Today I’m joined by Kryssia Agius, the creative mind behind Hunting Utopia. A former graphic designer turned interior stylist and photographer, Kryssia shares her journey of career transformation and pursuing her passion in the world of interiors. We dive into the process of changing careers, the significance of design storytelling and the art of capturing spaces through photography and styling.

After taking a break from her career in graphic design to raise her children, Kryssia found herself longing to re-enter the workforce and expand her creative journey. Enrolling in a design school, Kryssia’s hope was to niche down and discover which creative area her passion truly was. 

We talk about how our strengths and passions aren’t always obvious to us to begin with, and how just stepping out to test different ideas can lead us to where we’re truly meant to be. Our conversation around this is a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin; just start, and the rest will work itself out! 

Gaining experience in the world of interior styling, Kryssia quickly discovered her strength in and love for photography, leading her down a path that perfectly blended her skills. With an understanding and respect for the styling process, Kryssia has a knack for capturing the intricate details in a space, as well as bringing out the essence of a designer’s work. 

For interior designers, a lot of work goes into putting a space together, and often there’s only one opportunity to capture it. We talk about the power photography has to tell the story behind the design choices, and to create a compelling narrative that showcases a designer’s intention and skill.  

Given the grunt work (and not to mention mayhem) that goes into a styling photoshoot, working with an intuitive photographer like Kryssia is a treat that makes it all feel worthwhile. We talk about the value of photography and its ability to beautifully convey the designer’s intended message - despite the chaos behind the scenes!

Kryssia’s story is truly inspiring for anyone looking to transform their career and discover where they truly belong. So listen in for some beautiful insights into finding your niche and utilising your creative strengths to capture the beauty and essence of design. 





LINKS:
Kryssia’s instagram: @hunting_utopia


Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/
BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective
BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build
Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Today I’m joined by Kryssia Agius, the creative mind behind Hunting Utopia. A former graphic designer turned interior stylist and photographer, Kryssia shares her journey of career transformation and pursuing her passion in the world of interiors. We dive into the process of changing careers, the significance of design storytelling and the art of capturing spaces through photography and styling.
After taking a break from her career in graphic design to raise her children, Kryssia found herself longing to re-enter the workforce and expand her creative journey. Enrolling in a design school, Kryssia’s hope was to niche down and discover which creative area her passion truly was. 
We talk about how our strengths and passions aren’t always obvious to us to begin with, and how just stepping out to test different ideas can lead us to where we’re truly meant to be. Our conversation around this is a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin; just start, and the rest will work itself out! 
Gaining experience in the world of interior styling, Kryssia quickly discovered her strength in and love for photography, leading her down a path that perfectly blended her skills. With an understanding and respect for the styling process, Kryssia has a knack for capturing the intricate details in a space, as well as bringing out the essence of a designer’s work. 
For interior designers, a lot of work goes into putting a space together, and often there’s only one opportunity to capture it. We talk about the power photography has to tell the story behind the design choices, and to create a compelling narrative that showcases a designer’s intention and skill.  
Given the grunt work (and not to mention mayhem) that goes into a styling photoshoot, working with an intuitive photographer like Kryssia is a treat that makes it all feel worthwhile. We talk about the value of photography and its ability to beautifully convey the designer’s intended message - despite the chaos behind the scenes!
Kryssia’s story is truly inspiring for anyone looking to transform their career and discover where they truly belong. So listen in for some beautiful insights into finding your niche and utilising your creative strengths to capture the beauty and essence of design. 
 
LINKS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Kryssia’s instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hunting_utopia">@hunting_utopia</a></li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Buy our book: <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/buildher-kribashini-hannon/book/9781922417015.html">BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Website: <a href="https://buildhercollective.com.au/">https://buildhercollective.com.au/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/buildhercollective/">@buildhercollective</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/124766904835381/?source_id=1422767287757142">Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate &amp; Build</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Register for a call: <a href="https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer">https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer</a></li>
</ul>

Rebeka Morgan from BuildHer Collective chat about all things building and renovating and everyday people making their mark in the building industry.

Building With BuildHer hosted by BuildHer Collective

Building With BuildHer

Photography & Interior Styling: The art of capturing the design story behind a space with Kryssia Agius

It's easy to design whatever you want - as long as you’ve got no budget! While some homeowners have the luxury of seeing every detail of their vision come to life, most of us will need to make compromises to align with our financial parameters.



