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FOR HOMEOWNERS READY TO SAVE TIME, MONEY AND STRESS

Designing, building or renovating shouldn't feel like a gamble. You can enjoy your project and create a home you'll love living in.

With the proven, step-by-step method that radically simplifies your project, so you can feel confident, clear and in control. Whoever you're working with, and wherever you're located.

SHOW ME 'HOME METHOD'

$3,450 AUD · One-time investment · Lifetime Access

7,830+

HOMEOWNERS SUPPORTED

$350M+

PROJECTS ACROSS ARCHITECTURAL CAREER

$1B+

MEMBER PROJECTS UNDERWAY OR COMPLETED

30+ YEARS

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

AWARD WINNING

ARCHITECT + MENTOR

How HOME Method works

An introduction to HOME Method and what it gives you (in under 3 mins).

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“It's all been absolutely worth every cent that we have spent in order to feel like we have control, reduced some of that fear and anxiety, giving confidence to know even what decisions to make, and what questions to ask of other people."

ELLEN, HOME METHOD MEMBER

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Hi, I’m Amelia.
The architect behind Undercover Architect

REGISTERED ARCHITECT · 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE · HONOURS + POST-GRAD QUALIFIED · AWARD-WINNING

I've practised privately, sat on the senior design team for a leading developer, and co-owned an award-winning architectural firm. But it was when my husband and I tackled our own renovations (three of them) that I saw a different side of the industry. Without my "architect" title in full view, I was treated as a mum with a baby on her hip, not a professional. I heard things like "We'll just wait for your husband."

I knew how to advocate for myself. But what about everyone who didn't have my training? I kept hearing the same stories. Cost blowouts. Hidden problems. Overwhelming stress. Disappointing results. So much of it could have been avoided with the right knowledge, structure and tools, applied at the right moment. That's why I built HOME Method.

I could tell you that your renovation or new build will be easy. However, I believe that anything this impactful to your life and finances rarely 'feels' easy. I do know though, that with the right Method, your project can be radically simpler, less stressful, and much more likely to deliver a home that makes your everyday life better. And make your investment of effort, money and time far more worthwhile.

You know the home you want. The path to get there is what's missing.

You can picture it. A home that's light-filled, considered, comfortable, and designed around how your family actually lives.

What's harder to picture is the path between here and there. Where to start. Who to hire first. How to know if the design is right. What to check at each stage, so nothing slips through.

It's not that the information doesn't exist. It's that there's too much of it, in too many places, and none of it knows your project.

So homeowners chase hyper-specific answers (the unusual site, the tight budget, the heritage home, the impossible council), or hand the whole thing over to their chosen team and hope to just choose the colours and finishes.

However, the most unique factor in any project isn't the site, the budget or the team. It's you - the homeowner - and how you show up.

You don't need more information. You need a clear sequence (what to do, when and what to use), and a way to bring your voice into every decision. And experienced support and guidance every step of the way.

That's what HOME Method gives you.

"One of the things that I found came from investing in the Program was it just drastically reduced my anxiety, it stopped. I felt like I had a bit of control back and enough knowledge to make some good decisions. I felt confident."

BELINDA, HOME METHOD MEMBER

JOIN 'HOME METHOD' NOW

$3,450 AUD · One-time investment · Lifetime Access

Inside HOME Method's framework

Every renovation and new build follows the same essential sequence. HOME Method walks you through each phase with the lessons, checklists, templates and guides you need at the moment you need them.

MODULE 01

Pre-Design

Lay the groundwork before you design a single thing, so you don't waste time or money on false starts, or end up with expensive re-do's later in your project.

YOU'LL HAVE:

Clarity on your real financial position and what's actually possible

The right team identified, confidently interviewed and engaged on the right terms

A clear grasp of your local rules and approvals

A pre-construction process to help your project develop on budget, whilst protecting the design vision

MODULE 02

Design

Get your home's design right, whoever is designing it. Functional, beautiful, suited to you, your site and your life (informed by experienced, architectural insider know-how).

