Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Latest Episodes:

Connecting regional people with low-carbon homes, with Sarah Lebner, Cooee Architecture [Part 1 of 2 Episodes] Dec 12, 2022

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 260, and in it, I’m speaking with a dear friend of Undercover Architect, Sarah Lebner (formally of Light House Architecture and Science, and now Cooee Architecture).

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/260]

If you’re a long time listener of the podcast, you may remember Sarah Lebner from my conversation with her, and Jenny Edwards, from Light House Architecture + Science. It was one of our most downloaded episodes that year, and I’ll pop a link in the resources if you haven’t listened to it yet.

Sarah has recently moved home with her family, and moved on from Light House Architecture and Science, and has new adventures to share with us. And, in true Sarah-style, she’s also got loads of clever wisdom and experience to share that will benefit your project.

This is a great conversation over this episode and the next, and especially for those of you who are wanting to create a sustainable home, or are building or renovating in a regional location, or simply want some actionable and practical advice for your project.

And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/260

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/260

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

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/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate Resilient Design and Building, with Kate Cotter, Bushfire Building Council of Australia [Part 2 of 2 Episodes] Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 259, and in it, I’ll be continuing my conversation with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Australia - which has recently been rebranded as the Resilient Building Council.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/259]

With floods, fires, cyclones and general weather events subjecting our homes to more and more extreme conditions, many homeowners are talking with me about their desire to create a climate resilient renovation or new build.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Kate, head back to Episode 258 to listen to that now. You can grab the transcript, or listen to our conversation by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258.

In that episode, Kate introduces us to Fortis, a range of homes that were created with extensive community consultation, and experienced and expert collaboration, to help homeowners who are building or rebuilding after bushfire or other events such as floods and cyclones, or building in areas that can experience those events.

It’s worth a listen to hear the core principles Fortis was created with, that can translate to any project to create a more resilient home.

In Part 2, we continue our conversation about Fortis, plus we talk about some other really amazing projects that Kate is working on with her awesome team.

And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/259

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/259

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bushfire Resistant Homes, with Kate Cotter, Bushfire Building Council Australia Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 258, and in it, I’ll be talking with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Australia - which has recently been rebranded to the Resilient Building Council.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258]

If you’re building or renovating in an area where bushfire, flooding, cyclones or any other extreme climate event can occur, or you simply want to renovate or build in a more climate resilient way, this episode is going to be super helpful.

I’m really excited about sharing this episode and the next with you, as it will not only give you a framework of principles to consider in creating a more resilient home. You’ll also learn about Fortis homes, which can give you a great headstart in your project too.

And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/258

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/258

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing Building Materials: A How To Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early November, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.

In my free online workshop, I’ll be taking you through the 4 universal factors that will make or break your project. You’ll learn what these universal factors are, how to avoid them derailing your project, and to use them to your advantage instead. It’ll be super helpful information for you whether you’re planning to build or renovate.

You can choose from a lunchtime or an evening session, and I’ll also be sending out a replay. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/register to register your details, and I’d love to see you there.

And now, let me get on with the episode!

This is episode 256 and in it, I’ll be sharing 7 criteria or checks to consider when choosing building materials and products for your future home.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/256]

I’m often getting asked about specific building materials, products and brands. In the world of building and renovating, it can feel like there is A LOT to choose from.

And what I see homeowners often find, as they dive into their projects and work with professionals, is that - as a homeowner - you’re often only seeing a small percentage of what is actually available.

Professionals have knowledge about brands and products, and access to businesses, that can be difficult for homeowners to be aware of or be able to directly deal with. So the options can open up even further for you, as you move along your project journey with your team.

As someone in the industry, staying up to date with the latest materials and products, and the legislation that applies to them, can take up a lot of time. I spend a lot of time looking for, researching and finding out about products. And often my HOME Method members are also asking about items and products as well that can guide my research when I have specific questions. In fact, many of the guests we’ve had on the podcast are because we’ve been discussing those products inside HOME Method!

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/256

Now, let’s dive in.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/256

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loves + Trends in Home Design 2022 Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

You can choose from a lunchtime or an evening session, and I’ll also be sending out a replay. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/register to register your details, and I’d love to see you there.

And now, let me get on with the episode!

This is episode 255, and in it, I’m going to talk through some loves of mine when it comes to home design, and some of the trends we’re seeing as well.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/255]

With each of my loves, I’ll be sharing what to consider and key tips to remember if exploring them for your future home.

