Get It Right with Undercover Architect
Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect
If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home. Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com
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Why do we do what we do? Plus checklists for your project.
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
10/18/21 • 55 min
Hello! This is Episode 218, and in it, I’m going to take a slightly different direction.
This is very different to the episode I had originally planned for Episode 218. I was going to share a list of checklists every renovation or new build project needs - and don’t worry - I’ll still mention them so you have the info, so stay tuned for that in this episode.
However, there’s a few things that have come up the past week that I want to share with you. Largely because I think it may actually be more relevant and more helpful to your project journey than me telling you about checklists.
However, this info is just a bit harder for me to talk about, because I’m going to get personal. It always feels a bit indulgent to spend this time with you talking about my own learnings and experience. But let’s give it a try, shall we?
Because time and time again, when I do, I get feedback that it’s helpful. And having worked with homeowners for over 25 years, I know that you’re often experiencing quite similar things both inside your project, and outside of it, so to bring these things into the light can also be helpful and validating too.
Of course, if you’re not interested, now is your opportunity to switch this podcast episode off!
And as I said, I will mention the checklists also - I’ve got eight to talk about with you, that I’ll share at the end of this episode.
You can also grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/218.
Now, let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
Is there such a thing as ‘your project mindset’?
And what role does mindset play in renovating and building your family home?
Want to learn more? Plus also hear about some specific checklists that will be useful for your reno or building project?
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/218
Watch the recording (if still available) of my free online workshop “The 4 Universal Factors that will make or break your project” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/four
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Pre-Design: Mistakes to Avoid
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
09/20/21 • 40 min
Hello! This is Episode #214, and it’s the first of four episodes where I’ll be discussing in more detail the four phases of building or renovating your family home.
In this episode, I’m talking about Pre-Design, which is an essential stage to set the framework for your overall project journey, and ensure you have all your ducks in a row before you dive into designing your future home - whoever you’re working with.
I’ll also be sharing some exciting news about my flagship program, the HOME Method.
And, you’re going to hear from some members about their project experience as well, and how they found it to work with me during their renos or new build projects.
Remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/214. So be sure to do that so you can file that away and review this episode as needed.
Now, let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
This episode is about Pre-Design, and the mistakes to avoid during this phase.
I have three key mistakes many make, and I’ll share what they are, the damage they can do, and how you can, and should, avoid them in your project.
Even if you’re past the Pre-Design phase, keep listening, so you can ensure you’ve covered your bases. When these mistakes are made early in your project, they can rear their head much later, so it’s important to ensure you’ve got them sorted as soon as possible.
In the next episode, I’ll discuss the Design Phase. Then after that will be the Pre-Build Phase, followed by the fourth of our episodes, where we’ll cover the Build Phase.
I hope you’re looking forward to hearing the mistakes to avoid in all of these phases, because I’m really aiming to provide you with some actionable advice you can use to steer clear of some drama and stress in your project!
So, let’s dive into the first phase, Pre-Design.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/214
Get your name on the list for our free online workshop “The 4 Universal Factors that will make or break your project” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/four
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Build Phase: Mistakes to Avoid
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
10/11/21 • 41 min
Hello! This is Episode #217, and it’s the last of four episodes where I’ve been discussing in more detail the four phases of building or renovating your family home.
In this episode, I’m talking about the Build Phase.
If you haven’t listened to the previous three episodes, I’d really encourage you to do so. In them, you’ll learn about the other three phases of any project, which are:
- Pre-Design
- Design
- Pre-Build
... and you’ll learn the most commonly made mistakes in each of those phases. Effort and time spent in those three phases will enable you to have a smoother Build Phase overall.
So, even if you’re only listening to this because you’re about to start your Build Phase, it’s worthwhile going through those previous three episodes to ensure you’ve covered all your bases before diving into construction.
Now, when you’re planning on renovating or building your future home, it’s natural to be really heavily focussed on the Build Phase. Because it can feel like that’s where all the action is, and many feel that’s where they’ll need the most help.
And yet, many approach the Build Phase of their project without a true understanding of what it should be like, how they can improve their experience, and the steps to take to avoid dramas and issues. They’re in a hurry to get here, and don’t do what’s required to get themselves suitably prepared.
So, I’ll be sharing more about that, and the common mistakes to avoid.
You'll also hear from a HOME Method member about their project experience as well, and how they found it to work with me during their renovation. And I’ll be reminding you about what is currently going on with HOME Method if it’s been on your radar to jump into for your project.
Remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/217. So be sure to do that so you can file that away and review this episode as needed.
