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.
Top 10 in its category on iTunes, with over 160 episodes and 500,000+ downloads ... Listen to the latest episodes here, or scroll down for Podcast Seasons | Index.
LATEST PODCAST EPISODES
PODCAST SEASONS | INDEX
[MOST RECENT FIRST]
Season 13: Your next best steps
This season 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.
Episode 01 [#186] | About Undercover Architect and Amelia Lee
Episode 02 [#187] | How to Enjoy Your Renovation or New Build
Episode 03 [#188] | Dreaming about your future family home? What to do next
Episode 04 [#189] | Taking the right first steps when renovating or building
Episode 05 [#190] | Designing your own home? DIY Home Design and how to get it right
Episode 06 [#191] | Home design with an architect or building designer: What you need to know
Episode 07 [#192] | Ended up with a home design you DON’T love? How to get unstuck and take action
Episode 08 [#193] | Before you start construction on your new build or renovation: What you need to know first
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
This season 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.
Episode 00 [#166] | Season Introduction - How to rebuild and build better
Episode 01 [#167] | Rebuilding the bushfire house | Chris Clarke + Callignee II
Episode 02 [#168] | Bushfire House Lessons Learned | Chris Clarke + Callignee II
Episode 03 [#169] | Know Your Rights when Making an Insurance Claim | David Keane, Solve My Claim
Episode 04 [#170] | Your Options when Making an Insurance Claim | David Keane, Solve My Claim
Episode 05 [#171] | How to Protect Yourself When Making an Insurance Claim | David Keane, Solve My Claim
Episode 06 [#172] | Bushfire Consultants, BAL Ratings + AS 3959 | Jeff Dau, Ember Bushfire Consulting
Episode 07 [#173] | Getting it right when building in bushfire prone areas | Jeff Dau, Ember Bushfire Consulting
Episode 08 [#174] | Bushfire Home Design + Getting Help | Julie Firkin Architects Part 1
Episode 09 [#175] | Bushfire Home Design + Options Available | Julie Firkin Architects Part 2
Episode 10 [#176] | How to design affordable, sustainable homes for bushfire | Envirotecture Part 1
Episode 11 [#177] | Passivhaus Design + Construct and Bushfire Homes | Envirotecture Part 2
Episode 12 #[178] | Financing Your New Build or Renovation | Amy Beattie, Good Green Home Loans
Episode 13 [#179] | Home Loans 101 and Lending Criteria - Part 2: Amy Beattie, Good Green Home Loans
Episode 14 [#180] | How to Choose the Right Home Insurance | David Keane, Solve My Claim
Episode 15 [#181] | Are you covered with your current home insurance? | David Keane, Solve My Claim
Episode 16 [#182] | The latest in Australian Bushfire Building | Part 1 Australian Bushfire Building Conference
Episode 17 [#183] | Defending your home from bushfire through design | Australian Bushfire Building Conference Part 2
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.
HOLIDAY Q & A: Questions from the UA Community
This season is a special one for the Christmas / New Year break 2019-2020. 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 this season, 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.
Episode 00 [#133] | Getting it Right in Your Home's Interior Design
Episode 01 [#134] | Why use an Interior Designer?
Episode 02 [#135] | Top Myths About Interior Designers and Interior Design
Episode 03 [#136] | The First Interior Decision: Choosing Flooring
Episode 04 [#137] | Timber Flooring for your new home or renovation
Episode 05 [#138] | Choosing Tiles for your family home’s floors
Episode 06 [#139] | Concrete and how to get it right as a flooring choice
Episode 07 [#140] | How to Choose Carpet for your family home
Episode 08 [#141] | The Essentials of Kitchen Interior Design
Episode 09 [#142] | Important Details to know for your Kitchen Interior Design
Episode 10 [#143] | Colour Psychology and using it in your home
Episode 11 [#144] | Shopping online for tiles with TileCloud
Episode 12 [#151] | Choosing the right colour with Dulux
Episode 13 [#152] | Interior design for your bathroom
Episode 14 [#153] | Learn how to draw plans and 3D models of your home
Episode 15 [#154] | Choosing your bathroom fixtures with Reece
Episode 16 [#155] | Moodboards and Ideas: How to create yours with Liz Hayward
Episode 17 [#156] | Successful lighting design for your home’s interiors
Episode 18 [#157] | The worst Interior Design mistakes many make
Episode 19 [#158] | What to know about interior paint with Josh Plautz, Dulux
Episode 20 [#159] | Window furnishings: Get it right with your curtains and blinds
Episode 21 [#160] | Plantation Shutters and how to make the most of your window furnishings
Episode 22 [#161] | Lighting design 101 for your home | Craig Thomas, Caribou
Episode 23 [#162] | Individual: Inspiration for creating a home that is uniquely your own | Jessica Bellef
Episode 24 [#163] | Balancing style and function in any home | Jessica Bellef
Episode 25 [#164] | Interior Design Basics: A summary of how to get it right
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
This season features a range of clever and talented industry professionals from both Australia and the USA. It’s jam-packed with different types of industry insiders, with various areas of expertise, and all my guests have one thing in common: they are super generous with their advice and knowledge.
