sheeth from INCRA about delivering exceptional retail and hospitality projects, the importance of craftsmanship, and creating environments that leave a lasting impression.
Youssef shared insights into the challenges of bringing ambitious design concepts to life, balancing programme, budget and quality, and why collaboration between builders, designers, consultants and trades is critical to a successful outcome.
One of the key takeaways was that the best retail and hospitality venues aren’t built by accident. They are the result of countless decisions, attention to detail, and a team committed to executing the vision from concept through to completion.
Thank you, Youssef, for sharing your experience, lessons learned, and perspective on creating some of the most engaging commercial spaces in the industry.
#ESTPodcast #INCRA #RetailDesign #HospitalityDesign #Construction #CommercialInteriors #Architecture #InteriorDesign #BuildingExcellence #MelbourneConstruction #ESTLighting
8 Jun 2026
Iva Foschia | IF Architecture S1E6
🎙️ Episode 6 is live.
This week I’m joined by Iva Foschia, founder of IF Architecture.
From some of Melbourne’s most iconic hospitality venues to award-winning residential projects, Iva has built a reputation for creating spaces that connect people, place and experience.
We discuss architecture, business, creativity, leadership and the role curiosity has played throughout her career.
Listen now via the link in bio.
#FirstLightPodcast #IvaFoschia #Architecture #Design #HospitalityDesign #MelbourneDesign #BuiltEnvironment #ESTLighting
31 May 2026
Scott Wilcox | W Build
For Episode 5 of First Light, we’re joined by Scott Wilcox — founder of W. Build and one of Melbourne’s leading figures in high-end residential construction. Known for delivering some of the country’s most refined homes, Scott has built a reputation around craftsmanship, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
In this episode, we explore the mindset behind building exceptional spaces — from managing complex projects and collaborating with architects and designers, to leading teams and navigating the evolving expectations of luxury residential construction.
Scott shares insights into what separates a good project from a truly great one, the importance of detail and communication, and how the relationship between builder, designer, and client ultimately shapes the outcome.
This is a conversation about leadership, creativity, pressure, and the pursuit of excellence in the built environment.
23 May 2026
Andrew Piva | BE Architecture
Episode 4 of First Light welcomes one of Australia’s most respected voices in residential architecture — Andrew Piva, director of B.E. Architecture.
Known for creating homes that feel timeless, grounded and deeply emotional, Andrew has helped shape some of the country’s most admired residences through an obsessive attention to detail, materiality and the way people truly live within a space. From heritage restorations to sculptural contemporary homes, B.E. Architecture has built a reputation for architecture that feels both monumental and intensely personal. (ArchitectureAu (https://architectureau.com/articles/be-architecture/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In this episode, we explore Andrew’s approach to designing homes that age gracefully, the importance of restraint in architecture, and why emotion, memory and atmosphere matter just as much as form. We also dive into the creative culture behind B.E., the relationship between architecture and craftsmanship, and how Andrew balances beauty with function in some of Australia’s most sophisticated homes.
This conversation is thoughtful, layered and deeply inspiring — a rare insight into the mind behind some of the country’s most enduring residential architecture.
This is First Light with Andrew Piva.
17 May 2026
Mikayla Rose | Heartly
Episode 3 of First Light welcomes Mikayla Rose — founder and creative director of Heartly Design — a designer known for creating homes that feel deeply personal, emotionally connected, and quietly refined.
In this conversation, Mikayla opens up about the realities behind running a growing design studio, balancing creativity with motherhood, and the pressure of building spaces that not only look beautiful, but genuinely improve the way people live.
We talk about the importance of intuition in design, the emotional connection clients have to their homes, and why timeless spaces are often the result of restraint, honesty, and feeling rather than trends. Mikayla also shares her journey into the industry, lessons learned through business growth, and what inspires her approach to creating warm, layered interiors that feel both elevated and lived in.
This episode of First Light is an honest and thoughtful conversation about creativity, ambition, family, and the human side of design.
9 May 2026
Jess Perry | Electrolight
In Episode 2 of First Light, I sit down with Jess Perry — a designer and creative leader whose work has helped shape some of Australia’s most thoughtful and immersive architectural environments.
As Director of Electrolight Melbourne, (https://electrolight.com/) Jess has spent years at the intersection of architecture, emotion, and experience, leading projects that use light not simply as illumination, but as a powerful design language. His approach combines technical understanding with a deep sensitivity to atmosphere, materiality, and human connection — qualities that have made him one of the most respected voices in the lighting and design industry.
Throughout the conversation, Jess reflects on his career journey, the evolution of lighting design in Australia, and the importance of collaboration between architects, interior designers, engineers, and creatives. We also explore leadership, mentoring emerging designers, the pressure of creative industries, and how great lighting often goes unnoticed — yet completely defines how a space is remembered.
From luxury hospitality and residential projects to large-scale public environments, Jess shares the philosophy behind his work and the experiences that have shaped his perspective both professionally and personally.
This is First Light (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/first-light/id1896039039)with Jess Perry.
1 May 2026
Adam Kane | Adam Kane Architects
Great architecture often reveals itself quietly — through restraint, clarity, and an understanding of how people actually live.
Today’s guest is Adam Kane, founder and director of Adam Kane Architects, a practice known for its thoughtful, highly resolved residential work and a deep respect for context, materiality, and longevity.
Adam’s projects are characterised by calm confidence — homes that feel deliberate rather than designed, where light, proportion and detail work together seamlessly.
One project in particular, Grey House — Adam’s own home — has resonated widely, offering a rare insight into how an architect designs when the client is themselves, and when every decision becomes both personal and architectural.
Beyond the buildings, Adam is also a business owner, navigating the realities of practice while staying true to a clear architectural voice.
Today we’ll talk about his journey into architecture, the decision to start his own practice, the thinking behind Grey House, and how he sees the future of residential architecture evolving.
I’m pleased to welcome Adam Kane.
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