Yash Idnani

Yash Idnani, lead architect and director of Epic Design Works, brings a designer's perspective on navigating NZ's building code complexity, medium density housing, and subdivision work. With 300+ jobs completed (including a 28-lot subdivision in South Auckland), Yash discusses the tension between creativity and constantly evolving building code, the massive difference between building consenting and infrastructure/public works (PWA Act), and NZ's bureaucratic pace compared to China's speed. A passionate Barcelona football fan, Yash draws fascinating parallels between Xavi's "Total Football" philosophy and his approach to design, every player/team member plays every role. The conversation also touches on NZ's need for a policy attitude shift to encourage growth over mere survival.

Key Topics Discussed

• Building code complexity. Code constantly evolves, creating tension between creativity/innovation and compliance. Designers must balance solutions that go beyond just "acceptable solutions written in the code." Medium density and subdivision work requires understanding of multiple overlapping requirements.
• Infrastructure vs building consenting. Completely different worlds. Building: dealing with EPA work and property consent. Infrastructure: Public Works Act (PWA) process, land acquisition, stakeholder convincing, local board approvals, Iwi/Mana Whenua, arborist reports, lizard management plans. "Building buildings is very different to building infrastructure."
• NZ bureaucracy vs pace of development. NZ needs balance between environmental protection and development speed. China builds incredibly fast but NZ wouldn't want that extreme. Current system too bureaucratic, "too protective, killing the creativity." Brain drain to Australia because not enough opportunities. Need policy shift from ministerial level.
• Total Football as business philosophy. Barcelona's Total Football (every player plays every role) informs Yash's design approach. Xavi was "the greatest architect of Spanish football." Pivoting between design and construction roles, understanding the full picture rather than siloed specialisation.
• Football geopolitics. Middle Eastern countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia 2031 World Cup) using sports to cover bad human rights reputation. US acquiring players like Messi. Russia stopped Crimea aggression to host 2018 World Cup. "Politics around football is shaping the way we are living."

Notable Quotes

• Yash: "Building buildings is very different to building infrastructure, it's a completely different ball game."
• Yash: "There has to be a balance. We are off balance, too bureaucratic, too protective, killing the creativity."
• Yash: "Football has really taught me how to operate between the lines of construction... pivot myself in the centre."
• Yash: "The attitude starts from the ministerial level, from the policies. I don't see anything that really says we need to push forward and do something bigger."

Guest Background

Yash Idnani is lead architect and director of Epic Design Works. Focuses on medium density housing, subdivision work, and commercial projects in Auckland. Has completed 300+ jobs including a 28-lot subdivision in South Auckland (urban design level with road network and services design). Also does landscape and Monty Lodge-style work. Passionate Barcelona and Lionel Messi fan. First time on a podcast. References Simon Court's episode (Ep 39) as worth watching.