Episode 00 [#121] | What do professionals want you to know about building and renovating? | Meet the industry insiders
Episode 01 [#122] | How to be delighted when working with an architect | Interview with Anthony Laney, Laney LA
Episode 2.1 [#123] | The one thing to know about renovating and building | Interview with Chris Megowan, Megowan Architectural
Episode 2.2 [#123] | The right way to work with an architect | Interview with Suzie Hunt, Suzanne Hunt Architect
Episode 3.1 [#124] | Feng Shui and how it works in the design of your home | Interview with Marina V Umali, Marina V Design Studio
Episode 3.2 [#124] | What is important to know when building or renovating? | Interview with Jake Krokowski, JWK Design
Episode 04 [#125] | How to design a sustainable and affordable home | Interview with Jenny Edwards and Sarah Lebner, Light House Architecture + Science
Episode 05 [#126] | The steps to finding a contractor or builder you can trust | Interview with Shawn Van Dyke
Episode 6.1 [#127] | How to finance your new build or renovation | Interview with Caroline Jean-Baptiste, Mortgage Choice
Episode 6.2 [#127] | Council Rules and Approvals, and what you need to know | Interview with Peta Charles, Brisbane Town Planning
Episode 7 [#128] | Interior Design: Creating spaces that look and feel great | Interview with Tara Dennis, Archie Bolden
Episode 8.1 [#129] | How to create a healthy home | Interview with Kate Hamblet, Balanced Architecture
Episode 8.2 [#129] | Designing a sustainable new home or renovation | Interview with Kyle Macht, Macht Architecture
Episode 9 [#130] | A room by room guide to a healthy home | Interview with Kate Hamblet, Balanced Architecture
Episode 10.1 [#131] | Project Management on your renovation or new build | Interview with Riye Arai-Coupe, Bluebird Property Partners
Episode 10.2 [#131] | The best way to build your new home or renovation | Interview with Sarah Heys, The Built Element
Season 09: Keeping it Real
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.
Episode 01 [#113] | Real life renovating and building is not like reality TV (but how different is it)
Episode 02 [#114] | How Renovating and Building can be like having children | How to manage your project well
Episode 03 [#115] | Anyone can renovate or build their home (can’t they?)
Episode 04 [#116] | What Style is My House? | Why naming your style can be dangerous for your project
Episode 05 [#117] | The Real Life cost and time of renovating or building
Episode 06 [#118] | What Will Really Get Your Renovation or New Home Built?
Episode 07 [#119] | Forever Family Home VS Flipping for Profit | Why it’s entirely different
Episode 08 [#120] | Before and after renovating and building | Styling and staging are not what makes a home
Season 08: [PART 2] A simple guide to a sustainable home
Part 2 of this season continues sharing ideas and advice about how to create a sustainable home. We feature a Passive House (or Passivhaus) project, sharing the advice and insights of each of the team members and client. Plus lots more!
Episode 09 [#105] | What is Passive House (or Passivhaus)? | Interview with Daniel Kress of Smart Plus Homes
Episode 10 [#106] | The Client who wanted a Passive House | Interview with David Rhind, Owl Woods Passive House Project
Episode 11 [#107] | The Architect who designed a Passive House | Interview with Talina Edwards, Talina Edwards Architecture
Episode 12 [#108] | The Consultant who tests and measures the Passive House | Interview with Luc Plowman, Detail Green
Episode 13 [#109] | The Builder constructing Passive House | Interview with Stuart Lee, Craftsmen Quality Builders
Episode 14 [#110] | The Certifier and an Australian Passive House Pioneer | Interview with Clare Parry, Grun Consulting
Episode 15 [#111] | The Passive House Renovator | Interview with Cameron Munro, Armadale House
Episode 16 [#112] | Building a Sustainable Forever Home | Interview with Frances Cosway, White Pebble Interiors
Season Interlude: Want help and support from Undercover Architect?
Undercover Architect offers a range of online courses and memberships to teach, guide and support you in getting it right as you design, build or renovate your home. For both Australian and USA homeowners, these programs will help you save time, money and stress.
Episode 01 [#101] | Are you an American homeowner, planning a home remodel or new build, and not sure how to get it right?
Episode 02 [#102] | Are you starting the build of your new home or renovation soon and worried about it not going well?
Episode 03 [#103] | Would you like your own renovation coach, or building coach, as you create your future family home?