Most of what I teach here at Undercover Architect is focussed on timeless, functional design. To me, design isn’t prescriptive, and it isn’t about how something looks. Design is about how something works.

Design that can be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of your family as you live in the home, and adapt to the future owners who’ll come to live in your home in the decades ahead. Homes that suit you now, and over the long-term.

And homes that feel fantastic to live in, because they’re thermally comfortable, energy efficient, full of lovely natural light and ventilation, and there’s a sense of order and calmness about them, which helps you feel relaxed and at peace. Where there’s space to be together and to be apart, and a great connection with the outdoors that optimises the natural environment - even in the most urban of areas.

That to me, is the design to aim for. Designing for sustainability, enoughness, for sufficiency, for durability and a long-term view.

And then inside that framework, you can inject what is relevant and special to you. The spaces and things you love. The design styles and trends that you resonate with, and you feel authentically reflect you. The things you know you have always loved and been attracted to. The things that have meaning to you.

So, what are my loves when it comes to home design? And what are some of the trends you should be aware of?

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/255

Now, let’s dive in.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/255

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mistake #3 | How You Work [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect] Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

Hello!

This is the third and last episode in a special series of mini-sodes I’m doing to help you avoid the mistakes I see many make when choosing, starting and working with a designer during their home renovation or new build.

If you haven’t listened to the first episode about the mistakes many make when choosing their designer, and the second episode about the mistakes many make when starting with their designer, then check out those episodes.

In this mini-sode, I’m going to share the mistakes I see clients make as they continue working with their designer for the weeks and months it can take to create a design.

You can also download a free PDF transcript of this and the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/designer. You’ll also be able to access some additional resources and helpful links for your project and team that I’ve included there.

Plus, I’m hosting a free live online workshop later this month. In it, I’ll be sharing the 4 factors that can make or break your project. This free workshop is a fantastic way to learn about the key things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.

So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near it’s time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there.

Let’s dive in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer

Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mistake #2 | How You Start [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect] Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

Hello!

This is the second episode in a special series of mini-sodes I’m doing to help you avoid the mistakes I see many make when choosing, starting and working with a designer during their home renovation or new build.

If you haven’t listened to the first episode about the mistakes many make when choosing their designer, then check out that episode.

In this mini-sode, I’m going to share the mistakes I see clients make as they start their relationship with their designer, and what happens when you don’t start your design process well.

Be sure to download a free PDF transcript of this and the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/designer. You’ll also be able to access some additional resources and helpful links for your home design that I’ve included there.

Plus, I’m hosting a free live online workshop in early November. In it, I’ll be sharing the 4 factors that can make or break your project. This free workshop is a fantastic way to learn about the key things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.

So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near its time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there.

Let’s dive in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mistake #1 | How You Choose [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect] Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

Hello!

This is a special series of mini-sodes I’m doing to help you avoid the mistakes I see many make with designers and architects during their home renovation or new build. It could be an architect, building designer or interior designer. I don’t consider draftspeople designers, but this information will also apply to working with them as well.

In this first mini-sode, I’ll be talking about the first mistake you can make with your designer or architect, and that’s how you choose your designer.

Let’s dive in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kitchen Design: Don’t Put Your Sink in Your Island Bench Oct 10, 2022

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 254, and in it, I’m going to discuss something I get asked about A LOT.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/254]

Anytime I mention that I don’t agree with locating your sink in your island bench, I get a lot of people asking me ‘why’.

And so in this episode, I’ll be going through the various reasons I believe that you shouldn’t locate your sink in your island bench when designing your kitchen.

I’ll also take you through lots of ‘what if’ scenarios people then share with me as they try to nut this out for their own design. As in ‘what if I only include a smaller sink in my island bench’. I’ll dig into that and a few more as well.

I’ve got 6 main reasons to not include a sink in your island bench. And 5 what-ifs you may be thinking about.

Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/254

Now, let’s dive in.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/254

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Design Tips for Your Ceilings Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

Hello! This is episode 253, and in it, I’m going to be talking about what some call the ‘5th elevation’ of a room: your ceilings.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/253]

Often dealt with as an afterthought, or simply considered as a flat surface in which to install lighting, your ceilings offer a huge variety of options design-wise to change the feel and functionality of the spaces in your home.

I’ve got 5 tips to share with you to think about when designing your ceilings.

And yes - your ceilings can and should be designed whilst you’re creating your floor plan, and thinking about the rooms and spaces of your future home.

Whether you’re renovating or building new, these tips will be useful to review as you navigate your design process, whoever you’re working with.

Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/253

Now, let’s dive in.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/253

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.