Today, I’m joined by Shah de Saxe, an incredible interior designer who has extensive experience in residential design. She’s currently halfway through her own renovation project in Peregian Beach in Queensland, and we’re lucky to have her join us to share her insights on designing a beautiful home on a budget.



Balancing Quality and Cost

Designing to a client’s budget is always a challenge, but you’re never as intensely aware of the constraints as when you’re designing your own project. Shah shares her own process for managing the budgeting side of things while not compromising on quality. Confident in her ability to design in a way that connects with people, she also keeps the bottom line of the sales price front of mind, knowing she’ll eventually get the price she’s looking for. This helps her to make decisions that keep costs in mind, while still prioritising the look and feel of her designs.



The Value of a Good Layout

Designers often face the challenge of working with existing floor plans and finding ways to optimise the use of space. Shah is an expert in reworking floor plans to maximise the value of a home, and she shares an example of how a poorly designed layout can affect a sale if it doesn’t meet the needs of potential buyers. So, it might be time to ditch the idea of a double shower or oversized ensuite and opt for something with a little more livability!



Combining Beauty and Functionality 

Making a couple of significant moves and investing in them can be the difference between a house that looks pretty, but really doesn't function well, and one that functions amazingly and has that feeling of a beautiful home. Shah talks about creating a flow throughout a home with both beauty and functionality, and shares her background that inspired her design style.



This conversation with Shah is a helpful guide for anyone looking to design a beautiful - and cost effective - home renovation. So, tune in and enjoy!




LINKS:



Connect with Shah:

Website: https://www.shahdesaxe.com.au/

Instagram: @shah_de_saxe



Connect with us:
Buy our book:BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
BuildHer Website:https://buildhercollective.com.au/
BuildHer Instagram:@buildhercollective
BuildHer Facebook:Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call:https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

It's easy to design whatever you want - as long as you’ve got no budget! While some homeowners have the luxury of seeing every detail of their vision come to life, most of us will need to make compromises to align with our financial parameters.
 
Today, I’m joined by Shah de Saxe, an incredible interior designer who has extensive experience in residential design. She’s currently halfway through her own renovation project in Peregian Beach in Queensland, and we’re lucky to have her join us to share her insights on designing a beautiful home on a budget.
 
Balancing Quality and Cost
Designing to a client’s budget is always a challenge, but you’re never as intensely aware of the constraints as when you’re designing your own project. Shah shares her own process for managing the budgeting side of things while not compromising on quality. Confident in her ability to design in a way that connects with people, she also keeps the bottom line of the sales price front of mind, knowing she’ll eventually get the price she’s looking for. This helps her to make decisions that keep costs in mind, while still prioritising the look and feel of her designs.
 
The Value of a Good Layout
Designers often face the challenge of working with existing floor plans and finding ways to optimise the use of space. Shah is an expert in reworking floor plans to maximise the value of a home, and she shares an example of how a poorly designed layout can affect a sale if it doesn’t meet the needs of potential buyers. So, it might be time to ditch the idea of a double shower or oversized ensuite and opt for something with a little more livability!
 
Combining Beauty and Functionality 
Making a couple of significant moves and investing in them can be the difference between a house that looks pretty, but really doesn't function well, and one that functions amazingly and has that feeling of a beautiful home. Shah talks about creating a flow throughout a home with both beauty and functionality, and shares her background that inspired her design style.
 
This conversation with Shah is a helpful guide for anyone looking to design a beautiful - and cost effective - home renovation. So, tune in and enjoy!
 
 LINKS:
 
Connect with Shah:
Website: <a href="https://www.shahdesaxe.com.au/">https://www.shahdesaxe.com.au/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shah_de_saxe/">@shah_de_saxe</a>
 
Connect with us:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Buy our book:<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/buildher-kribashini-hannon/book/9781922417015.html"> BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Website:<a href="https://buildhercollective.com.au/"> https://buildhercollective.com.au/</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/buildhercollective/"> @buildhercollective</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/124766904835381/?source_id=1422767287757142"> Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate &amp; Build</a></li>
</ul>
Register for a call:<a href="https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer"> https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer</a>

Interior Design: Creating Beautiful Homes on a Budget with Shah de Saxe

I’m super excited to get into today's topic, because it's one that I've been talking about a lot with our community. It also seems to be something that we as whole are struggling with.



In this episode, I’m giving you an overview of feasibilities and the best method to accurately assess your building costs and profitability.