Episode 04 [#104] | Is it time to start planning your new build or renovation project?
Season 08: [PART 1] 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 Part 1 of this season, these episodes share key ways to create your sustainable new home or renovation.
Episode 00 [#92] | Introduction to Season 8 | A Simple Guide to a Sustainable Home
Episode 01 [#93] | Terminology, the Sustainability Minefield and Why Should We Care?
Episode 02 [#94] | 12 Super Simple, Impactful Tips in Creating a Sustainable Home
Episode 03 [#95] | Energy Efficient Home Design and how it can save you money
Episode 04 [#96] | An Introduction to Building Biology | Interview with Narelle McDonald, Healthy Living Spaces
Episode 05 [#97] | Choosing Energy Efficient Glass Windows and Doors | Interview with Tracey Gramlick, Australian Window Association (AWA)
Episode 06 [#98] | Part 1 | Solar Power and what you need to know for your home | Interview with Lucy Best, Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd (MEFL)
Episode 07 [#99] | Part 2 | Choosing solar power for your renovation or new build | Interview with Lucy Best, Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd (MEFL)
Episode 08 [#100] | Healthy Interiors: Creating your low tox home | Interview with Melissa Wittig, Interior Designer
Season Interlude: USA trip, a 3D view of your home, and underfloor heating
A collection of episodes that highlight some architectural features of a trip to the USA, a way to view your home (lifesize) in 3D before you build, and underfloor heating explained.
Episode 01 [#87] | 5 Things to Consider for a Home to Feel Great | How Restaurant Design can Inspire Your Home
Episode 02 [#88] | How to Avoid 3 Expensive Mistakes When Planning Your Renovation Or New Build
Episode 03 [#89] | Home garden design inspired by award-winning landscape projects
Episode 04 [#90] | Underfloor Heating: What you need to know, and how to include it in your renovation or new build
Episode 05 [#91] | How to know your home will look the way you want it to, before you build or renovate it | What is Realar?
Season 07: The stages of home construction
My co-host for this season 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 the online course the "HOME Method"
Episode 00 [#77] | How to Avoid a Horror Build or Renovation
Episode 01 [#78] | Understanding the early contract stages when building or renovating
Episode 02 [#79] | What happens during demolition and site preparation?
Episode 03 [#80] | The Slab or Base Stage of a new build or renovation
Episode 04 [#81] | The timber or steel framing of a new build or renovation
Episode 05 [#82] | Making your home water-tight: the Lockup or Enclosed Stage Part 1
Episode 06 [#83] | Finishing Your Home’s Exterior: the Lockup or Enclosed Stage Part 2
Episode 07 [#84] | The Interior Fitout of your new home or renovation
Episode 08 [#85] | Practical Completion: the final stage in your home construction
Episode 09 [#86] | What to know before you sign a building contract | Interview with lawyer, Despina Priala
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.
Episode 01 [#73] | Not all designers are created equal | Here’s how to choose the right designer for you
Episode 02 [#74] | What should be in an architect’s quote | Top 10 Tips and your design quote checklist
Episode 03 [#75] | 3 Commonly Asked Questions about Building and Renovating
Episode 04 [#76] | A New Home 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. This season takes you through a range of difficult blocks or site types, and gives design tips and strategies so you can get your design right.
Episode 00 [#65] | How to design for difficult sites | Introduction
Episode 01 [#66] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a Corner Block of Land
Episode 02 [#67] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a Narrow Block of Land
Episode 03 [#68] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a Wide Block of Land
Episode 04 [#69] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a Sloping Block of Land
Episode 05 [#70] | Designing, Renovating or Building on an Acreage Block of Land
Episode 06 [#71] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a Dual Access Block of Land
Episode 07 [#72] | Designing, Renovating or Building on a ‘View from Upper Level’ Block of Land
Season 05: Mistakes many make
With over 20 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. This season shares those that can have a significant impact on your time, money and stress.
Episode 01 [#60] | How to research your renovation or new home online and save time
Episode 02 [#61] | Know how to ask for what you want in your reno or new build
Episode 03 [#62] | The most underestimated mistake when building or renovating your home
Episode 04 [#63] | Avoid being a home renovating or building newbie
Episode 05 [#64] | 3 Secrets we keep when renovating or building our home
Season 04: Know your team
There are many professionals who can support you when designing, building or renovating your home. This season outlines the key roles and shares the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of each of them. Together, my guests have over 150 years industry experience in home design, building and renovating.
Episode 00 [#43] | Know Your Team: What professionals will you need to build or renovate?
Episode 01 [#44] | Renovating and Building Professionals | Who Does What?
