Published 29 Jul 2025
S4. Ep 12. Talking with Tony Phillips about Modern Methods, Mindset Shifts, and Shaking up Construction with Altform
G'day legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast!
In this episode, I'm joined by Tony Phillips, Executive GM at Altform, a bloke with deep industry roots and big ideas on doing things better.
We unpack Tony's journey from steel sheds in rural Vic to product innovation at Altform, plus how they're tackling speed, safety and sustainability on-site. We also get into culture, leadership, and shaking up a pretty traditional industry.
If you're into smarter building and bold thinking, you'll love this one.
Takeaways:
- ✅Tony's career path from steel sheds to startup
- ✅What Altform actually is and how it's helping reshape site delivery
- ✅The real-world benefits of productised construction: faster, cleaner, safer
- ✅Why influencing a conservative industry is a slow but important game
- ✅Hiring the right people and building a strong internal culture
- ✅Why modern methods need modern mindsets
- ✅The disconnect between uni and on-site experience
- ✅The importance of flexibility, without losing accountability
- ✅How to turn challenges into innovation opportunities
Chapters:
- 07:52 – Generational Influence in the Construction Industry
- 10:41 – The Role of Young Professionals in Construction
- 13:26 – Empathy and Leadership in Attracting Talent
- 16:20 – Introducing Altform and Modern Methods of Construction
- 19:51 – The Vision and Purpose of Altform
- 22:33 – Personal Journey and Career Decisions
- 26:51 – Navigating Change in the Construction Industry
- 31:14 – The Quest for Certainty in Construction
- 36:59 – Building a Flexible Delivery Method
- 44:47 – The Role of AI in Design and Construction
- 50:56 – Lessons Learned from One-off Projects
- 52:42 – Innovative Construction Projects and Client Engagement
- 54:50 – The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptation in Leadership
- 57:32 – Building Trust and Managing Risks in Business
- 59:39 – The Need for Outside-the-Box Thinking in Construction
- 01:05:40 – Sales as a Core Component of Construction
- 01:07:42 – Future Aspirations for Altform and the Construction Industry
Hit play and hear how Tony's helping drive change from the ground up literally!
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Altform #ConstructionInnovation #ModernMethodsofConstruction #MMC #ProductisedConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #IndustryCulture #ConstructionCareers #FutureOfConstruction #SafetyInConstruction #BuildingSmarter #ConstructionTechnology #AustralianConstruction
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor the guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
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Building Talks Podcast
Talking to professionals in construction, property development, architecture, and beyond.
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