Undercover Architect

Helping homeowners get it right when designing, building or renovating their family home.

Feng Shui and how it works in the design of your home | Interview with Marina V Umali, Marina V Design Studio

Do you know about Feng Shui and how it works in the design of your home?

Feng Shui can be a powerful tool in your home design. And Interior Designer and Certified Feng Shui Consultant, Marina V Umali, has a lot of advice to share when it comes to using it your design, renovation or building project.

Marina V Umali is a NY State Certified Interior Designer and Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, and owner of Marina V Design Studio (NJ + NY).

She has studied Interior Design, Architecture and Psychology, and worked as an Interior Designer for a number of prominent firms in New York City.

She cares deeply about helping people create lasting improvements in their lives. And she does that by creating lasting improvements in their environments.

My first guest on this episode, is Marina V Umali, an Interior Designer and Certified Feng Shui Practitioner based in New York State. And my second guest is Jake Krokowski of JWK Design, and he is based in North Carolina, and specialises in new homes, renovations and landscape design (head here to learn more about Jake).

So, let me first introduce you to Marina.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

Marina seeks to integrate interior design and Feng Shui closely in her work. Her favourite thing about Feng Shui is that it combines her experience and expertise in design and architecture with her innate desire to promote health and well-being. Seeing the smiles on her clients’ faces, hearing the emotion in their testimonials, and knowing that she helped make a difference in their lives is truly what makes all the difference in hers.

Her goal is to help you achieve a living space that’s striking, inviting, and functions practically for your lifestyle. Marina take a common-sense approach to Feng Shui – sorting through the myriad of misconceptions, alleviating your concerns and utilising an age-old philosophical system to promote harmony and good energy in your home through thoughtful, compelling design.

She works locally with clients, and also provides her services online regardless of your location. Marina specialises in residential work and helps homeowners globally. She seeks to create custom solutions for her clients using beautiful and timeless design principles in combination with the power of intention. Marina wants you to have a home that feels as good as it looks.

I’ve been wanting to talk about Feng Shui on the podcast for AGES now, so it’s even more exciting to be bringing this chat with Marina to you.

I ASKED MARINA V UMALI, MARINA V DESIGN STUDIO, THESE QUESTIONS …

  • Can you please tell us about Marina V Design Studio?
  • Why you make Feng Shui a part of your Interior Design work?
  • What is Feng Shui and what can Feng Shui ‘do’ for us and our homes?
  • Can you please tell us what is a Bagua Map and how do you use it in your practice of Feng Shui.
  • For a homeowner planning a renovation project, how can Feng Shui be used in their planning and design?
  • For a homeowner building a new home, how should they approach Feng Shui in their process?
  • What are some of the big mistakes you see homeowners make because they don’t understand Feng Shui?
  • How does colour factor into Feng Shui?

I so loved learning more about Feng Shui from Marina, and be sure to check out the resources below as I’ve got links there to Marina’s website, her blog and the free download she has to help you understand more about Feng Shui and how it applies to you project.

Listen to the episode now. And be sure to get in touch with Marina to let her know you heard her on Undercover Architect, and to thank her for all she shares!!

In the full interview, Marina has some fantastic help in …

  • how you can use intentionality in your design for great results
  • where she has seen improper use of Feng Shui impact homeowners
  • why your health and wellbeing is such a big part of your home design
  • understanding ceilings as the 5th elevation of each room
  • recommendations for finding out more about Feng Shui for your project

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Find her on the web and get a copy of her free Bagua Map >>> Marina V Design Studio’s Website

Follow her on Instagram >>> Marina V Design Studio’s Instagram

Follow her on Pinterest >>> Marina V Design Studio’s Pinterest

Follow her on Twitter >>> Marina V Design Studio’s Twitter

Her Linkedin profile >>> Marina V Design Studio’s Linkedin

And her Facebook profile is here >>>Marina V Design Studio’s Facebook

Head The Welcome Home Course to learn more.

What is important to know when building or renovating your home?

And how can you, as a homeowner, get clear on your project wishes and desires.