Why Feasibility Studies Matter

So, why do we need a feasibility study? Whether it's your own home or you’re working on a for-profit project, you need to understand the numbers. This means knowing what your build will actually cost, what you can afford and then whether it's actually a good investment or not.



I take you through the fundamentals of feasibilities: understanding what the numbers are telling us, working out how the scope of work will come together, comparing sales and checking it all against our vision and value proposition.



Determining the Final Cost of the Build

Feasibility studies are more than just plugging numbers into a spreadsheet - they require a meticulous breakdown of the project scope so that every detail, from the materials used to the construction methods employed, is factored in.



It might mean you have to make adjustments to your initial vision or design, but trust me - running your numbers upfront can seriously help mitigate the risk of any unwanted surprises!



Financing Your Project

There are a lot of financing options available out there, and they all depend on the nature of your project. Home builds or renovations might leverage traditional construction loans, while a commercial build may explore options like joint ventures or private investments. A feasibility study can play a crucial role in securing financing, where you’re able to provide lenders with a clear picture of the project's projected costs and potential returns.



If you’re like me, it’s possible you’ve made mistakes before when running numbers or working out the scope of your project. But in the end, it doesn't really matter - it’s all about getting back on your horse and becoming better each time.



So, join me today and get the rundown on how to assess the financial viability of your project, which will help turn your building process into a well-oiled machine!





LINKS:



Resources mentioned:

Fast Feasibility Mini Course

DevelopHers Inner Circle



Connect with us:
Buy our book:BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
BuildHer Website:https://buildhercollective.com.au/
BuildHer Instagram:@buildhercollective
BuildHer Facebook:Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call:https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

I’m super excited to get into today's topic, because it's one that I've been talking about a lot with our community. It also seems to be something that we as whole are struggling with.
 
In this episode, I’m giving you an overview of feasibilities and the best method to accurately assess your building costs and profitability.
 
Why Feasibility Studies Matter
So, why do we need a feasibility study? Whether it's your own home or you’re working on a for-profit project, you need to understand the numbers. This means knowing what your build will actually cost, what you can afford and then whether it's actually a good investment or not.
 
I take you through the fundamentals of feasibilities: understanding what the numbers are telling us, working out how the scope of work will come together, comparing sales and checking it all against our vision and value proposition.
 
Determining the Final Cost of the Build
Feasibility studies are more than just plugging numbers into a spreadsheet - they require a meticulous breakdown of the project scope so that every detail, from the materials used to the construction methods employed, is factored in.
 
It might mean you have to make adjustments to your initial vision or design, but trust me - running your numbers upfront can seriously help mitigate the risk of any unwanted surprises!
 
Financing Your Project
There are a lot of financing options available out there, and they all depend on the nature of your project. Home builds or renovations might leverage traditional construction loans, while a commercial build may explore options like joint ventures or private investments. A feasibility study can play a crucial role in securing financing, where you’re able to provide lenders with a clear picture of the project's projected costs and potential returns.
 
If you’re like me, it’s possible you’ve made mistakes before when running numbers or working out the scope of your project. But in the end, it doesn't really matter - it’s all about getting back on your horse and becoming better each time.
 
So, join me today and get the rundown on how to assess the financial viability of your project, which will help turn your building process into a well-oiled machine!
 
 
LINKS:
 
Resources mentioned:
<a href="https://www.buildhercollective.com.au/fast/">Fast Feasibility Mini Course</a>
<a href="https://www.buildhercollective.com.au/dic-2024/">DevelopHers Inner Circle</a>
 
Connect with us:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Buy our book:<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/buildher-kribashini-hannon/book/9781922417015.html"> BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Website:<a href="https://buildhercollective.com.au/"> https://buildhercollective.com.au/</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/buildhercollective/"> @buildhercollective</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/124766904835381/?source_id=1422767287757142"> Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate &amp; Build</a></li>
</ul>
Register for a call:<a href="https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer"> https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer</a>

Feasibilities: How to Assess Your Building Costs and Profitability

As women, we often won’t talk about finance or loans and how to navigate them when looking to start a build - it even seems a little taboo!



However, understanding how it all works is crucial in completing a successful renovation or home build. Today, Leah Ziskos from Entourage Finance is back to chat all about understanding construction finance and where to begin when looking at the different options available.