YOU'LL HAVE:

A design brief that clearly communicates the home you want, intentionally laid out so nothing is missed

A budget you can hold to under real conditions, whatever is happening in the industry

The skills to read, review and assess design documentation with confidence

The knowledge to make useful and data-driven design decisions, and optimise the potential and value in your project

MODULE 03

Pre-Build

Line everything up before your build starts, so the right decisions get made when they can be the cheapest to make, and before they cause blowouts or regrets during construction.

YOU'LL HAVE:

Lighting, electrical and selections planned for function and atmosphere

Drawings and specifications confidently reviewed for accuracy and completeness

Clear and fair contracts agreed before anything is signed

The right level of documentation to support a confident build and clear communication with your team

MODULE 04

Build

Stay in collaboration through construction. Know what to check, when, and what to ask, so when your project is finished, you have peace of mind it'll stand the test of time.

YOU'LL HAVE:

A collaborative process with the right builder you can trust

Control of contracts, variations and communication without your input being overridden or ignored

The confidence to visit site regularly, watching your home come to life and knowing you're getting the build quality you paid for

A clear path through to completion and handover, with comfort that when the builder leaves, your home is built to last

SIMPLIFYING EVERY STEP + DECISION

Your complete project toolkit, designed by an architect

As well as the Modules, HOME Method includes more than 40 industry-tested templates, checklists, and guides, refined for homeowners to help simplify your decisions and help you get it right each step of the way. Here's only a handful of what's included:

ROOM NOTES

Architectural guides on ideal orientation, recommended dimensions, mistakes to avoid and must-have inclusions for every room of your home.

TEAM SELECTION

Interview checklists and research tips for your designer, builder and other collaborators, so you don't miss the questions that matter most.

BRIEF BUILDER

The structured template for writing a comprehensive design brief that gives you clarity on your ideal future home, and communicates it clearly.

BUDGET TOOLS

Budget guides, a detailed spreadsheet template, and calculator tools to help you set, track and protect your budget through every project stage.

SELECTION SCHEDULES

Interior and exterior schedule templates that help you select and document every inclusion, so you finish with the home you imagined, not the one that fell through the cracks.

SPEC TOOLS

A descriptive specification guide, shopping list and template tools to capture every decision and detail in your finished home, from first discussions through to completion.

AUDIT TOOLS

Drawing review checklists, power and lighting checklists, and other critical stage tools, so nothing important gets overlooked as your project unfolds.

BUILD CHECKLISTS

Stage-by-stage checklists for confident construction management, including framing and pre-completion reviews to cover the biggest milestones of your build.

BONUS MODULE · 8 CONSTRUCTION STAGES

Manage Your Build

Walk onto your site at every stage knowing what to look for, check and what to ask, so issues get caught while they're still fixable. Be confident construction is being carried out as it should.

EARLY CONTRACT

Sign with confidence and protect yourself before work begins on site.

DEMO + SITE PREP

Know what should be set up before any tool hits the ground.

SLAB / BASE

Get the foundation right before mistakes are locked in permanently.

FRAME

Spot layout, opening and structural issues before you can no longer make changes.

LOCKUP PART 1

Walk the home as it takes shape and check what's hidden inside walls.

FACADE / LOCKUP PART 2

Confirm finishes, weatherproofing and external detail are landing right.

FITOUT

Manage one of the busiest stages without losing track and avoiding disappointment.

PRACTICAL COMPLETION

Hand over with the correct paperwork and the confidence the home is complete and signed off.

ONGOING GUIDANCE + SUPPORT

HOME Method Community · Q & A Sessions

You don't have to figure it out alone. Inside HOME Method, you're in an online community with other homeowners walking the same path, and you have direct access to Amelia and her team for the questions only an architect can answer.

