Tim Ross 'Rosso'

Tim Ross has had a career spanning decades in the entertainment industry. Starting with his parody band, Black Rose, Tim with his comedic partner Merrick Watts hosted radio shows on Triple J before taking the coveted breakfast slot on newly formed Nova 96.9.

During the 8 successful years at Nova, Merrick and Rosso created numerous TV shows including a late-night talk show, won an Aria for Best Comedy Release and Tim was even awarded GQ Man of the Year.

And whilst he may be best known for his work on TV and radio (at different times hosting both the number one breakfast and drive shows in Sydney) comedian Tim Ross has also always had a passion for architecture and design.

Over more recent years, he has performed his live Man About the House show in architecturally significant buildings and homes all over the world. Skillfully combining comedy, nostalgia, architecture, design and storytelling, Tim Ross has performed a range of live shows including The Mid Century Project, MOTEL and The Australian Dream? exploring Australian’s obsession with homes.

Tim also passionately supports important issues in Australian architecture and design and has been awarded an honorary member of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Tim’s first two-part series on Australian architecture, Streets of Your Town, premiered on ABC TV in November 2016 to rave reviews, and quickly became the most watched arts program on the ABC for the year.

Tim’s latest TV series about why architecture matters, Designing A Legacy, featuring Australian families whose lives have been shaped within the walls of modern masterpieces and poses the question of what will happen to these legacy homes, went to air in February 2021, to rave reviews. A second series of Designing A Legacy, with a broader look at Australian architecture aired on ABC in June 2023.

Tim has written a number of books including his memoir; Mum had a Kingswood. The Rumpus Room, Scorcher and Bewdy embraces Australian life with a collection of short stories. Whilst Motel – Images of Australia on Holidays and recent release Chuck a U-ey – Images of Australians and their cars, explore our past through images of the National Archives. Tim’s latest book – What A Ripper! 60 everyday objects that shaped Australia – has been warmly embraced for its nostalgia and celebration of our innovators.

A testament to his great interview and presenting skills, Tim has hosted a number of podcasts including Constant for the National Art Gallery, Built with Brickworks film series, Cars that Made Australia with Nine podcasts and his personal favourite, Summer Breeze with his best friend Kit Warhurst.

Launched in 2025, Tim & Kev’s Big Design Adventure podcast hosted with Tim’s longtime friend and fellow design enthusiast Kevin McCloud has been named Apple Podcast ANZ Best of 2025. The pair are planning a tour of interesting places in early 2026.