Now, let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
This episode will be about the Build phase, and the mistakes to avoid during this phase.
I have three key mistakes many make, and I’ll share what they are, the damage they can do, and how you can, and should, avoid them in your project.
I unfortunately receive lots of emails from homeowners who tell me they discovered Undercover Architect too late.
It’s very hard for me to help you avoid dramas when you’re already bound into a legal agreement via a building contract.
And so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s not too late for you, and right now you’re listening to this podcast to get prepared before you sign a building contract. But even if you’ve already signed one - I think there’ll still be useful info in here for you.
Tune into this episode, and learn more about the commonly made mistakes in the Build Phase that can make your project far more stressful than it needs to be.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/217
Get your name on the list for our free online workshop “The 4 Universal Factors that will make or break your project” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/four
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> 1 Listener
Sustainable Home Updates - What you need to know
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
01/10/22 • 41 min
Hello! This is Episode 224, and in it, I’m going to be doing an update to one of Year 3’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebration of 5 years of the “Get it Right” podcast.
In the last episode, I shared a reboot of the most popular episode from Year 3 of the podcast. It was from Season 10, which was called “Industry Insiders”. And the episode was my conversation with Jenny Edwards and Sarah Lebner from Light House Architecture + Science.
In it, we dived into some fantastic and actionable information on how to create a sustainable home in a really pragmatic and straight-forward way.
If you haven’t listened to the reboot of that episode, it’s definitely worth checking it out. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/223 and there’s a free downloadable transcript available as well.
Year 3 of the podcast was a varied one, where we covered a huge range of topics. It began with the tail end of Season 8 on the podcast, which is called “A Simple Guide to a Sustainable Home”.
Season 9 was a special video and audio series called “Keeping it Real” where I dived into some of the commonly held beliefs about renovating and building, especially when it comes to reality TV and online media, and the mindset issues that I see surprise homeowners in their own projects.
And then Season 10, which was the Industry Insiders season, plus we snuck in a few episodes of Season 11, the Interior Design Basics Season. So many great episodes on such helpful topics and know-how for any project.
If you are new to the podcast and haven’t familiarised yourself with all of that content, I’d really encourage you to do so. You can find a full index of all our episodes by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast
In this episode, I’m going to provide you with some updates on where the industry is at, and specific regulations and help that can support you in achieving greater sustainability in your future home. At the time of recording this episode, it’s late 2021, and there’s some significant changes coming to Australian regulations, and this is happening worldwide, as the urgency of industry change is ever more present.
I also want to remind you, that whilst ‘sustainable’ may be interpreted as environmentally friendly, or ‘green’ in design and construction, it actually incorporates a lot more as a concept. So when you think about sustainability, think broadly about all things you can do to create a home that meets your current needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download. Just head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/224. I’ll be referring to lots of resources and links for you to check out in this episode, so you only need to remember this one >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/224 to be able to grab all the info you need for this episode.
Now, let’s dive in!
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/224
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
See omnystudio.com/listener for...
1 Listener
Building Healthier Homes with James Cornell, Life Panels [Part 1 of 3 Episodes]
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
05/02/22 • 52 min
Hello! This is Episode 234, and in it, I’m kicking off a 3 part series of interviews with James Cornell from Life Panels, all about building healthier homes.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/234]
James Cornell has been an industry expert on the topic of construction and sustainability for over 20 years. As a licensed builder and master carpenter, and also as a Passive House Certified Consultant, he has become increasingly interested in sustainable construction and the use of materials in creating a better way to build and, ultimately, live.
He’s also the founder and owner of Life Panels, a business that supplies sustainable wood fibre insulation and building systems for walls, roofs and floors of any residential projects.
James has an amazing knack of demystifying the topics of building envelopes, building performance, and building science.
So, if you’re keen to understand more about how to create a home that’s energy efficient, durable and great quality as a thermally comfortable home, this will be perfect for you.
Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/234
Now, let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/234
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mistake #3 | How You Work [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect]
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
10/17/22 • 18 min
Hello!
This is the third and last episode in a special series of mini-sodes I’m doing to help you avoid the mistakes I see many make when choosing, starting and working with a designer during their home renovation or new build.
If you haven’t listened to the first episode about the mistakes many make when choosing their designer, and the second episode about the mistakes many make when starting with their designer, then check out those episodes.
In this mini-sode, I’m going to share the mistakes I see clients make as they continue working with their designer for the weeks and months it can take to create a design.