Jake Krokowski is a designer based in South Carolina, USA. In 2015, he founded JWK Design, to help families realise their dream of a comfortable, modern home. He has some fantastic tips and ideas to help you get clarity in your project, and communicate your wishes and desires clearly with those you’re working with.

Jake Krokowski of JWK Design is my second guest on this episode of the podcast, and he specialises in new homes, renovations and landscape design. And my first guest on this episode, is Marina V Umali, an Interior Designer and Certified Feng Shui Practitioner based in New York State (you can learn more about Marina V Umali here).

So, let me introduce Jake to you.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

With 20 years industry and design experience, Jake has worked on design teams for large international resorts and prominent public projects, most notably the reconstruction of the World Trade Centre in New York.

As well as working with clients on their custom new homes and renovations, he is also a registered Landscape Architect.

Jake can assist with

  • Landscape & Architectural design concepts & planning
  • Construction drawings & material selection
  • Bid review & contractor vetting
  • Construction oversight & quality control

Jake shares some great insight into what most challenges homeowners, and how he helps them to get clear on their project needs and desires. So, let’s dive into my chat with Jake.

I ASKED JAKE KROKOWSKI, JWK DESIGN, THESE QUESTIONS …

  • What do you particularly enjoy about working with homeowners on their family home projects?
  • What type of projects does JWK Design do?
  • What do you find homeowners are most struggling with when they first talk to you about their plans to renovate or build their family home?
  • One of the things you suggest is that homeowners determine why they’re planning a renovation or new home. Why do you think this is important?
  • You also suggest people look at the constraints associated with their project. What do you see these constraints are and why is it key to determining them up front?
  • You’re a landscape architect as well. How do you suggest homeowners think about their landscape design when embarking on a new home or renovation?

I hope you enjoy the fantastic tips and ideas Jake offers in our interview. I especially love that analysis of constraints, and how to think about what needs to be considered on any new build or renovation project at an analytical level.

Listen to the episode now. And be sure to get in touch with Jake to let him know you heard him on Undercover Architect, and to thank him for all he shares!!

In Jake’s full interview, he has some great tips for …

  • how to design for Carolina’s climate and conditions
  • what type of roofing, materials and window systems are best for this type of climate
  • the planning conditions in the Carolinas to be aware of
  • local resources to help you with renovating and building in the Carolinas
UndercoverArchitect-The-Welcome-Home-Course-Podcast

In “The Welcome Home Course”, I’ve teamed up with award-winning American architect, Eric Reinholdt, to create a specific course for American homeowners.

If you’re planning your renovation or new build, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused about the best way forward.

Many homeowners make the mistake of diving in, and fall for all sorts of terrible advice as a result. And the journey becomes far more stressful, expensive and time consuming as a result. And their finished home never lives up to the dreams they held so dear.

When you have the steps to follow, the map for your journey ahead, you can then move confidently towards that future home you’re dreaming of, and not waste any time or money.

When you know that step-by-step system has been created over decades of experience in hundreds and hundreds of family homes like yours, you can save so much stress in your project, and create a home that works and feels great.

And when you have the steps, as well as professional know-how, design knowledge, tools, resources, and guides, you can shortcut your journey, enjoy your experience, and avoid the heartache and drama so many experience.

If you’re keen to make your journey simpler, be confident that the home you’re dreaming of is achievable, and know the steps to get you there … ‘The Welcome Home Course’ is the way.

Together with Eric Reinholdt, 30X40 Design Workshop, we’ve packaged up almost 45 years experience to show you the way to your future family home.

Head to The Welcome Home Course to learn more and join us.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Find him on the web and access his free downloadable resources >>> JWK Design’s Website

Follow him on Instagram >>> JWK Design’s Instagram

Check out his Houzz profile >>> JWK Design’s profile on Houzz

Check his YouTube channel >>> JWK Design’s YouTube Channel

And Facebook is here >>> JWK Design’s Facebook

Head The Welcome Home Course to learn more.

What is the right way to work with an architect? Who should you use, how should they help you, and make sure you stay on budget?

If you want to learn the right way to work with an architect, there’s key things to know. Suzie Hunt, of Suzanne Hunt Architect tells us.

