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Latest Episodes:

The Pre-Design Phase with Antony Martin, MRTN Architects Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 207.

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.

Often when homeowners start their project, their priority is to think about the floor plan design, how it will get created, and who will help them.

And, if you’re planning on working with a design professional such as an architect or building designer, you may expect that your very first steps with them are going to be seeing pen put to paper (or mouse to CAD program!) as floor plans of your future new home or renovation get created based on your wishes and wants.

However, and you’ve probably heard me talk about this before - and it’s definitely something I teach inside my online courses and program, the HOME Method - getting your design started is nowhere near as important as starting the RIGHT design.

When you take the time at the beginning of your project to ensure you’re starting the RIGHT design for your future home, you’ll find your whole project experience far simpler, and far more enjoyable.

You’re able to be more strategic about the time and money you’re investing in your project.

And, it’s a fantastic way to prevent ending up in a home that doesn’t suit you, or you outgrow, or it frustrates you on a daily basis.

So, what to do before you design your home: Are you not sure about what to do in this pre-design phase?

Well, you’ll love this conversation with Antony Martin then. Because it’s going to clarify a lot of the kinds of things to consider, and how helpful this process can be for shaping your thinking, your design and your project journey.

And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/207, as I’ve popped them all there for you.

So, let’s dive in.

SHOW NOTES:

If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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.

In this episode, Antony and I discuss:

Antony’s experience in the industry and how he came to start MRTN Architects
How MRTN Architects have created the methodologies and processes they use in their work with clients
Antony’s views on something I heard him say at the Architeam Conference, which was this: “Design is a speculation on a future outcome” and that “thorough understanding of the problem means we can create a truly long-term solution”
Why MRTN Architects prize the Pre-Design phase so highly, and how they communicate this to clients when they first start working with them
The three main aspects they explore during the Pre-Design Phase, and what they involve (Experience, Knowledge and Inspiration)
What the main outcome is of starting a project this way

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/207

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAC Process | The CLIENT Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

Hello! 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.

I’m speaking with Bec and Glenn, who recently completed a renovation of their Queenslander home in Brisbane, and used the PAC Process during their design phase.

After working with me to create some initial design concept options, they worked with building designer, Aaron Wailes, who you met in Episode 203, and builder, Duayne Pearce, who was on our last episode. As a collaborative team, they developed their preferred design concept into costed construction drawings, kicked off the renovation on site, and then completed the home in early 2021.

Bec and Glenn were also members of my online program, the HOME Method both before and during their project.

I know it’s going to be great for you to hear their experience first-hand, and I’m super grateful for them jumping on the podcast, because it’s so valuable to get these types of insights.

And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/205, as I’ve popped them all there for you.

So, 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.

In this episode, Bec, Glenn and I discuss:

Their home and project, and what they were hoping to achieve with their renovation
Why they chose to do a compact home, and the way they established their brief
How and when they kicked off the PAC Process
How they overcame concerns they had, plus how things changed for them from their initial ideas
What really helped their project be enjoyable and go smoothly
The things they love about the home, and what surprises them about it as well
Plus LOADS of tips and helpful suggestions for your project!

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/205

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

Get 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.

PAC Process | The BUILDER Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode 204.

In this episode, I am speaking with a builder who only uses the PAC Process in his residential construction business. He no longer does tenders and quotes, and will only work with clients right from the initiation of their project, so he can be Paid As a Consultant and get involved during the design phase.

For him as the builder, the PAC Process is the best and only way to work with clients. Because he believes it improves the client experience, the project, and also the way he does business.

I’m speaking about Duayne Pearce, and he was a guest in Season 4 of the podcast, and also my co-host for all of Season 7. He’s also a collaborator inside my online program, the HOME Method.

And now, he and I now have another business together, called Live Life Build, where we’re working with builders to improve the way they do business, so we can elevate the professionalism of the residential construction industry overall.

This is the fourth episode I’m doing about the PAC Process. So, if you haven’t listened to the previous three episodes, be sure to do that now, because this episode will make a lot more sense with that background information.

The PAC Process, is where you bring a builder on to be Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. They become a collaborative member of your design team, working alongside you and your chosen designer, to provide input on cost and buildability as your design develops and gets resolved.

It’ll be great for you to hear just how much Duayne gets involved, and what you can expect from the PAC Process with other builders - because it’s far more than simply paying for a quote.

And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/204, as I’ve popped them all there for you.

So, 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.

In this episode, Duayne and I discuss:

DPearce Constructions and the type of work they do
How many designers Duayne works with using the PAC Process
Why the PAC Process is the only way he takes on projects
What happens as part of the initial query (when a client first gets in touch)
The most common questions and concerns from clients about the PAC Process
How Duayne views his role as the builder in the design process, and what he ensures he stays focussed on
The greatest source of confusion in this process
Plus his big tips to get it right when using the PAC Process

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/204

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAC Process | The DESIGNER Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

Hello! 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.