You can also download a free PDF transcript of this and the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/designer. You’ll also be able to access some additional resources and helpful links for your project and team that I’ve included there.
Plus, I’m hosting a free live online workshop later this month. In it, I’ll be sharing the 4 factors that can make or break your project. This free workshop is a fantastic way to learn about the key things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.
So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near it’s time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there.
Let’s dive in.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer
Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to design a home: The four “F”s of great home design - Episode 1 (Season 2)
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
03/06/17 • 17 min
Let’s get down to the fundamentals. This episode introduces the "four F"s Amelia likes to consider when designing any room in your home. And in designing your home overall.
What are these four Fs? They are:
- Functionality
- Flexibility
- Furnishability
- Flow
(There’s a secret fifth F too!)
Amelia will share with you what each of these mean, and how to use them to create a home design that suits you now, and always.
She'll also outline what ‘design’ actually means. This isn’t an elite, unrealistic or unachievable design. This is the design that makes your everyday life in your home better, simpler, more convenient and more fun. Sometimes the measure of it is that it’s so good, you don’t even notice it.
This episode sets the stage with the core info you need to know before we dive into the rest of the season. As we move forward to discuss each room or space individually, you’ll have a framework to help you get it right.
This episode also begins to answer one of the most common questions Amelia receives: "How do I create a design that works? Especially when I plan on being in this home for 10 to 15 years? How do I predict what my family will need in the years to come, as well as be great for us now?"
Listen to the podcast now. You’ll be on the way to getting it right in your design for your home.
FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Making Sustainable Selections in Your Home Interiors, with Druce Davey, Greener.
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
07/19/21 • 67 min
Step #1 | CLARITY [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
01/31/22 • 16 min
Hello! This is the first mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is called “CLARITY”.
These short and super actionable episodes will help you with the 5 steps you need to take BEFORE you begin your home design.
Be sure to download a free PDF transcript of this and the other four mini-sodes that are part of this series by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/5steps. You’ll also be able to access some additional resources and helpful links for your home design that I’ve included there.
Plus, I’m hosting a free live online workshop later this month. In it, I’ll be sharing the 4 factors that can make or break your project. This free workshop is a fantastic way to learn about the key things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.
So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near it’s time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there.
Let’s dive in.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other four mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/5steps
Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening February 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Choosing Smart Home Systems for a New Build, with Cindy
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
12/09/24 • 38 min
Hello! This is Episode 343, and I’m back with Cindy, HOME Method member, designer and Thermal Performance Assessor, giving us an update on her new build.
We’re talking about her Smart Home System design, selection and specification, as she shares the details of including this in her new build project.
And we also discuss how she’s worked with her build team to ensure the sustainable details - even those they may have never done before - are being correctly included and built in her home.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343]
If you haven’t had the chance to hear the first part of this conversation, you can head back to Episode 342, and hear Cindy share details of how she’s navigated having the timber frame of her home exposed to the elements and wet weather for longer than anticipated. And what that meant for mould growth and remediating the frame before the project could continue.
This can be a big problem for many projects given we build outdoors and can experience wet weather conditions over long periods of time. You don’t want your project to continue and a timber frame to be lined internally and externally if it’s damp or has any mould growth on it, as it’ll cause long term issues for your health and the home’s durability as well.
You can find that episode and its transcript by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/342.
In this episode, I pick up the conversation where we left off Part 1, and my question to Cindy about how she’s worked with her team on site to manage their newness to some of her requirements, specifications and sustainable home goals.
We also have a great discussion about the Smart Home System that Cindy decided to include in her project, including how she chose the system she’s specified, the team members she worked with to coordinate the design, and the various considerations that led her to make the selection she did.
And lastly, Cindy will share a fantastic piece of advice for anyone who is navigating their renovation or new build journey to help you maintain your sanity and stress levels, so stay tuned to the end of the episode for those insights.
Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to Cindy’s previous project updates on the podcast, as well as information on the resources we discuss and photos of Cindy’s home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343
Now, let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/343
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/
Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views ...
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FAQ
How many episodes does Get It Right with Undercover Architect have?
Get It Right with Undercover Architect currently has 349 episodes available.
What topics does Get It Right with Undercover Architect cover?
The podcast is about Design, Podcasts, Education and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Get It Right with Undercover Architect?
The episode title 'Build Phase: Mistakes to Avoid' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Get It Right with Undercover Architect?
The average episode length on Get It Right with Undercover Architect is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Get It Right with Undercover Architect released?
Episodes of Get It Right with Undercover Architect are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect?
The first episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect was released on Nov 17, 2016.
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