YOU'LL HAVE:

A private member community of like-minded homeowners designing, building and renovating right alongside you

Regular live Q&A sessions with Amelia, where you can ask in person, post in the group, or submit through the course website

Every Q&A recorded, timestamped, and keyword-searchable, so the answers stay with you for the life of your project

Lifetime access, so you can return when your project moves to its next phase, and keep learning from the community as well

WHAT'S INSIDE HOME METHOD

4

CORE MODULES

30

STEPS

8

BUILD STAGES

30+

TEMPLATES + CHECKLISTS

25+

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDES

Live

Q & A SESSIONS

Lifetime

ACCESS + UPDATES

A REAL LESSON FROM INSIDE

Watch a sample lesson from Module 1

Before you decide, see how the teaching actually lands. This is an excerpt from a real lesson in Pre-Design, shared exactly as members experience it inside the program. Step #04 is 'Know Your Team' and is supported by 9 downloadable checklists to enable confident team identification, interviewing, selection and commissioning.

3 MINUTE SAMPLE
(LESSONS RUN BETWEEN 6 AND 20 MINS)

TAUGHT BY AMELIA, SUPPORTED WITH DOWNLOADABLE TOOLS + RESOURCES

ALL LESSONS SUPPLIED AS VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AUDIO AND SLIDES

Everything you get inside HOME Method

  • 30 step-by-step lessons across Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build and Build

  • 8 Module 'Manage Your Build' bonus across 8 stages of construction, with checklists and summaries.

  • My 44 page architectural book of 18 ‘Room Notes’ to demystify home design and avoid regretful errors.

  • 22+ Checklists to simplify and improve many complex and critical parts of your project journey, including your interview process, how to access the right town planning info, get the correct documentation, review your drawings for accuracy and completion, plus many more

  • 9+ Time-saving templates to streamline and confidently ensure the accuracy of essential project processes such as creating the right project documentation and recording team communication (plus many others).

  • 7+ Architectural Guides, so you can feel informed and confident in your selections, design choices, avoid making regrettable or frustrating decisions, and not miss any important details.

  • NatHERS ‘Under the Hood’ sessions to better utilise your compulsory energy efficiency assessment process, and with know-how about the data that matters.

  • My exclusive, homeowner-only Paid As Consultant (PAC Process) training session with the essentials when including a builder during pre-construction to advise on cost and buildability.

  • Private member community with like-minded, active homeowners and recommended resources

  • Regular live Q & A sessions for personalised architectural input and support, and to get your project questions answered. Sanity check your decisions every step of the way.

  • Stay up to speed with insider information and insights that can save you tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in your project. You’ll know how to get ahead of changes that can impact you.

  • Materials Directory, UA Army Directory and Supplier Discounts to save time, reduce overwhelm, and find professionals, materials and products for your project.

  • No expiry on your access to HOME Method program content. Join now, learn at your own pace, and return as your project unfolds.

ONE TIME PURCHASE OF $3,450 AUD

[APPROX $2,510 USD]

JOIN HOME METHOD NOW >>> CLICK HERE

SECURE CHECKOUT · LIFETIME ACCESS · AFTERPAY AVAILABLE

Real homeowners. Real projects. Real homes.

HOME Method members designing, renovating and building across Australia and around the world. All types of projects, teams, budgets and visions.

ELLEN
NEW BUILD

MONIQUE
NEW BUILD

JACOBA
RENOVATION

PETER
BUILDER / OWNER

LINDA
RENOVATION

ELIZABETH
RENOVATION

TRINA
NEW BUILD

REBEKAH
RENOVATION

SARAH
BUILDER / PROJECT MANAGER

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IN MEMBERS' OWN WORDS

ON ADVICE TO OTHERS

"It has been one of the best things I've done. The course has paid for itself. The knowledge I have learnt has paid for itself. And Amelia is very kind and generous in the giving of her knowledge. I would say just to do it, it's not something you'll regret."

ABBEY

ON SIGNING THE CONTRACT

"We signed our contract this week. Very exciting after working on the design and inclusions for 10 months. HOME Method gave me confidence to advocate for our needs."

