Between The Walls
Between The Walls
Podcast Description
A podcast by the Architecture + Design LibraryStep Between the Walls and into the world of design, creativity, and connection. Brought to you by the Architecture + Design Library, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and collaborations shaping New Zealand’s built environment — and beyond.Join us as we talk to architects, interior designers, builders, makers, and industry leaders about their processes, challenges, and the spaces that inspire them. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply design-curious, Between the Walls offers honest conversations, fresh insights, and a look behind the scenes of the creative industries.Welcome to your new favourite place to listen, learn, and be inspired.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics related to architecture, interior design, community building, sustainability, and creative collaboration, with episodes exploring themes like the journey of founding the AD Library, emerging design trends, and the importance of communication in the building industry.
A podcast by the Architecture + Design Library
Step Between the Walls and into the world of design, creativity, and connection. Brought to you by the Architecture + Design Library, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and collaborations shaping New Zealand’s built environment — and beyond.
Join us as we talk to architects, interior designers, builders, makers, and industry leaders about their processes, challenges, and the spaces that inspire them. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or simply design-curious, Between the Walls offers honest conversations, fresh insights, and a look behind the scenes of the creative industries.
Welcome to your new favourite place to listen, learn, and be inspired.
In this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with John Wright from Buster + Punch, a design brand that began in a small London garage surrounded by motorbikes, music, and metal — and has since grown into a global name known for elevating the everyday. From door handles and switches to lighting and furniture, Buster + Punch is all about transforming the unnoticed details of a home into bold, tactile design moments.
John shares the story behind the brand’s origins, the influence of London street culture, and how a handcrafted whiskey bar for members of the Rolling Stones helped shape the company’s early reputation. They explore why solid metals matter, how knurling sparked a global design trend, and what it takes to bring attitude, craftsmanship, and function together across hardware, lighting, and electrical fittings.
They also discuss sustainability, longevity, and the challenge of bringing better-quality fittings into a market used to “that’ll do” options. From smoke bronze and stainless steel trends to the future of smart home technology, this conversation is full of insight for designers, builders, renovators, and anyone who loves thoughtful details.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
The Buster + Punch origin story
How a “frustrated architect” tinkering in an East London garage turned metal, motorbikes, and street culture into a global design brand.
The products that changed everything
The surprising early pieces — including the Rockstar and Popstar whiskey bars — that put Buster + Punch on the map.
Why daily touch-points deserve more attention
Why door handles, switches, and fittings should be high on your design priority list — and why weight, texture, and quality matter.
The power of solid metals
How brass, stainless steel, and signature knurling textures brought new life to hardware and influenced global trends.
Designing across three categories
How the brand maintains a consistent look and feel across hardware, lighting, and electrical — and why that’s harder than it sounds.
Sustainability and longevity
From reducing single-use plastics to creating fittings that last a lifetime, John shares how Buster + Punch is evolving with responsibility in mind.
Trends shaping hardware today
The rise of smoke bronze, the return of stainless steel, and how tapware trends influence hardware selections.
Smart home expectations
How the next generation’s need for automation is shaping the future of switches and home technology.
John’s advice for homeowners and designers:
Don’t overlook the small things
Switches, handles, and fittings shape how a home feels — invest where your hands go most often.
Explore beyond the basic options
You’re not limited to whatever your electrician offers. There are better, smarter, more beautiful choices.
Connect with Buster + Punch:
Website: www.busterandpunch.com
Connect with AD Library:
AD Library: www.adlibrary.nz
AD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working space, and more.
Open Days
Tuesdays 10am – 2pm
Thursdays 10am – 2pm
Every second Saturday of each month 10am – 2pm
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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