Andrew George on Build Insite Podcast – Part 1
“CLT looks simple, but behind the walls it’s incredibly complex — everything needs to be thought of 100 times.”
We recently sat down with Luke and Dean from the Build Insite podcast as part of their Smarter Scaling series. In this first of a two-part episode, Andrew shares some of the lived experience behind running a residential building company on the Central Coast — the challenges, systems and quiet wins that shape Lou Projects.
This isn’t just about construction. It’s about building culture, choosing the right jobs, and designing systems that serve both the team and the client.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Why CLT builds demand deep planning and client commitment
- How team culture starts with self-awareness
- The admin weight builders carry — and why he still misses the tools
- The truth about variations (and why they rarely make money)
- How early pre-construction consulting sets a project up for success
Chapter timestamps
- 00:00 Intro
- 02:30 Andrew’s career and transition into building
- 06:37 Cultivating a culture-first team
- 17:06 Exploring CLT’s benefits and challenges
- 21:15 Why pre‑construction consulting matters
- 25:28 Transparent marketing and client education
- 30:59 Managing variations in a growth-oriented model
- 35:37 Closing reflections
On Craft, Complexity and Culture
“If I hadn’t worked on how I speak and lead, there’s no way we’d be where we are now.”
From story-driven blog posts to in-depth site videos, Andrew reflects on how writing and transparency have shaped Lou Projects’ growth. Whether it’s onboarding the right trades or helping a client understand a detail, it all starts with clarity.
As CLT and high-performance materials become more common, Andrew shares the reality behind building with care — and why it’s not always the easier path, but the right one when the vision is clear.
Listen to Part 1
Related Reading
- Why Lou Projects Values Pre-Construction Consulting A behind-the-scenes look at how upfront collaboration saves time, cost, and confusion on complex architectural builds.
- CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) Spotlight Project A conversation about the complexity and detail involved in delivering a CLT-based home with both performance and texture in mind.
- Team Ethos & Core Principles at Lou Projects Explore the values that guide Lou Projects — from sustainability and craftsmanship to culture and client care.
On CLT builds:
“CLT isn’t easier — it’s harder,” says Andrew. “But if the client loves it, and the planning’s solid, it can result in something extraordinary.”
On leadership:
Andrew reflects on how self-awareness and communication have shaped Lou Projects: “If I hadn’t worked on how I speak and lead, there’s no way we’d be where we are now.”
On sharing knowledge:
From blog posts to Instagram to site videos, Andrew’s approach isn’t just marketing — it’s about lifting the standard of what homeowners and builders expect from each other.
Learn More
For a closer look at our sustainable systems or CLT detailing, explore our finished projects and feel free to get in touch.
Watch for Part 2, where Andrew dives into internal systems, trade collaboration and the benefits of full transparency in scaling.