SKYE

ON USING ROOM NOTES

"We've had the Room Notes out beside the plans and have been putting our scaled ruler to good use. It's because of these notes that we confidently asked for changes that have made the design so much better."

FIONA

ON CONFIDENCE

"I've gone from a person who would never even consider building to someone who is confident, excited and really grateful about our forever home-to-be."

GABRIELLE

ON MONEY AND STRESS

"I could not imagine doing it without going through this process and understanding what's possible and these tools. I know it's going to save me money. It's absolutely saving me stress."

NAOMI

ON FINISHING

"We finished. Moved back home yesterday after our 5 month extensive kitchen, bathroom, laundry and clothes room reno. We love it and look forward to living in it for many years."

KAYE

ON COLLABORATION

"We had our first collaborative site meeting. It was brilliant. We talked lots about open communication with all parties. Amelia without your course I don’t think we would have the team we have and it felt so cohesive. I was over the moon."

CLARE

ON PROJECT MANAGING

"It just gave me so much more confidence when I was liaising with so many different people in the industry about all the different aspects. I mean, all the tradies in town, you know, all the hardware stores, all that sort of stuff, they get to know you during the course of a build."

ROWENA

ON AVOIDING $$$ MISTAKES

"I didn’t think we needed courses. It was only after we almost made that massive mistake with the roof...it struck me that a bit of help would be good...we would have regretted it forever..the cost of the course compared to the cost of making this huge mistake, it's money well spent."

KAREN

ON SUPPORT

"You are able to answer our questions honestly and frankly, but also while being kind and supportive ... Thank you for everything you do to reassure us that we are doing the right thing, and challenging us gently when we need to reconsider a decision."

JANET

HOME Method in action

Member homes across Australia and beyond. New builds and renovations. Every style, scope and budget. Your home, your way.

Lewis

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Tanya

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Belinda

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Trina

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Morgan

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Clare

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Sophie

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Bek

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Julie

  • All

ONE TIME PURCHASE OF $3,450 AUD

[APPROX $2,510 USD]

JOIN 'HOME METHOD' NOW >>> CLICK HERE

SECURE CHECKOUT · AFTERPAY AND KLARNA AVAILABLE

"You cannot renovate or build without first doing this course with UA. The mistakes that you will avoid will save you tens of thousands $$$!"

LISA, HOME METHOD MEMBER

Delivering clarity, confidence and control

Built from what HOME Method members consistently tell us changes for them.

Before HOME Method

Drowning in information from too many places, none of it knowing your project

Anxious about decisions you can't unmake, second-guessing the ones you have

Worried you'll waste money or miss something critical

Hoping the experts get it right, because you don't know what to ask

Lying awake wondering where to start and what comes next

With HOME Method to guide you

A clear pathway. You know what to focus on, when, and what to use

Anxiety drops. Control comes back. Decisions feel grounded

Confidence to ask the difficult questions and push back when something's not right

Your voice stays in every meeting and decision, not lost in someone else's process

You finish with a home that improves your everyday life, and the journey was worth it

Common Questions about HOME Method

Who is this program for?

HOME Method is for homeowners planning to build or renovate their long-term home who want a clear, structured process to feel confident and in control.

HOME Method is perfect for you if:
✔ You’re still researching and preparing for your project.
✔ You’re ready to start designing or choosing your team.
✔ You’re already working with a designer and want more clarity and oversight.

Some members also join just before construction to have expert guidance throughout their build, given it's the most expensive part of the project.

Who is this program not for?

HOME Method isn’t for those looking for quick fixes, last-minute decisions, or a “hope for the best” approach. If you believe building or renovating is always a nightmare no matter what you do, or that reality TV shows reflect how real projects work, this program won’t be the right fit.

If you’re not open to learning, or you don’t believe that being empowered with the right knowledge and support will make a difference in your project, then HOME Method likely isn’t for you.

