Building The Dream Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:02:05 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2513935 en-gb © 2026 Building The Dream yes f6bb83b7-c8c5-57e9-a209-21a61d5ef3c5 ashley@aurasurfaces.uk Ashley Fabian episodic false Welcome to Building the Dream, the podcast for anyone passionate about property, construction, and the real stories behind creating amazing spaces.

This show is for everyone: industry veterans with decades of experience, newcomers planning their first build, designers, tradespeople, architects, investors, hotel owners, and anyone fascinated by the world of property. We go way beyond glossy photos and marketing jargon. Here, you’ll hear the truth: the wins, the failures, the lessons learned the hard way, and the stories nobody else is telling.

Each episode, we bring together honest voices from across the construction industry, sharing their journeys, expertise, and the trials and tribulations they’ve faced along the way. From design and energy, to finance, renting, sustainability, and what it’s really like to bring a vision to life, Building the Dream covers it all, whether you’re working on a family home or a five-star hotel we hope this podcast gives you value. 

This is my passion project, and a space i have created for open, authentic conversations and real education. I want you to feel inspired, informed, and never alone in your journey. 

Every episode tells a story and delivers value, giving you insights you won’t find in textbooks or sales pitches.

Episodes drop fortnightly on Tuesdays, featuring special guests from every corner of the industry. 

So whether you’re in the trade, thinking of starting a project, or just love a good story about building something extraordinary, you belong here.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Ashley Fabian ashley@aurasurfaces.uk https://storage.buzzsprout.com/dn2sp35v2ygoivuawkt9t59rhrq9?.jpg Building The Dream The Rise of Porcelain Slabs | Loui Livramento, Founder of Clay International The Rise of Porcelain Slabs | Loui Livramento, Founder of Clay International In this episode of Building the Dream, Ashley sits down with Loui Livaramento, founder of Clay International, to explore why porcelain slabs are rapidly becoming the new standard in modern homes and commercial spaces.

With over 40 years in the stone and surface industry, Loui brings rare, first-hand insight into how porcelain slabs have evolved — from early scepticism to widespread adoption across kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and large-scale developments.

They discuss:

  • How porcelain slabs compare to natural stone in real-world use
  • Why thinner formats like 12mm are transforming kitchens and interiors
  • The role of technology, finishes, and large formats in modern design
  • How education and understanding unlock better design decisions
  • Where the UK market is heading next with porcelain slabs

This is an honest, experience-led conversation about progress, performance, and why porcelain slabs now sit confidently alongside — and often ahead of — traditional surface materials.

Guest: Loui Livaramento, Founder of Clay International
Podcast: Building the Dream
Host: Ashley Fabian

]]> In this episode of Building the Dream, Ashley sits down with Loui Livaramento, founder of Clay International, to explore why porcelain slabs are rapidly becoming the new standard in modern homes and commercial spaces.

With over 40 years in the stone and surface industry, Loui brings rare, first-hand insight into how porcelain slabs have evolved — from early scepticism to widespread adoption across kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and large-scale developments.

They discuss:

  • How porcelain slabs compare to natural stone in real-world use
  • Why thinner formats like 12mm are transforming kitchens and interiors
  • The role of technology, finishes, and large formats in modern design
  • How education and understanding unlock better design decisions
  • Where the UK market is heading next with porcelain slabs

This is an honest, experience-led conversation about progress, performance, and why porcelain slabs now sit confidently alongside — and often ahead of — traditional surface materials.

Guest: Loui Livaramento, Founder of Clay International
Podcast: Building the Dream
Host: Ashley Fabian

]]> Ashley Fabian Buzzsprout-18647673 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3808 1 3 full false From Pinterest to Planning Permission – Building It Right with Fresh Architects From Pinterest to Planning Permission – Building It Right with Fresh Architects In this episode of Building the Dream, Ashley sits down with George and Maria from Fresh Architects — the design duo known for turning bold ideas into beautiful, buildable homes.