Episode 02 [#45] | What does an Architect do? | With Shaun Lockyer of SLa
Episode 03 [#46] | What does a Building Designer do? | With Aaron Wailes of AWBD
Episode 04 [#47] | What does a Town Planner do? | With Nuala Dewhurst of Griffin Planning
Episode 05 [#48] | What does a Structural Engineer do? | With Josh Neale of Westera Partners
Episode 06 [#49] | What does a Landscape Architect do? | With Luke Jones of LARC Collective
Episode 07 [#50] | What does an Interior Designer do? | With Melissa Wittig of Healthy Interiors
Episode 08 [#51] | What does a Bushfire Consultant do? | With Matthew Willis of Bushfire Planning Services
Episode 09 [#52] | What does a Building Certifier do? | With Mick Tyrell of Building Approvals and Advice
Episode 10 [#53] | What does a Landscape Designer do? | With Fi and Jules of Sticks & Stones Landscape Design
Episode 11 [#54] | What does a Builder do? | With Duayne Pearce of D Pearce Constructions
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.
Episode 01 [#40] | How to get what you want in your project | Communication Before You Build
Episode 02 [#41] | Which tools will help you finish your project well?
Episode 03 [#42] | Communication Mistakes to Avoid When Building or Renovating
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? This season gives key budget tips, cost-saving strategies and mistakes to avoid.
Episode 00 [#30] | How to Set and Stay on Your Budget | An Introduction
Episode 01 [#31] | How to set your renovation or building budget
Episode 02 [#32] | Resources you can use to set your renovation or building budget
Episode 03 [#33] | 5 Money Saving Myths BUSTED
Episode 04 [#34] | How to stop budget blowouts before you’ve even begun
Episode 05 [#35] | The first conversation to have with your potential designer or builder
Episode 06 [#36] | What to do if you realise your budget is unrealistic
Episode 07 [#37] | How and when to get cost information for your renovation or new home
Episode 08 [#38] | How to spend and stay on track in your project budget
Episode 09 [#39] | Here are 4 main areas that blow out budgets in a reno or new build
Season 02: How to design a home
This season 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.
Episode 00 [#17] | How to design a home | Season 2 Intro
Episode 01 [#18] | The 4 F’s of great home design (do you know what they are?)
Episode 02 [#19] | Living and Dining Rooms | How to design a great space for your lifestyle
Episode 03 [#20] | Your second living space | Do you really need it, and how to get it right
Episode 04 [#21] | All things kitchens (including butlers, walk-in pantries and appliance cupboards)
Episode 05 [#22] | Bedroom Number 1 | Your master suite
Episode 06 [#23] | Bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms
Episode 07 [#24] | Wardrobes, linens, laundries and mudrooms
Episode 08 [#25] | Kids bedrooms, guest bedrooms and other bedroom spaces
Episode 09 [#26] | How to include a study nook, study or home office in your home design
Episode 10 [#27] | Why you need to start with your stairs and garages when designing your home
Episode 11 [#28] | How to create great outdoor living spaces, decks, alfresco areas and pools
Episode 12 [#29] | Front Entries and Front Gardens | Creating a welcoming and secure home
Season 01: What matters most
Great design isn't anymore expensive than terrible design. These episodes will help you learn what matters most to make your home work, and feel great.
Episode 01 [#6] | The most important thing to know when designing your home
Episode 02 [#7] | Making your home great: All things NORTH
Episode 03 [#8] | Making your home great: All things EAST
Episode 04 [#9] | Making your home great: All things SOUTH
Episode 05 [#10] | Making your home great: All things WEST
Episode 06 [#11] | Online resources to help with important design choices
Episode 07 [#12] | The assets that add design value for free
Episode 08 [#13] | Creating Spaciousness: Using Volume
Episode 09 [#14] | Creating Spaciousness: Using Light
Episode 10 [#15] | Creating Spaciousness: Great Storage
Episode 11 [#16] | Creating Spaciousness: Indoor Outdoor Connections
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)
Latest Episodes
-
Before you start construction on your new build or renovation: What you…
Posted by Amelia 2 Feb -
Ended up with a home design you DON’T love? How to get…
Posted by Amelia 26 Jan -
Home design with an architect or building designer: What you need to…
Posted by Amelia 19 Jan -
Designing your own home? DIY Home Design and how to get it…
Posted by Amelia 12 Jan -
Taking the right first steps when renovating or building
Posted by Amelia 5 Jan -
Dreaming about your future family home? What to do next
Posted by Amelia 29 Dec -
How to Enjoy Your Renovation or New Build
Posted by Amelia 22 Dec -
About Undercover Architect and Amelia Lee
Posted by Amelia 15 Dec -
The 4 keys to a successful and enjoyable project, and home
Posted by Amelia 17 Nov -
How to Choose the Right Builder | 3 things to know
Posted by Amelia 10 Nov
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.