Suzanne Hunt is an award-winning architect based in West Australia, and she founded her own practice, Suzanne Hunt Architect, in 2004.

Suzanne Hunt Architect is a boutique architectural and interior design practice specialising in residential, heritage, hospitality and mixed use projects in Perth and country Western Australia.

Known for her down-to-earth approach and wide-ranging professional and life experiences, architect Suzie Hunt has a warm and engaging manner that manifests in the buildings and spaces she designs. Her practice – founded in 2004 – specialises in architecture and interior design across a range of sectors, and provides strategic advice on design and heritage issues.

My podcast interview actually is a longer one, and brings to you two guests – both fantastic architects with brilliant advice to share with you.

My first guest on this episode, is Christopher Megowan, of Megowan Architectural, a Melbourne-based firm (head here to learn more about Chris). And then my second guest is Suzie Hunt, of Suzanne Hunt Architect, a business based in Perth and working all through Western Australia.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

Suzie employs a small in-house team of architects and interior designers, and works with trusted external consultants and professional builders, all of whom are selected for their expertise and suitability for each project. She prides herself on maintaining a highly personalised service for her clients, from site selection, initial briefing and concept design through to construction, administration and project completion.

Her work is strongly influenced by Western Australia’s stunning landscapes, resulting in timeless buildings and spaces that are fit-for-purpose and beautifully detailed. Suzie brings a wealth of knowledge to the business of architecture; as well as running her own practice she has worked at state and local government levels, and currently sits on several executive boards.

As such, Suzanne Hunt Architects delivers projects that are financially viable, environmentally sustainable and aesthetically innovative.

One of Suzie’s most important roles as an architect is to help her clients enjoy their creative journey; she listens carefully so she can nurture and shape their dreams. “Great architecture enriches our lives physically, psychologically, spiritually and emotionally, and leaves a legacy for generations to come,” she says. “It’s important that we get it right, together.”

Suzie wants the architecture she designs to express harmony, warmth and a calm simplicity.

Suzie is also the current President of the West Australian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, a Board member of Curtin University Architecture Advisory Board, a Board Member of Rottnest Island Authority, and a Committee Member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gender Equity Committee. AND, she’s a host of the television show, Australia by Design.

Suzie also writes a blog on architects, design, interiors, living, building in Western Australia, gender equity in architecture, and a raft of other subjects – and she writes for media as well.

I ASKED SUZIE HUNT, SUZANNE HUNT ARCHITECT, THESE QUESTIONS …

  • You’ve had your practice for over 14 years now. Can you tell us a bit about what that’s been like, how you’ve managed to sustain it over that time, and the range of projects you’ve worked on?
  • Amongst some homeowners I speak to who haven’t worked with an architect before, feedback and concern I hear is that architects only design expensive houses, they’re not for everyone, they can’t design to a budget, they’ll control the design outcome too much … do you find you’re overcoming similar objections? What’s your thoughts on this?
  • A question I regularly receive is “I’m doing a renovation or new home … who should I use … an architect, building designer or draftsperson? … and should I just go straight to the builder and use whoever they suggest so I have half a chance of it being on budget?” I can imagine you receive this question too – how do you respond?
  • One of the benefits of many years in your own practice would be seeing how your homes have served their owners over the long term. What do you think makes a family home work when it’s a ‘forever’ or ‘long term’ home?

With a 14 year business, and a long career overall, Suzie has some incredible advice to share about how you can make the most of your home, and your relationship with your designer … whilst staying on budget and creating the perfect family home for you.

Listen to the episode now. And be sure to get in touch with Suzie to let her know you heard her on Undercover Architect, and to thank her for all she shares!!

In the full interview, Suzie has some great tips for …

  • how she assesses each project to be sure it’s tracking on budget,
  • how homeowners have changed what they’re wanting in their homes over the past 14 years of her business,
  • her thoughts on whether every project deserves an architect, and
  • construction and planning in Western Australia (if you’re building or renovating in WA, this is awesome info!)
How to Get it Right

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Find Suzanne Hunt on the web >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Website
Follow them on Instagram >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Instagram
Follow them on Pinterest >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Pinterest
Check her on Houzz >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s on Houzz
Her Linkedin profile >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Linkedin
And Facebook is here >>> Suzanne Hunt Architect’s Facebook

What’s the one thing to know about renovating or building your family home?