Seeking Advice Early On

From equity withdrawals to construction loans, it’s important to be armed with the knowledge on how you can best finance your project. Not only will you be able to understand how much you can actually spend, it will give you the confidence for things like sourcing builders and engaging architects. We talk about the importance of seeking advice early on so you can make an action plan to tackle the many different aspects of your build.



While speaking to a broker might be the obvious first step, we discuss the value of involving your accountant and real estate agent to help you understand the whole picture. Ensuring there’s a good relationship and transfer of information between all parties will help you get properly set up from the get go.



Fundamentals of Construction Finance

To give us an idea of what to consider when securing funding, Leah takes us through some scenarios Entourage Finance’s clients face and the process of assessing the build contracts. She runs us through structural changes vs non-structural improvements, and what it means to utilise the equity in your property to access the cash you need.



We discuss borrowing capacity and break down the numbers in detail, so you have an idea of how much a bank may be willing to lend - as well as the money you may need to contribute!



Preparing for Additional Costs

While a build contract may include significant costs, it’s crucial to have an idea of the total cost of what isn’t included. How much cash do you have aside for the pool, the landscaping or even your tapware? If you’re going to be doing anything in addition to what’s inside the contract, figure out how much you need to borrow, as well as what your savings position is. This will help you greatly in structuring and utilising your funds in the best way. 



While financing your project might seem like an overwhelming process, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the stress. Reaching out to the experts is your best bet to kick start your project with confidence, knowing that you’re equipped with the information you need for a successful build.



So, join us as we dispel the confusion and get you up to speed on how to best finance the home build of your dreams!



LINKS:



Connect with Leah:
Website:https://entourage.com.au/
Instagram:@entourage_au



Connect with us:
Buy our book:BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
BuildHer Website:https://buildhercollective.com.au/
BuildHer Instagram:@buildhercollective
BuildHer Facebook:Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call:https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

As women, we often won’t talk about finance or loans and how to navigate them when looking to start a build - it even seems a little taboo!
 
However, understanding how it all works is crucial in completing a successful renovation or home build. Today, Leah Ziskos from Entourage Finance is back to chat all about understanding construction finance and where to begin when looking at the different options available.
 
Seeking Advice Early On
From equity withdrawals to construction loans, it’s important to be armed with the knowledge on how you can best finance your project. Not only will you be able to understand how much you can actually spend, it will give you the confidence for things like sourcing builders and engaging architects. We talk about the importance of seeking advice early on so you can make an action plan to tackle the many different aspects of your build.
 
While speaking to a broker might be the obvious first step, we discuss the value of involving your accountant and real estate agent to help you understand the whole picture. Ensuring there’s a good relationship and transfer of information between all parties will help you get properly set up from the get go.
 
Fundamentals of Construction Finance
To give us an idea of what to consider when securing funding, Leah takes us through some scenarios Entourage Finance’s clients face and the process of assessing the build contracts. She runs us through structural changes vs non-structural improvements, and what it means to utilise the equity in your property to access the cash you need.
 
We discuss borrowing capacity and break down the numbers in detail, so you have an idea of how much a bank may be willing to lend - as well as the money you may need to contribute!
 
Preparing for Additional Costs
While a build contract may include significant costs, it’s crucial to have an idea of the total cost of what isn’t included. How much cash do you have aside for the pool, the landscaping or even your tapware? If you’re going to be doing anything in addition to what’s inside the contract, figure out how much you need to borrow, as well as what your savings position is. This will help you greatly in structuring and utilising your funds in the best way. 
 
While financing your project might seem like an overwhelming process, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the stress. Reaching out to the experts is your best bet to kick start your project with confidence, knowing that you’re equipped with the information you need for a successful build.
 
So, join us as we dispel the confusion and get you up to speed on how to best finance the home build of your dreams!
 
LINKS:
 
Connect with Leah:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Website:<a href="https://elevatebuilding.com.au/"> </a><a href="https://entourage.com.au/">https://entourage.com.au/</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/entourage_au/">@entourage_au</a></li>
</ul>
 
Connect with us:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Buy our book:<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/buildher-kribashini-hannon/book/9781922417015.html"> BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Website:<a href="https://buildhercollective.com.au/"> https://buildhercollective.com.au/</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/buildhercollective/"> @buildhercollective</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">BuildHer Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/124766904835381/?source_id=1422767287757142"> Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate &amp; Build</a></li>
</ul>
Register for a call:<a href="https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer"> https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer</a>

Photography & Interior Styling: The art of capturing the design story behind a space with Kryssia Agius

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