We talk about:

  • How to find the right architect for your project
  • What planning permission is really like
  • Why most budgets are way off (and how to fix that)
  • How to balance Pinterest dreams with practical design
  • The power of phasing, smart glazing, and future-proofing
  • Real stories of beachfront builds, sunken lounges, and car lifts

Whether you’re building a house, renovating your forever home, or just dream-scrolling Pinterest — this episode will change how you think about architecture, planning, and design.

🏡 Learn how to build smarter, not just bigger.
 🔧 Get real tips from architects who actually do the work.
🎧 Listen now, and make your dream home a reality.

🔗 Explore Fresh Architects: www.fresharchitects.co.uk

📲 Follow @aurasurfaces for more episodes like this

#architecture #fresharchitects #dreamhome #selfbuild #homeinspo #planningpermission #budgetbuild #modernhomes #buildingpodcast #interiordesign #constructionuk

]]> In this episode of Building the Dream, Ashley sits down with George and Maria from Fresh Architects — the design duo known for turning bold ideas into beautiful, buildable homes.

We talk about:

  • How to find the right architect for your project
  • What planning permission is really like
  • Why most budgets are way off (and how to fix that)
  • How to balance Pinterest dreams with practical design
  • The power of phasing, smart glazing, and future-proofing
  • Real stories of beachfront builds, sunken lounges, and car lifts

Whether you’re building a house, renovating your forever home, or just dream-scrolling Pinterest — this episode will change how you think about architecture, planning, and design.

🏡 Learn how to build smarter, not just bigger.
 🔧 Get real tips from architects who actually do the work.
🎧 Listen now, and make your dream home a reality.

🔗 Explore Fresh Architects: www.fresharchitects.co.uk

📲 Follow @aurasurfaces for more episodes like this

#architecture #fresharchitects #dreamhome #selfbuild #homeinspo #planningpermission #budgetbuild #modernhomes #buildingpodcast #interiordesign #constructionuk

]]> Ashley Fabian Buzzsprout-17814119 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100 3392 1 2 full false The Hidden Truth About Water Waste — and What One Founder Did About It The Hidden Truth About Water Waste — and What One Founder Did About It Water isn’t just running out, it’s being wasted every single day in ways you’ve probably never thought about.

In this eye-opening episode of Building the Dream, we sit down with Steve Harding, founder of ShowerKAP, to explore the reality behind the UK’s growing water crisis, and the smart, behavioural tech that could help fix it.

From 71,000 homes built each year in the South East to showers that use more than a bath, this conversation will change the way you think about your own water use. Steve shares the personal story that led to ShowerKAP’s creation, why long showers are more than just indulgent, and how universities, hotels, and households are starting to pay attention.

💧 Why water is the real sustainability emergency
💡 How a behavioural “fade” in your shower can save 30%+ in water and energy
🛠️ What’s broken with the UK’s water infrastructure, and who’s really responsible

Learn how a father, an engineer, and an unexpected moment of frustration led to one of the most quietly important innovations in the fight for a more sustainable future.

🔗 Learn more: showerkap.co.uk

]]> Water isn’t just running out, it’s being wasted every single day in ways you’ve probably never thought about.

In this eye-opening episode of Building the Dream, we sit down with Steve Harding, founder of ShowerKAP, to explore the reality behind the UK’s growing water crisis, and the smart, behavioural tech that could help fix it.

From 71,000 homes built each year in the South East to showers that use more than a bath, this conversation will change the way you think about your own water use. Steve shares the personal story that led to ShowerKAP’s creation, why long showers are more than just indulgent, and how universities, hotels, and households are starting to pay attention.

💧 Why water is the real sustainability emergency
💡 How a behavioural “fade” in your shower can save 30%+ in water and energy
🛠️ What’s broken with the UK’s water infrastructure, and who’s really responsible

Learn how a father, an engineer, and an unexpected moment of frustration led to one of the most quietly important innovations in the fight for a more sustainable future.

🔗 Learn more: showerkap.co.uk

]]> Ashley Fabian Buzzsprout-17735750 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0100 5209 1 1 full false