However, if you want to be proactive, reduce risk, and feel in control of your project (without needing to become an expert yourself), HOME Method will provide the guidance, structure, and support to help you do just that.

Does this program work for renovations and new builds?

Yes! While there are some differences between renovating and building new, the core process remains the same. HOME Method provides tailored guidance where needed to ensure you’re covered for both. 

Do I need prior experience in building or renovating?

Definitely not. Most members have never renovated or built before! By simply using the know-how and insight inside the course, these members confidently manage their entire project journey as complete newcomers to the industry.

We also have members who’ve had terrible experiences with previous projects who want to be better informed so they never have to endure that again.

So, whether you are embarking on a project for the first time or have been through one before, HOME Method will guide you through your entire process so you can feel confident and informed at every stage.

Can I go back and complete HOME Method more than once?

You definitely can. Your access to HOME Method program content does not expire. This will enable you to review the content in preparation for your project, and then revisit and review it as you need to whilst your project is underway. You are welcome to watch, and rewatch the lessons as much as is needed.

How long does it take to do HOME Method?

HOME Method is designed to fit into your life and your project timeline. Content is broken into digestible chunks, and you can check off your progress as you go, and you don’t need to watch it all at once.

Each step of HOME Method (there's 30 in total) is between 6 and 20 mins in length. The Bonus sessions in energy efficiency, PAC Process and Manage Your Build are longer videos. All video content is transcribed and available as audio versions as well.

Some members binge it. Other members dip in and out as they move through their project, using it as a guide to make decisions faster, avoid mistakes, and stay in control.

Remember too, that this is a process which can take 2 to 3 years to complete from start to finish.

What I know from my experience is that, without a clear roadmap, people waste time, miss steps, and have to redo things.

HOME Method actually saves you time by helping you streamline the process and avoid setbacks - so the time you do spend on your project is efficient and productive.

Can I get support if I have questions?

Absolutely. As a HOME Method member, you’ll have multiple ways to get support:
✔ Private community - Ask questions inside our Facebook group, where members generously share their own project experiences.
✔ Online course platform - Submit questions directly within the course platform.
✔ Fortnightly Q & A sessions - I personally answer member questions, and all Q & A recordings are stored in the course platform with easy search functions so you can find answers fast.

Will this work for my project type?

We receive messages from homeowners wondering if HOME Method will work for their project if they're Owner Building, working with a Volume Builder, doing a Kit or Pre-Fab home, doing a multi-generational home, or doing a project for development.

The short answer is YES.

The longer answer is:

  • all projects will need to go through the same four phases and follow specific steps
  • we have members successfully delivering all kinds of projects inside HOME Method, including every type I've listed here.
  • the knowledge inside HOME Method will enable you to achieve the best outcome for your project, home design, budget and site - whatever way you're delivering it

If you want to know if it will suit YOUR project, get in touch on email at [email protected]

Will this work for my specific location?

Yes. While regulations can vary by region, the principles of great design, smart decision-making, and managing your project well apply everywhere. The steps you need to follow apply across all project types and locations. We can also provide guidance on where to check for any specific local requirements.

We have HOME Method members from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK and Europe. It's so exciting to see HOME Method improve their project experience, and the home they're creating.

I already have an architect or builder. Do I still need this?

HOME Method makes you a better client, which makes your team more effective, streamlines your project, and saves costs and time in workflow.

Even with the best architect or builder, you're still the one making decisions about how you want to live, what you can spend, and what trade-offs you're willing to accept. The clearer you are on those, the better your team can deliver.

Members consistently tell us their architect or builder noticed the difference: better briefs, sharper questions, smoother decisions, faster project delivery (even lower fees).

Working with HOME Method alongside your team gets you a better home, faster and more simply.

How do I access the program lessons?

All lessons are inside our secure online course platform. Once you join, you’ll receive an email with your personal login. You can access the program on desktop, tablet, or mobile, making it easy to learn at your own pace. 

How do I pay for the program?

