Big Design Adventure
Arts
About
Two mates, Tim Ross — comedian, broadcaster, and self-described design nerd — and Kevin McCloud — pundit, writer and celebrated host of Grand Designs — have teamed up for a new podcast: Tim and Kev’s Big Design Adventure. In this audio escapade, the architectural enthusiasts embark on a rollicking (and occasionally shambolic) journey, sharing their love of design by visiting buildings that inspire them, meeting the people who create or inhabit them, and diving deep into the places that shape and spark their imaginations.
Episodes
- S2 Ep 14 - The Hypnotic Charm of an Iconic House
Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud meet architect Shannon Battison to discuss her decision to purchase and restore a 1970s experimental house. The episode explores the challenges of the restoration and why iconic homes can be so captivating.
- S2 Ep 13 – A Feedback Episode
In this feedback episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud respond to listener emails, questions, and observations. The episode also introduces a new podcast extension.
- S2 Ep 12 - Kate Hulett The Culture Creator
Hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud travel to Fremantle, Western Australia, to interview Kate Hulett. Hulett discusses her advocacy for sustainable development, public spaces, and improved housing within her community.
- S2 Ep 11 - John Wardle The Collector
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, Tim and Kevin visit architect John Wardle at his award-winning Burnt Earth Beach House in Anglesea. Wardle discusses his approach to architecture, the importance of craft, his collection of objects,…
- S2 Ep 10 - Alright Governor?
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud tour Admiralty House and interview the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, about her vision for the ro…
- S2 Ep 9 - Marsala House Iwan Iwanoff
In S2 Ep 9 of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud explore the Marsala House in Dianella, Perth. Designed by Iwan Iwanoff in 1976, this sculptural concrete block home features a notable dance floor and is discussed with c…
- S2 Ep 8 - The Society Architect
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud speak with Esther Clerehan about her father, Neil Clerehan. Neil was a Melbourne architect who influenced suburban modernism and was also a witty newspaper writer.
- S2 Ep 7 - Patty Hopkins
Hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud interview influential architect Patty Hopkins at the iconic glass and steel home she designed with her late husband, Michael, in 1976. Hopkins discusses her career, the story of their radical residence, and…
- S2 Ep 6 - The Queenslander
Hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud interview architect John Ellway in Brisbane about his approach to transforming the classic Queenslander house style. They discuss balancing contemporary living with subtropical design and the importance of…
- S2 Ep 5 - Ben Shewry’s Mid-Century Dream
Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit chef Ben Shewry at his heritage-listed mid-century Melbourne home designed by architect Ernest Fooks. Ben discusses his passion for architecture, design, and his personal journey of owning the house.
- S2 Ep 4 - House for Birds
Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit artist Leila Jeffreys and musician James Roden in Marrickville to explore their sustainable, bird-friendly home. Designed by Will Fung, the project focuses on connecting with nature and rethinking suburban…
- S2 Ep3 - A Life in the Museum
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit The Homewood, a significant pre-war modernist architectural site designed by Patrick Gwynne. The house, gifted to the National Trust, has been lived in by Lou…
- S2 Ep 2 - Giuseppe’s House
In S2 Ep 2 of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit Giuseppe's House in Perth, restored by architect Kate Fitzgerald. They discuss her 'density by stealth' approach to increasing housing in cities while preserving su…
- S2 Ep 1 - Brutiful Birmingham
In Series Two, Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit Birmingham to discuss the city's post-war modernist architecture and the fight to save the Smallbrook Ringway Centre. They are joined by journalist and campaigner Mary Keating.
- A Christmas Special
Hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud discuss festive room reservations, tinsel, and their favorite Christmas movies and songs in this special episode of Big Design Adventure. They also share details about wooden Christmas ornament makers and f…
- S1 Ep 15 - A Mini Episode
This mini episode of Big Design Adventure covers significant news about the year's final show and addresses frequently asked questions. Information regarding upcoming events, Series 2 suggestions, and host/sponsor details is also provided.
- S1 Ep 14 - Experiments in Social Housing
In this episode, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit London's Highgate New Town, a 1970s social housing scheme by architect Peter Tabori. They speak with architect and resident Rachel Stevenson about the development's design principles…
- S1 Ep 13 - Questions
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud address listener questions and criticisms. Kevin McCloud shares a personal anecdote about a feud with Jamiroquai's Jay Kay. The hosts also touch upon the importance…
- S1 Ep 12 - The Service Station
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit Arne Jacobsen's iconic 1930s service station in Copenhagen, discussing its functionalist modernist design. The conversation touches upon its historical context…
- S1 Ep 11 - Enter the Isokon
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit the Isokon Building in London, a 1934 modernist icon designed by Wells Coates.
- S1 Ep 10 – Mid Century Modern Hollywood
In this episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim and Kev interview Emmy Award-winning Production Designer Julie Berghoff. They discuss her work on The Studio, focusing on achieving a Mid Century Modern Hollywood aesthetic and selecting i…
- S1 Ep 9 – Living In An Iconic New Zealand House
Frances Martin discusses living in the Martin House, a 1960s John Scott home in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The house belonged to her grandfather, ceramicist Bruce Martin.
- S1 Ep 8 - Questions
In S1 Ep 8 of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud address listener questions concerning the value of architects, the potential of prefabricated homes to solve housing issues, and the controversial topic of demolishing ex…
- S1 Ep 7 - Cutlery Town
This episode of Big Design Adventure explores the Splayd, an Australian invention combining spoon, fork, and knife, and the influential cutlery designs of British silversmith David Mellor.
- S1 Ep 6 - Modernist Love
In S1 Ep 6, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud join guest Eddy Rhead from The Modernist to discuss the preservation of 20th-century architecture. The Modernist is an organization dedicated to celebrating and engaging people with twentieth-ce…
- S1 Ep 5 - BONUS CHAT - Flying High
In this bonus episode, Tim and Kevin discuss the evolution of airplane design and mention several aviation-themed movies and books, including Vulcan 607 and The Battle of Britain.
- S1 Ep 5 - Flying High
Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud discuss their favourite airplanes, share helicopter stories, and talk about the worst plane food during a flight. A bonus episode with additional air travel discussion is also mentioned.
- S1 Ep 4 - 24 Hours in Wrexham
In episode 4 of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud spend 24 hours in Wrexham, a historic Welsh town revitalized by the high-profile 2020 purchase of its football club by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
- S1 Ep 3 - Thunderbirds Are Go!
Hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud discuss Gerry Anderson's science fiction series, such as Thunderbirds, Space 1999, Stingray, and Captain Scarlet. The episode covers Supermarionation, the challenges of puppet movement, and the music of Bar…
- S1 Ep 2 - The Art of Living Closely
In S1 Ep 2, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit Winscombe Street in London, a 1960s housing development designed by Neave Brown. Prospective residents had to pass an interview to live there.
- S1 Ep 1 - Rocking the Suburbs
In the first episode of Big Design Adventure, hosts Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud visit Tim's 1950s modernist home in the Sydney suburbs. They discuss kitchen renovations, the pitfalls of before-and-after comparisons, and how much Tim prepare…