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Tim and Kevin pull on their hard hats for a tour of 66 Portland Place, the striking 1934 London home of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees Jack Pringle guides them through the building as it’s being stripped back, restored and reimagined as a new, more welcoming public home for architecture. Along the way, they uncover the work of designer Miriam Wornum, whose colourful original interiors have been hidden or lost over the decades and Jack also reveals plans for a new home for the incredible RIBA archive. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1) We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure. Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Jack PringleBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim and Kevin head to West London to borrow the keys to an apartment in Trellick Tower, the iconic Brutalist apartment block designed by Hungarian émigré architect Ernő Goldfinger — an absolute banger of an example of social housing. Joining them on the sofa is Ernő’s granddaughter, Pippa, who shares her very personal story of growing up around her incredibly progressive grandparents, particularly at 2 Willow Road, Ernő’s groundbreaking modernist development that became a very modern multigenerational home and is now a much-loved National Trust house museum. Pippa, who also leads a creative life as Head of Design at Design West, paints the most wonderful picture of the incredible life her grandfather led as we explore his significant legacy. Learn more about Design West on their website – designwest.org.uk Check out 2 Willow Road on the National Trust website – nationaltrust.org.uk To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1) We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure. Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Pippa GoldfingerBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a bonus episode with Pippa Goldfinger, especially curated by Kevin for you.  Works best if you listen to the main episode first - Series 3, Episode 9.    To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1) We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure. Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Pippa GoldfingerBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst)     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Kev drags a slightly confused Tim to Leigh, outside Manchester, to explore Leigh Spinners Mill, a vast former cotton mill. He’s less confused when he finds out it’s been given an extraordinary new life as a thriving community hub. Built in 1913 for the Horrocks family, the mill is a reminder of the textile industry that once dominated Greater Manchester, shaping its towns, communities and skylines before its decline during the 20th century. Joining the lads is planner and heritage expert Catherine Dewar to talk about Britain’s remarkable industrial heritage, why we need to find new uses for old buildings and why restoration doesn’t always need to mean making everything perfect. Today the mill is home to artists, small businesses, a cinema, theatre, gym, archery club, computer museum, hypnotist and a clairvoyant. Yes, it’s as bonkers as it sounds but you are going to find out why it works. It’s amazing what happens when you “Don’t knock the bloody thing down.” Leigh Spinners Mill gets five stars from Tim. Follow the mill on Instagram (@spinnersmillleigh). Catherine Dewar has had a 30 year career in managing change to heritage across England, and was most recently Historic England’s Regional Director in the North West of England. In March 2026, she left her director role to set up her own consultancy, providing place leadership and progressive heritage advice across the development, heritage and culture sectors. Catherine is an urban planner by training and in heart…passionate about making places that not only work but that also bring people joy. She likes nothing more than exploring new towns and cities, and all their nooks and crannies! She has a particular soft spot for industrial heritage in all its scarred, rusty glory. (More details on her website catherinedewar.com)  To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1) We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure. Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Catherine DewarBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a well-designed hotel? This listener question set off a chain of events that created a cavalcade of hot takes, extreme rants about the state of modern hotels, a potted history of motels, a small-scale therapy session about the lettering on bottles in hotel bathrooms, a revelation about an unexpected adult movie star, and the rest you can find out for yourself. This is another feedback episode, powered by your wonderful emails To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin and Lucienne Day, were the most distinguished British designers of the post war period. Their designs were woven into everyday life. Robin's revolutionary polypropylene chair became one of the most widely used chairs in history, while Lucienne's vibrant textile designs helped define the optimistic look of post-war Britain. Together, they transformed the way ordinary people lived, proving that great design didn't belong in galleries, but in schools, homes, pubs, theatres and village halls. In this episode, Tim and Kevin sit down with their daughter, Paula Day, inside London's Royal Festival Hall – the very building where her parents' careers were transformed during the 1951 Festival of Britain. Paula shares the remarkable story of how two young designers, emerging from the austerity of the Second World War, helped redefine British modernism through furniture, textiles and an unwavering belief that good design should be accessible to everyone. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Paula Day (@robinlucienneday)Big Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, Sam Neill kindly agreed to join us on the podcast. The plan was to wait until Kevin was back in Australia so we could all sit down together, unfortunately we couldn’t make the dates align. Last week, Tim went back through his archives and rediscovered a conversation the two of them recorded years earlier for a project that never eventuated. For the next hour, you get to spend some time with Sam. You’ll hear about his love of life, wine, acting and architecture. It’s funny, thoughtful, candid and full of the warmth that so many of us admired. It’s a small tribute to Sam. This conversation was recorded with Tim Ross and Sam Neill in Sam’s Sydneyapartment in 2019. