Get it Right with Undercover Architect
The podcast all about creating your future home.
Get started on designing your future home ... and get it right! Request your free 5 Step E-Guide now.
New home or renovation on the cards? Chances are you’re worried about what it will cost, if you can afford it, and how you’ll avoid a budget blowout. You’re also probably nervous about how much time it will take, and how it’s going to fit into your already busy life. And obviously you don’t want to stuff it all up, and end up with a home you wish you did differently.
This podcast will help you learn how to create a home that makes your life better. Whoever you’re working with, and whatever your dreams, your location or your budget.
IN TOP 5 AUSTRALIAN DESIGN PODCASTS
200+
EPISODES
AND 13+
SEASONS
1 MILLION+ DOWNLOADS ACROSS 191 COUNTRIES
FINALIST IN AUSTRALIAN PODCAST AWARDS
LATEST PODCAST EPISODES
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. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
How to Check Construction Design Drawings
This is Episode #213, and in it, I’ll be helping you see how to review your construction drawings, and what to check as you look through them. Your construction drawings are a significant gateway to determine how you’re communicating the outcome you want on site in your renovation or new build, and the experience you want to have during that construction too. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
How to Check Your Design Drawings
Hello! This is Episode #212, and in it, I’m going to help you understand how to check your design drawings during your Design Phase. And also how to know that you’re getting the right amount and quality of information from whoever you’re working with, before you sign off your design and commit to it being fully documented in the next stage of your project. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Roof Design for your Outdoor Room or Alfresco
Hello! This is Episode #211, and in it, I’m going to be talking about the design of your outdoor entertaining area or alfresco. And specifically, I’ll be sharing what to consider when it comes to your roof design over this area, so it doesn’t diminish the feeling and functionality of the space, or the interior of the home. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Who should you use? Architect, building designer or draftsperson [Part 2]
This is Episode #210, and in it, I’ll be answering a common question I hear from homeowners. How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Who should you use? Architect, building designer or draftsperson [Part 1]
This is Episode #209, and in it, I’ll be answering a common question I hear from homeowners. How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Roof Colour: Dark vs Light (and your home’s energy efficiency) | with Sid Thoo
This is Episode #208, and in it, we’re going to be discussing the topic of roof colour. And more specifically, dark roof colours vs light roof colours. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
What to do before you design your home | Pre-Design Process with Antony Martin, MRTN Architects
This is Episode #207, and in this episode, you’ll learn from architect, Antony Martin of MRTN Architects, how you can think about the Pre-Design Phase of your project.
How to Choose Greener Building Materials, with Druce Davey
This is Episode #206, and in it, you'll learn how to choose greener building materials, and make sustainable selections for your home’s interior.
How to get it right in your renovation (a client’s point of view) | PAC Process
This is Episode #205, in this episode, we wrap up our little mini-series on the PAC Process, or Paid As Consultant Process, with a fantastic conversation I really think you’re going to enjoy.
Working with a builder during the design process, with Duayne Pearce | PAC Process
This is Episode #204, In this episode, I am speaking with a builder who only uses the PAC Process in his residential construction business.
How to get the best from your design process, with Aaron Wailes, GreenCoast Building Design | PAC Process
This is Episode #203, in this episode, I speak with a building designer who is using the PAC Process with his residential clients to improve the design process, and the client experience in their project. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
The step-by-step way to an on-budget, collaborative project | PAC Process
This is Episode #202, in this episode, I’m continuing the conversation about the PAC Process, where you bring a builder on board your design team and they’re Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
The Process to Help Your Home Design be on Budget and Simpler to Build | PAC Process
This is Episode #201, in this episode, and actually across the next few episodes as well, I’m going to dive into detail into what I call the PAC Process, or the P – A – C Process. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Ten Things I Love About You | Celebrating 200 Episodes on the Get it Right Podcast
This is Episode #200, and in this episode, I want to celebrate this journey with you. Consider this my very sincere and possibly corny, love letter to you, my gorgeous podcast listener. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Three reasons why supplying your own fixtures and finishes is recommended for homeowners and builders
This is Episode #199, in this episode, I’m continuing on with information about what to consider if you’re planning on supplying your own fixtures, finishes and fittings when constructing your renovation or new build. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
Can you save money by supplying your own fixtures and finishes?
