Sustainable Homes without the Overwhelm

Penny Keogh, Eaves Content Agency and Illawarra Festival of Architecture and DesignIn this launch episode, host Robyn Johnson speaks with friend Penny Keogh about Penny's work in Co-Directing the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design (IFAD) into it's third year of hosting some of the most exceptional professionals in Illawarra region to discuss their projects, and to share their passions. Run annually in October, the 2025 theme is connecting our homes to the outdoors.Eaves Content AgencyIllawarra Festival of Architecture and DesignRobyn's Journey and ExpertiseHost Robyn Johnson, Director of Sustainable Holmes, launched this podcast after her personal struggle to design an energy-efficient home led her to become an accredited energy rater and sustainable building consultant. She brings a unique combination of skills to help homeowners navigate the complex world of sustainable construction:Environmental science and environmental planning backgroundAccredited energy rating expertisePre-design phase assessment including site constraints (water, bushfire, vegetation, planning controls)Comprehensive approach that considers energy goals before design begins. Podcast Mission and ThemesThe podcast targets everyday homeowners in Greater Sydney, Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven areas, connecting them with industry professionals committed to sustainable residential construction. Four key themes guide the content:Clarifying sustainable home goals amid competing factors (durability, energy efficiency, embodied emissions, health)Connecting homeowners with like-minded professionalsEducating on better construction detailsGuiding material selection to avoid overwhelm and ensure early clarity in the building process.I'm a Principal Planner and Accredited Energy Assessor. If you’d like to work with me directly in pre-design for your project in Greater Sydney and Surrounds, or use energy rating information to help make project decisions,head to www.sustainableholmes.com.au or message me on www.instagram.com/sustainable_holmes/I’d love to help bring your sustainable home vision to life!