Well, this architect has a lot to share with us, and it includes what he has learnt from his own project (and home), H.I.V.E. X FIVE. Let me introduce Chris Megowan.

Now, I’ve got a slightly longer episode for you this week, as I wanted to bring these interviews together, because I believe both these architects share a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, and what you’ll learn will really benefit you in your renovation or new build project.

My first guest on this episode, is Christopher Megowan, of Megowan Architectural, a Melbourne-based firm. And my second guest is Suzie Hunt, of Suzanne Hunt Architect, a business based in Perth and working all through Western Australia (you can learn more about Suzie by heading here).

So, let me tell you about Chris.

I was first introduced to Chris via my guest last week – Anthony Laney of Laney LA – as the two attended college together in the States. So,

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE:

For over a decade, Christopher Megowan, director of M – A, has passionately dedicated himself to the study, teaching and practice of Architecture, design and development. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Architecture (5 Year professional degree) from the University of Southern California in 2008 where he received numerous honours, scholarships, grants and awards.

Acting as owner, designer, and developer, he completed his first built work prior to graduating University. Since then, he has been involved in projects ranging from bar & cafe fitouts to single family homes & 50 unit mixed use developments.

Prior to starting M – A, Christopher cut his teeth working for award winning Architecture practices in Los Angeles, London, and Melbourne.

Christopher has taught multiple design and construction studios at the University of Melbourne and Monash University at both undergraduate and graduate levels as well as served as a guest critic in Architecture for several different courses.

Megowan Architectural was established in 2009 and is a talented team of Architects that are united by a desire for excellence. M – A is less about a singular style, instead they are committed to the specifics of each project and to creating timeless spaces.
Each project brings its own complexities and parameters which they carefully respond to by understanding their clients and how they want to interact with their spaces, and in turn how their spaces will interact with them.
M – A brings to the table expertise in Architecture, planning, interior design and development. Whether the goals of a project are practical, emotional, financial or all three – they will work with you to create a well-balanced outcome which maximises your resources.

I ASKED CHRIS MEGOWAN, MEGOWAN ARCHITECTURAL, THESE QUESTIONS …

  • Tell me about Megowan Architectural … why did you begin your practice? What do you most enjoy about it?
  • There’s some commonalities or themes I see in your work, which I’d love to talk about. One is that you play with volume. Is volume an important design device for you and what would you encourage homeowners to think about in this regard?
  • And another is that your window design seems to be often about shaping the view and connection with outdoors – really creating a framed experience of what’s beyond the interior of the home. How do you think about window design?
  • Tell me about your project H.I.V.E. X FIVE – I understand it’s a development that you did yourself, and includes your home and office?
  • What do you wish all homeowners knew about home design, building and renovating?

Chris shares very candidly what doing his own project has taught him in creating great projects, working with clients, and helping everyone on the project team have a good experience. And his design strategies are great lessons for anyone working on their family home.

Listen to the episode now. And be sure to get in touch with Chris to let him know you heard him on Undercover Architect, and to thank him for all he shares!!

In the full interview, Chris also shares information on …

  • how he incorporates flexibility as an approach in his projects
  • the design strategy that makes his own project (and home) a great example of what’s possible when desiging ‘in section’
  • his learnings from his own project, and what he recommends you consider in your own
  • what makes a family home functional and flexible over the long-term
How to Get it Right

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

H.I.V.E. X FIVE / Megowan Architectural – https://www.archdaily.com

Christopher Megowan’s Convertible Courtyards House – https://inhabitat.com

Find Megowan Architectural on the web – http://m-a.com.au/

Follow them on Instagram >>> Megowan Architectural’s Instagram

And Facebook is here >>> Megowan Architectural’s Facebook

VIDEO FOR H.I.V.E. X FIVE