This is Episode #198, and in it, I want to dive into something I see cause a lot of issues for homeowners, and it’s happening even more now than ever. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
How to choose a Design Construct Builder or Company
This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design-Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation. I’ll be sharing info about what these companies are, and the key things to know if you’re planning on using one. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
How to create your design brief
This is Episode #196, and in it, I’m going to share with you how to create a comprehensive and effective design brief for your renovation or building project. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
How to stop sabotaging your renovation or new build project with Lisa Corduff
This is Episode #195, and in it, we’ll be talking about the stories we tell ourselves that may sabotage our renovation or new build project. My guest is Lisa Corduff.
How to communicate with your project team
This is Episode #194, and in it, you'll learn the five modes of communication to be effective and successful with your project team and your progress overall. (Also available as a downloadable PDF transcript).
KEEP SCROLLING FOR OUR PODCAST SEASONS INDEX
[MOST RECENT SEASON FIRST]
Season 13: Your next best steps
Season 13 is all about helping you take action. Across the episodes, this season will help you (whatever stage you’re at) take your next best steps. Whether you need to get your project started, or back on track, you’ll learn how to avoid the mistakes many make along their project journey. Plus, I’ll share the goals to aim for at each stage, and the clear action steps to achieve. Listen to learn your next best steps.
SPECIAL EPISODES
Episode [#184] | How to Choose the Right Builder - 3 things to know
This is a special episode where I’ll be sharing how to choose the right builder and some of the mistakes I see homeowners make when it comes to selecting the builder.
Episode [#185] The 4 keys to a successful, enjoyable project - and home
There’s 4 things, 4 keys, that make designing, building and renovating your family home do-able, enjoyable, worthwhile, and save you time, money and stress along the way.
Season 12: Rebuild + Build Better
Season 12 will help you learn how to rebuild after bushfires, and build better homes wherever you are located (and what every type of build or renovation you're undertaking). We're diving into a range of topics related to rebuilding after bushfires, building or renovating in bushfire prone areas, and more generally, designing and building more resilient homes. Listen now to learn how to rebuild and build better.
SPECIAL EPISODE: How to design a home without an architect
Want to design a home without using an architect? Learn the 3 things to include in your home design process, so you can get it right (especially if you're not using an architect). Listen to this special episode now.
HOLIDAY Q & A: Questions from the UA Community
This season is a special one. In it, I answer questions submitted by members of the UA Community. There’s everything from skylights, to prefab, to biophilic design, to working out budgets. Tune in to hear my answers.
Episode 01 [#145] | Q & A: Are SIPs any good? And what kitchen trends are on their way out?
Episode 02 [#146] | Q & A: Key things to know about Prefab, and designing a south-facing home
Episode 03 [#147] | Q & A: Understanding biophilic design. And high level windows that work
Episode 04 [#148] | Q & A: Do we renovate or sell?
Episode 05 [#149] | Q & A: What will your home design cost to build? And Velux skylights
Season 11: Interior Design Basics
In Season 11, we’re diving into Interior Design Basics. Materials, finishes, fixtures, design ideas, how to choose, how to get help and what decisions really matter in the creation of your future home’s interior design. My co-host for much of this season is Interior Designer and Author, Frances Cosway of White Pebble Interiors, plus other fantastic industry suppliers and professionals also join us.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Create a home you love - on any budget
When renovating or building, what are the 7 ingredients to creating a home you love - on any budget?
This is a special episode where I talk about what I know actually makes the difference in a family home ... and creates one that works, feels great, and serves you over the long term.
Season 10: Industry Insider Insights
Season 10 features a range of clever and talented industry professionals from both Australia and the USA. It’s jam-packed with different types of industry insider insights. And with various areas of expertise, all my guests have one thing in common: they are super generous with their advice and knowledge. Listen to learn from those inside the industry.