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the night of 14 November 1940, nearly 500 Luftwaffe bombers descended on Coventry. Over the next 11 hours, they dropped more than 500 tonnes of high explosives and around 30,000 incendiary bombs on the city. By morning, 568 people had been killed, around 850 seriously injured and 43,000 homes damaged or destroyed. At the centre of it all, the medieval Cathedral of St Michael had been reduced to a roofless shell. Rather than clear the ruins away, Coventry left them standing. Alongside them, Sir Basil Spence created an extraordinary new modernist cathedral. Together, the two buildings have become internationally recognised symbols of hope and reconciliation. Tim and Kevin visit Coventry to meet the Very Reverend John Witcombe, who has just concluded a 13-year tenure as Dean of Coventry Cathedral. During his time, John removed the admission charge and reconnected the cathedral with the arts, welcoming musicians including The Specials, John Grant, Beth Hart and The Libertines to perform across the cathedral precinct. What begins as a conversation about architecture slowly unfolds into something deeper. This is a conversation we all need right now. To keep up to date with event at the Cathedral, follow their Instagram at@coventry_cathedral_events To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: The Very Reverend John WitcombeBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim and Kevin head into the English countryside to visit acclaimed artist Morag Myerscough and artist-musician Luke Morgan, who traded the excitement of inner-city London for an unloved modernist house, an ambitious renovation and a completely different way of living. Five years into the renovation, with the end in sight, they open up their home and their lives to share the unexpected ways the house has transformed them. On a perfect summer's day, with the doors flung open and birds chirping in the background, they slowly reveal how taking on a home that had never truly found the right owners has changed their lives forever. Check out Morag’s website here (moragmyerscough.com). Luke’s band’s website is thehighliners.co.uk To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuests: Morag Myerscough and Luke MorganBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can architecture help solve the housing crisis? Acclaimed London architect Peter Barber thinks it can, and he's proving it one street at a time. Tim and Kevin head to London to meet one of Britain's most admired architects, whose award-winning work is rethinking what social and affordable housing can be. From his remarkable King's Cross studio, where every wall is lined with hand-built architectural models, Peter explains why the best neighbourhoods aren't created by grand gestures, but by streets where people get to know each other and communities are given the chance to flourish. Peter shares his vision for tackling one of society's biggest challenges, exploring why familiar housing forms still have so much to teach us, what we've lost in the pursuit of home ownership, and why he believes governments already know how to solve the housing crisis. They simply need the courage to act. Thoughtful, passionate and quietly optimistic, Peter makes a compelling case that better housing isn't just possible, it's already being built. Plus, after discovering that Kevin's lifelong musical heroes were staying in the very same hotel, Tim embarks on a mission to persuade him to say hello. It turns out even "that bloke from Grand Designs" gets starstruck. This episode will make you happy.  Listen now if you aren't already. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Peter Barber (@peterbarber12)Big Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim and Kevin head to Melbourne for a special conversation with celebrated Australian designer Mary Featherston in her groundbreaking home, designed by Robin Boyd in 1967 - an intergenerational house where family life and creative work have been intertwined for almost six decades. One of Australia’s most influential voices in design, Mary reflects on the evolution of her home over nearly 60 years with wisdom, generosity and razor-sharp insight. While her early career is best known for her furniture collaborations with her husband, Grant Featherston, Mary has more recently focused on creating progressive learning environments for children. In this conversation, she generously shares the ideas and philosophies that have shaped that work. Joining Tim and Kevin is Mary’s son, Julian Featherston, who also lives in the house and led the recent alterations that have ensured this remarkable home will continue to serve the Featherston family for many years to come. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuests: Mary Featherston and Julian FeatherstonBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this very special bonus mini episode, we have some huge news about our episode available exclusively on cassette, some even bigger news about another huge launch that’s definitely not on cassette. What else? A preview of Series 3 (which begins June 23) and Kevin’s incredible impersonation of a seagull. If you would like a copy of our cassette, they are available at modernisterbooks.com To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia, Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim and Kevin head to Perth to meet businesswoman, arts patron and National Living Treasure Janet Holmes à Court AC inside her extraordinary private gallery housed in a former paint factory. Janet’s gallery is open to the public and her belief that art should be seen by everyone is central to the generosity she shows as an indefatigable champion of the arts in Australia. This is an illuminating conversation about the intersection of art and architecture, the unique nature of Western Australian culture, and then some totally random stuff that is also going to make you happy. Janet is fab. You will love her. To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia. The Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Janet Holmes à Court AC (gallery.hac)Big Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim and Kevin head to Canberra to meet architect Shannon Battison, a former President of the Australian Institute of Architects, who spent a considerable amount of time designing the perfect home for her family. Then she threw a rather large spanner in the works and bought them a new one — a 1970s experimental house designed by her mentor. To make matters worse, it’s quite small and needs substantial repairs, or, to be more precise, it’s partially falling down. What’s driven her to take this on? Which member of her household talked her into it? Is this both the best and worst thing she’s ever done? And why do iconic houses seem to hypnotise people and leave them powerless to their charms? This is your chance to find the answers to these questions and more. You can follow the restoration journey of Rivendell on Shannon's Instagram - @_studio.sdb To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia, Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudGuest: Shannon Battison (@_studio.sdb)Big Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s quite a large amount of your emails in the Manila folder, and it’s time to get through them. We have questions, corrections and some rather bonkers observations. We are also looking to launch the most ridiculous extension to the podcast that anyone could imagine. A rather large small clue is in the graphic above. Rate, subscribe and give yourself a high five. Neil Clerehan audio courtesy of Traces Films https://www.tracesfilms.com To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventureAnd be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected] someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.   Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia, Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand.    Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloudBig Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.Executive Producer: Shelley KempAudio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk MediaMusic: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.