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Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect
Get It Right with Undercover Architect
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  • Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana
    Hello! This is Episode 369, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tatiana. She lives with her partner and three boys in regional Queensland, and is in the exciting stage of finalising their concept design and moving into preliminary drawings for their new family home. She’s back with her latest project update! [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/369] In our last conversation, we met Tatiana at the very start of her journey. If you haven’t heard the first part of Tatiana’s project story, you can find it at Episodes 350 and 351. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/350 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/351 ) Since then, she’s been working closely with her building designer, and collaborating with her builder for input along the way, all while keeping a close eye on their square metre target / floor area size to suit a tight budget. In this episode, Tatiana shares how those budget constraints have actually been helpful in keeping the design disciplined and simple, and how they’re navigating decisions about size, layout, and even whether to keep what Tatiana refers to as a “luxury item” - a third toilet that would be a powder room. We also talk about her home design’s L-shaped layout, the changes they made to create a main entrance that works for their site, and how she’s balancing her own ideas with trusting her designer’s expertise. Plus, we explore upcoming decisions on roof design, ceiling heights, and how to create an alfresco area that works for their climate while staying cost-effective. If you’re in the early stages of planning and want to hear how another homeowner is collaborating with their team, managing a budget, and making key design choices before construction, I think you’ll find this episode full of ideas and insights. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to resources we discuss, you can find it by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/369. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/369 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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 and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Navigating Interior Design and Other Project Choices for a New Build, with Jan and Landon
    Hello! This is Episode 368, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, who are currently building a passive house home for themselves in Sydney’s north. In this episode, we’re diving into a few key updates, starting with their Granny Flat and how its design and construction are coming together. We also discuss interior design selections, and some challenging stormwater issues they’re needing to resolve. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon in the last episode, head back to Episode 367 to hear more. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/367 Jan and Landon first appeared on the podcast in Episodes 338 and 339 to introduce us to their project, so those episodes are there for you to hear more about their journey and where it all began. In this episode, we also chat through a few specific things they’re navigating right now, and I share some suggestions on what their next best steps might be. You’ll hear us talk about how they’re working with their hydrologist and builder to figure out a stormwater solution for a pretty tricky site. We discuss the process of choosing an Interior Designer and building confidence around making selections, especially for kitchen and bathroom finishes. Jan’s been feeling a bit unsure here, so we spent some time talking it through and helping her move forward with more ease. And we also talk about their Granny Flat in terms of airtightness, blower door testing, and what might be possible even though the intention is not to get it certified at Passive House standards. We also talk about white paint, and ALL.THE.CHOICES. there … and which one is my preferred. It’s another great episode if you’re wondering what it looks like to move forward with clarity, even when there are still lots of decisions to make. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/368 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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 and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Passive House Design and Budget Lessons: Project Update, with Jan and Landon
    Hello! This is Episode 367, and in it, I’m speaking with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, about their new home and granny flat that they’re building as a Passive House in Sydney’s north. Jan and Landon have specific goals for their project. They’re both in their 70s, so they’re considering how they can age in place well, as well as create a home that’s in alignment with their sustainability and lifestyle goals. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/367] Jan and Landon were first on the podcast back in Episodes 338 and 339, where we learned about them selling their home of 39 years, to move to a different part of Sydney, and to a site that’s been in Landon’s family for over 70 years. They’re retired teachers so they’re amazing learners and have really embraced their project preparation and management with a fantastic, proactive methodology using the content of HOME Method. This is their first project of this scale, and it’s incredibly exciting they’ve moved to the house on the neighbouring lot to where they are building, and work has started on site for their project. The last time we caught up, we discussed how they found their team, and how they set up a collaborative process with their architect and builder, and got going on their design process. We discussed the priorities for their design, and the qualities of the site, and we also talked about how their builder uses a particular pre-fab panel method to construct a passive house. If you haven’t heard the first part of Jan and Landon’s project journey in those episodes, I’d highly recommend checking them out. You can find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/338 and www.undercoverarchtiect.com/339. In this episode, we catch up on how they’ve travelled with their design, their budget, and how the collaboration has continued on their project. You’ll get to hear how their team has worked together, what their role has been, and what’s surprised and what’s challenged them along the way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear about their project progress as we go into all the details in this update. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/367. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/367 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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 and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • How to Avoid the Drama in Your Renovation or New Build
    Hello! This is Episode 366, and in it, I’m diving into the Drama Triangle and how it can show up in the communication and relationships involved in your renovation or new build project. This episode is a little different to the usual tips, strategies, and homeowner stories I share here. But I know from experience - personally and professionally - that how you communicate can make or break your project journey. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/366] When things get stressful, uncertain, or emotionally charged, it’s easy to fall into unhelpful patterns without even realising it. You might shut down, lash out, try to fix everything for everyone, or feel like you’re walking on eggshells. These responses often come from roles we unconsciously play. Roles like Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer, are part of a well-known psychological model called the Drama Triangle. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what the Drama Triangle is, why it’s so common in building and renovating, and how you can shift out of these roles into something far more empowering, using what’s known as the Empowerment Dynamic. Whether you’re dealing with a tricky team member, struggling to make decisions, or feeling overwhelmed by the process, this episode will give you fresh tools and insights to approach things differently… with more clarity, confidence, and control. As always, if you’d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/366. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/366 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways 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 and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Project Mistakes You’re Making (Without Even Realising It): My Top 5
    Hello! This is Episode 365, and in it, I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes I see homeowners make in their renovation or new build projects - without even realising they’re doing it. These aren’t the obvious, dramatic missteps you hear horror stories about. They’re subtle, sneaky habits and beliefs that can quietly derail your progress, blow your budget, or leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure as your project unfolds. They’re also incredibly common, and totally avoidable once you know what to look for. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/365] So, in this episode, I’ll walk you through each of these mistakes. I’ll also share why these mistakes happen, what the consequences tend to be, and most importantly, how you can course-correct before they cause bigger issues. Whether you’re just starting out, midway through your planning, or already feeling the pinch of uncertainty, this episode will help you step back, reset, and approach your project with far more clarity and confidence. Let’s put these mistakes on your radar so you can feel more informed and prepared to navigate your project successfully. As always, if you’d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/365. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/365 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways 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 and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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About Get It Right with 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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