Season 09: Keeping it Real
This is Season 9. We all love a good before-and-after story, but what's out there in the TV and online world (packaged up with glamour and styling) can be really misleading for the first-time renovator or builder. This season will help you manage not only the fantastic dreams that you have for your home, but your expectations and your goals around creating it as well.
Season 08: A simple guide to a sustainable home
Creating a sustainable home means one that is energy efficient, functional, low tox, environmentally friendly and supports your health and well-being. In Season 8, these episodes share key ways to create your sustainable new home or renovation. Plus we feature a Passive House (or Passivhaus), sharing the advice and insights of each of the team members and client.
Season Interlude: Learnings from my USA trip
A collection of episodes that highlight some architectural features of a trip to the USA, that will help any renovation, new build or landscape design.
Season 07: The stages of home construction
My co-host for Season 7 is builder Duayne Pearce, D Pearce Constructions. Duayne and I step you through each stage of construction, helping you avoid expensive and stressful mistakes in your project. This season also gives you a small taste of my flagship online program, the "HOME Method"
Season Interlude: Working with your designer + other project insights
This season gives answers to some of my most frequently asked questions. And we introduce a new project - a family home being built in New Zealand.
Season 06: Designing for difficult sites
Not every block of land is flat and rectangular. And yet so much of the advice out there only works if your land is like this. Season 6 takes you through a range of difficult blocks or site types, and gives design tips and strategies so you can get your design right, whether you're renovating or building new.
Season 05: Mistakes many make
With over 25 years industry experience, in over 250 projects (including 3 renovations of my own), there are consistent errors I see many homeowners make as they build or renovate their homes. Season 5 shares the mistakes that many make, that can have a significant impact on your time, money and stress.
Season 04: Know your team
There are many professionals who can support you when designing, building or renovating your home. Season 4 outlines the key roles and shares the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of each of your project team. Together, my guests have over 150 years industry experience in home design, building and renovating.
Season Interlude: Your most important tool (communication)
Some of the biggest issues in designing, building and renovating result from communication issues. This shorter Season Interlude (in-between Season!) helps you learn how to ensure communication on your project is clear, well-managed and enables you to have a successful, low-stress experience.
Season 03: How to set (and stay on) your budget
One of the biggest fears that homeowners have about their renovation or new build revolves around budget. Can they afford to do what they want to do? And how will they prevent it from blowing out and financially crippling them? Season 13 gives key budget tips, cost-saving strategies and mistakes to avoid (and for even more info, check out my mini-course "Set + Stick to Your Budget").
Season 02: How to design a home
Season 2 takes you - room-by-room - through how to design a home. It focuses on the 5 'Fs' of great design: Functionality, Flexibility, Furnishability, Flow and Feel. These are must-listen episodes before briefing your designer, architect, builder, or diving into your own home design.
Season 01: What matters most
Great design isn't anymore expensive than terrible design. The episodes in Season 1 will help you learn what matters most to make your home work, and feel great. This is essential listening for anyone embarking on buying, designing, building or renovating. Learn the decisions that matter most in these episodes.
Launch Season: Get Started
Many homeowners tell me that, when thinking about renovating or building, they have no idea where to start. In my experience, every project (regardless of location, budget or size) begins with the same four questions. These episodes will guide you through answering them.
Episode 00 [#1] | Welcome to the new Undercover Architect Podcast: Get it Right
Episode 01 [#2] | Get Started: What would you like to do?
Episode 02 [#3] | Get Started: What are you allowed to do?
Episode 03 [#4] | Get Started: What can your renovation or building budget afford?
Episode 04 [#5] | Get Started: What do you and your family need from your home (now and in the future)
With twenty years in this industry, helping hundreds of homeowners and as a client myself, I want to help you save time, money and heartache. I believe great design makes your home feel great, and you feel great in your home. You, the homeowner, are the key to unlocking what's possible for your home. Undercover Architect is your secret ally.