You may recall Aaron Wailes, who featured as our Building Designer in Season 4 (Know Your Team) here on the podcast.

Aaron Wailes is the Founder and Owner of GreenCoast Building Design, a residential design practice focused on delivering form, function, personality and lifestyle to residential housing. Based in Wynnum, Brisbane, they work with clients all over SE Queensland and beyond.

Remember, our PAC Process, is where you bring a builder on to be Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase.

They become a collaborative member of your design team, working alongside you and your chosen designer, to provide input on cost and buildability as your design develops and gets resolved.

Aaron has some great insight to share about how he sees this process working for homeowners in real life, plus tips to help you get the most from the process and your design experience, and some really great ideas about building the right team for your reno or new build.

And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/203, as I’ve popped them all there for you.

There’s also a full PDF Transcript you can download - I don’t usually transcribe the interviews because it’s such a big job compared to my solo episodes, but we had some challenges with internet stability in this interview, so I thought it would be helpful for you to have a version you could read as a backup!

So head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/203 to grab that free PDF transcript too.

So, 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.

In this episode, Aaron and I discuss:

GreenCoast Building Design and how things have changed since the last time he was on the podcast.
How many builders he works with using the PAC Process
What happens as part of the initial query (when a client first gets in touch)
The most common questions and concerns from clients about the PAC Process
The main things Aaron has to be aware of as a designer, knowing he’s working for, and commissioned by the client
The greatest source of confusion in this process
Plus his big tips to get it right when using the PAC Process

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/203

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAC Process | The WHAT Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

Hello! 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.

In the last episode, I shared some information on why this process can be a great way to commence your project, and what you can achieve with it, plus some key things to be aware of as well - including what the PAC Process is NOT.

So, if you haven’t listened to that episode, I encourage you to stop listening to this one, and head back to it now. You’ll get to hear the WHY of the PAC Process. And we’ll be waiting here for you when you get back.

In this episode, I’m sharing more about the WHAT of the PAC Process. I’ll be talking about what the PAC Process actually looks like as a step-by-step process, as well as key things to be aware of and how it can vary depending on the builder you work with.

Now, remember you can download a PDF Transcript of this episode for free at https://undercoverarchitect.com/202 - so be sure to do that so you can save these notes for your records to review later.

So, 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.

So, let me explain how the step by step process of the PAC Process can go.

This can vary though, based on the builder and designer or architect you’re working with, the fee you’re paying, and the type of project you’re doing.

As I’m taking you through these steps, my expectation is that you’re at the beginning of your project - ie, you haven’t started your design process yet.

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/202

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAC Process | The WHY Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

Hello, this is Episode 201.

If you’re frustrated at hearing all the stories about those who spend loads of time on their home design, only to find at the point of getting quotes that they’re significantly over budget, you’re going to love this podcast episode.

You can create a custom new build or renovation that’s on budget and simpler to build - you just need the right process and the right team on board.

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.

This is a process where you, as the homeowner, bring a builder on board to be Paid As a Consultant (hence the P-A-C initials).

You bring them on to be Paid as a Consultant during the design phase, and they work collaboratively with you and your chosen designer (be it an architect or building designer), whilst your design is being developed.

And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/201, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed.

So, 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.

In this episode, I’ll help you understand WHY the PAC Process can be such a useful way to work through your design phase.

In the next episode, I’ll be diving more into the WHAT of the PAC Process: that is, the step-by-step process, so you can have a clearer understanding of what it really involves, who does what, and what you can expect from them as well.

It’s really great to be sharing this detailed information with you about the PAC Process, because I believe it to be such an awesome way to get a great outcome and experience from your renovation or new build, right from the start.

And I’m seeing time and time again how much it improves budget management, creates strong relationships within project teams, and makes projects far more enjoyable overall.

And, I’m also seeing the proliferation of ‘getting paid for quotes’ or ‘charge for quotes’ info being spread through the residential building industry, and builders getting taught terrible information about how to implement this in their business.

So, let’s help you get it right. Learn more about how the PAC Process can help you create a home design that’s on budget and simpler to build.

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/201

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating 200 Episodes of the Undercover Architect podcast Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

This is Episode 200. Can you believe it? Sometimes I pinch myself that I’m here, that you’re here, that we’re on this journey together and it’s now 200 episodes in and almost 4.5 years old.

And so, 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.

And, perhaps I’m showing my age, but in a nod to Heath Ledger, I’ve titled this podcast “10 Things I Love About You” as a listener of the Get it Right podcast.

