Grand Designs Live

Shaynna Blaze & Claudia Sorace 

Are you a young couple searching for your first home? Maybe you’re a retired engineer looking to downsize with your wife, now the children have fled the nest? Possibly you’re an investor or a property developer hunting for your next property to add to your portfolio. Or perhaps you are one of the crazy; perfectionist or obsessive elitists that want to create their own original, Grand Design.  

The Foxtel ‘Lifestyle’ group of shows, appeals to a wide demographic. It’s definite to say, that because of this, when they hold a live event, it’s a pretty big deal.  The scale is gargantuan and there is a niche of crazed, home/architectural-obsessed based fans that will fight you, albeit to the death, for a photo with Kevin McCloud.

My mother had attended the year previously, to the ‘Grand Designs Live - Australia’ and the experience was so inspiring she wanted to return this year with me (I would have attended last year, but I was slumming at London Fashion Week 2012). So what is the event all about? Well, everything you could want for your home; new technologies, eco friendly living, the latest in home and interior design is all clustered under the one roof in a single exhibit.

Kevin McCloud & Claudia Sorace

Yet, I still haven’t begun to discuss the ‘Grand Design’s Live’ celebrities. Firstly, and of course, there is Kevin McCloud from the Grand Designs series UK. Upon meeting Mr. McCloud in the VIP room, it is apparent why he is considered such a legend in his field. Kevin McCloud has an exceptional narrative voice, and he is genuinely humble and somewhat selfless.  His sheer intellect and wit, as I, a sapiosexual, made me weak at the knees.

The crazed ‘Lifestyle’ fans brought him props to wear, spent considerable time asking him questions (that I’m positive he’s been asked a million times before). Kevin McCloud however, doesn’t waver in his interest in everyone he meets, he could stand there bored as hell, but instead he tried on the props his fans brought him and answered every question thrown at him.

Andrew Winter & Claudia Sorace 

Luckily, I was then able to literally stumble into Shaynna Blaze. This woman is incredible. Not only is she an interior design extraordinaire, but also she is a wonderful television presenter. Of course when I met her, I couldn’t help (like a crazed ‘lifestyle’ fan) compliment her achievements. Shaynna Blaze however, wanted to know about me. The day prior to the event I was discharged from hospital due to a medical condition. When Shaynna Blaze after prompting me, discovered this information she said “You stand tall and without doubt. You hold your shoulders back and be proud of who you are!”. She is inspirational and upbeat, it makes total sense why she has become so successful. 

Whilst discussing her show “Selling Houses Australia” I did mention that Andrew Winter was my favorite television celebrity. What was to come literally blew me away.

Shaynna Blaze arranged a private meeting for Andrew Winter and myself. It was incredible. Not only is Andrew Winter a lecturer in his field, but also he, unlike his television persona, is a man of sharp wit and hilarity, not as grumpy as one would have thought.

Bryce Holdaway & Claudia Sorace

Not only that, but soon after I had the honor to meet with Bryce Holdaway (Location, Location, Location Australia). Bryce, along with Kevin McCloud, Andrew Winter, Shaynna Blaze, Chalie Albone, Peter Maddison (Grand Designs Australia) all gave lectures in their field. Not only did I, as a person who hasn’t bought into real estate yet, learn an immense amount about the value of what to look for when buying, but also the eco living and interior design methods can only be learnt truly by these legends.

If you are a fan of Grand Designs and these neighboring programs, I urge you to, in 2014 attend this event. The event runs in Sydney and Melbourne, daily all of the stars listed above and more from the Lifetsyle Channel attend, giving a schedule of timed lectures. You may have the opportunity to meet them, and if you splurge a little, the VIP package gives you access to a hideaway with the stars, free flowing wine or champagne, canapés and the chance to mingle with people who are all there to appreciate one thing; design, architecture and style.