Brisbane’s building design duo, Jacob and Michael, are here to change the way you approach your building journey. Each week, they share expert insights on how to get your project designed and built right, with the right team involved at the right time. From reputable builders to finance brokers, engineers, interior designers, and more, they explore how working together leads to smoother, smarter builds. And, of course, they’re having a bit of fun along the way. Tune in for real advice, a few laughs, and everything you need to know about building your dream home.
From Burnout to Legacy: Building a Design Business That Actually Works
#12 What does it really take to build a successful design business? In this episode of The Blue Couch, Michael shares the raw story behind building MR — from starting in a garage, losing a mentor to leukemia, burning out from rapid growth, and learning the hard truth about saying no. Check out JMH Design here... https://jmhdesigns.au/ Check out MR Building Design here... https://www.michaelandruysch.com.au/ Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@Th...
5 Feb 2026
“Why Every Builder Needs to Know Design”.
#11 Jacob swaps "The Blue Couch" for "The Blue Chair" to share his journey from working on building sites to running a successful building design company. Check out JMH Design here... https://jmhdesigns.au/ Check out MR Building Design here... https://www.michaelandruysch.com.au/ Check Out the Blue Couch Podcast on youtube here... https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlueCouchPodcast
4 Dec 2025
Builder Exposes the Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make.
Builder Steve from SE Building Solutions reveals common homeowner errors during construction projects, offering listeners insights into avoiding costly mistakes in the building process in this interview.
6 Nov 2025
“Learn. Evolve. Adapt. How AI is Changing the Game.
Michael and Jacob interview Rashan Senanayake about how AI transforms design, education, and construction, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting to technological advancements.
2 Oct 2025
Design in Sync: Why Collaboration Builds Better Homes.
Interior designer Melissa Woodcroft discusses how thorough planning streamlines construction, preventing issues and cost overruns, in an interview on collaborative design.
4 Sept 2025
Building Dreams Without Breaking the Bank: A Guide to Construction Finance.
Mortgage broker Kelly Cameron from Get Real Finance guides listeners through essential financial planning for building dream homes.
7 Aug 2025
When Your House Moves: A Structural Engineer Reveals What Happens Behind The Walls.
Structural engineer David Lewis explains the vital role of solid home foundations and emphasizes how teamwork among engineers, designers, and builders ensures project success in this interview.
3 Jul 2025
Why Your Builder Choice Matters More Than Price.
Builder Duayne Pearce illuminates how selecting the right builder transcends cost, focusing on the deeper purpose and value in construction projects during an interview with the host.
5 Jun 2025
Building Codes, Safety and Trust: A Certifiers Perspective
Mick Tyrrell from Building Approvals and Advice discusses the building approval process, emphasizing that early understanding and experienced professionals ensure successful outcomes in this interview.
8 May 2025
The Dream Crusher: Why Town Planners Should Be Your First Call, Not Your Last.
#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
17 Apr 2025
Why are We Sitting on the Blue Couch?
#1 Join Michael and Jacob on the Blue Couch as they educate and share insights from decades of combined experience as residential designers. This podcast is all for the mums and dads out there that are looking to renovate or design their dream home and are not sure where to start or what questions to ask their designer. Navigating the design and construction spave can be a daunting task so let's make the process an enjoyable one! Check out Jacob at JMH Designs here... jmhdesigns.au Check out ...
16 Apr 2025
The Chicken Before the Egg: Where to Start When Designing Your Dream Home.
#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 Choices3:35 Traditional vs Modern Home Costs6:13 Budget Challenges and Priorities10:49 Consult...
Who has been a guest on The Blue Couch
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Steve
Rashan Senanayake
Melissa Woodcroft
Kelly Cameron
David Lewis
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
478
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
41
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
Contact The Blue Couch
Guest appearances
Books guests
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