Payments are securely processed through our checkout system via Stripe or PayPal. Your information is encrypted and protected by third party platforms. We never know or see your credit card details in full.

If you wish to pay for HOME Method by bank transfer, please email [email protected] and we will issue an invoice.

Is there a refund policy?

Yes! If you decide HOME Method isn’t right for you, you can request a refund within the first 5 days of your membership. Simply email us at [email protected], and we’ll process your refund, minus a $90 admin fee.

Note: You’ll only have partial access to program content during this time. Once full access unlocks (one week after joining), refunds are no longer available.

Can my partner also access HOME Method and join the Facebook group?

Yes! You can share your login with your partner so you can both access the program.

Each membership includes only one spot in the Facebook group. Other members have set up a project or joint profile to join the group together.

If you wish to share a single Facebook profile for access, just let us know when you request to join.

Do I have to be on Facebook to benefit from HOME Method?

No, you don’t! While the private Facebook group is a fantastic space for support, connection, and shared experiences, it’s not the only way to access guidance.

All program content, including lessons, templates, and resources, is housed in our online course platform. Plus, you can submit questions for our regular Q & A sessions directly inside the platform - so you’ll still get expert support and insights even if you’re not on Facebook. 

My question is not here ...

Not sure if HOME Method is a fit for your project? Or have another question about HOME Method?

Please get in touch on [email protected]

You've already come so far ...

The fact that you’ve read so far already tells me that you’re ready to go for it, to do what it takes to make your home renovation or new build the very best that it can be. And to be detailed and strategic about it.

So, take this important first step.

Undercover Architect’s online courses and programs have helped thousands of homeowners just like you.

Sometimes it can be the smallest thing that saves you thousands, like Nathan who applied what he learned, realised a mistake and saved thousands of dollars by NOT buying tiles he could never have used in his kitchen.

Or a big thing, like Sarah who uncovered that a super expensive glass wall wouldn’t capture the treetop view she longed for. She was able to fix it cheaply while it was lines on a page and get a breathtaking result.

When you’re making your home dreams a reality, HOME Method is the full package - a detailed and comprehensive way to get educated and empowered for your project, and access professional expertise and experience.

I’m here to help you achieve something you’re not sure you know how to do yet, and avoid the horrible experience you hear that so many others have.

You can do this - and I'm your secret ally.

ONE TIME PURCHASE OF $3,450 AUD

[APPROX $2,510 USD]

JOIN 'HOME METHOD' NOW >>> CLICK HERE

SECURE CHECKOUT · ONE TIME INVESTMENT · LIFETIME ACCESS

Photo Credits: MORGAN Architect: Cooee Architecture, Builder: Trend Building Solutions, Photographer: Ben King | CLARE Designer: Harmonic Design Studio, Builder: 35 South Building Company, Photographer: Unknown | BELINDA Architect: Maytree Studios, Builder: qldBUILT | JULIE Builder: Basalt Constructions | TRINA Builder: R Nurey Homes, Inc. | TANYA Designer: Altereco, Builder: Two Tone Constructiion, Photographer: Kip Scott | LEWIS Designer: Hygge Design | SOPHIE Sourced from @californian_reloved | BEK Sourced from @our_home_jumbullah | All other credits unknown.

Hi – I’m Amelia …

With over 30 years industry experience, Amelia Lee founded Undercover Architect in 2014 as an award-winning online resource to help and teach you how to get it right when designing, building or renovating your home. You are the key to unlocking what’s possible for your home. Undercover Architect is your secret ally

A special reminder

All content, images and drawings are copyrighted to Amelia Lee and Undercover Architect unless noted otherwise. Refer to "The important legal info" for information, or get in touch at [email protected]

The important legal info

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Quick Contact

Want to get in touch with Undercover Architect? CLICK HERE for more info.

Qualifications

Amelia Lee, B.Arch (1st Cls Hons), Grad. Cert. Property Economics | Registered Architect | QLD Registration #3647 | NSW Registration #9654