(Anyone remember the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”? I think it’s on Netflix if, like me, you enjoyed that genre of movies!)

I’m also going to share some personal info about my own renovation project, as my hubby and I are starting the process of renovating our own family home.

And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/200, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed.

So, 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.

I know I can promise you that it will be all worth it. And I believe you totally have it in you to make this happen.

It may not be easy. It may be challenging at times.

You may need to have tough conversations, hear tough feedback, change tack, or pivot on your ideas and plans.

Things may get in the way. You may not progress as fast as you would like.

You may make mistakes, get frustrated with the performance of those you’re working with, or frustrated with your own performance.

You may feel uncomfortable, slow, even silly or stupid. You may feel like it’s not worth it. You may want to chuck it all in, and sell up everything and hit the road in a caravan for a year. You may want to win the lottery and just pay for someone to take care of all of it for you.

At any point, or at all the points, you may feel annoyed with your partner, with those you’re working with, with yourself.

Anything that involves this much money, and this much time and effort … these feelings are inevitable. They will and can exist in small doses at different points in your project.

Please know, if they’re the constant experience, however, then you need more support and help - so look for where you can access that. Because you can and should enjoy your project. It shouldn’t be a stress-filled, difficult experience from start to finish. It can have its moments and ups and downs, but it should still, on the whole, be enjoyable.

However, when something matters this much, and has this much meaning in your life, and in your long term future with your family - plus it’s something you don’t have any or much experience in - you can feel these challenging things.

When you get it right though: when you access the support and guidance you need, when you get clear on your goals and create a great team who is on the same page, with a passion for helping you achieve those goals, and you know what you need to know (or have somewhere to turn to get that help), then this is definitely true:

The journey will be so SO worth it - as will the home you create as well. I know it will.

From my 25 plus years of doing this, with all the projects I’ve worked on and all the beautiful people I’ve had the privilege of working with, I know this to be true for you too.

So listen to my somewhat corny but very sincere love letter to you.

Episode 200 feels like a big milestone, and it’s great to be able to have a conversation with you like this one, so I do hope you find it really helpful too.

Listen now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/200

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 | Supplying your own fixtures and finishes May 31, 2021

Show notes

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, and excluding them from your contract with your builder.

This is Part 2 of this topic. So if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, it’ll make a lot more sense if you go back to Episode 198 and listen to it first (https://undercoverarchitect.com/198).

Then you can come back, and listen to this episode - it will be waiting here for you.

And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/199, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed.

So, 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.

In the last episode, I went through the first two of the five main reasons I hear both homeowners and builders use to explain why it’s a good idea to source and supply your own fixtures, fittings and finishes in your project.

These reasons I described are:

Being able to get exactly what you want in your home, because you choose and buy it from the places and people you want to.
Not having to pay for the builder to shop for you, and generally avoiding paying the builder’s margin.

And in this episode, I’ll be taking you through the remaining three main reasons I hear discussed by both homeowners and builders. They are:

Knowing that the items you want are in stock and available.
Being able to start on site sooner rather than later.
Purchase things on sale or discontinued / end-of-line items and save serious money.

In this episode, I also want to spend a little time highlighting specific areas of your contract to be aware of, especially during times when (as it is at the time of recording this episode), we’re experiencing time and cost pressures in home building and renovating projects.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/199

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1 | Supplying your own fixtures and finishes May 24, 2021

Show notes

Hello! This is Episode #198, and I’m diving into the topic of supplying your own fixtures and finishes for your renovation or building project.

Many homeowners seek to save money in their building project by extracting specific supplied items from the building contract. They organise to do this with their builder, and sign a contract that doesn’t include these items.

This means they (as the homeowner) then go and personally shop for, purchase and supply, all or various fixtures and fittings for their reno or new build.

And at the time of recording this episode, where we’re dealing with huge demands on products, materials, trades and sub-contractors, there are builders actually recommending to homeowners that they take care of their own supply items when signing their contract.

And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/198, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed.

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.

In Episode 198, I share the main reasons I hear both homeowners AND builders cite to pull the supply of fixtures, fittings and finishes out of the building contract, and make them the responsibility of the homeowner to source, purchase and supply.

Listen to the episode, as I take you through the whole issue of supplying fixtures and finishes, discuss the much-held belief that you’ll save money on not getting the builder to shop for you, and that you’ll also get to avoid a builder’s margin by paying for things yourself.

I’ll be doing this topic over two episodes, because it’s quite a lot of subject matter, and I want to do it justice. So, this is Part 1 of this conversation. And be sure to tune into the next episode to listen to Part 2 (Episode 199).

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/198

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Design Construct Builders and Companies | What to know before you choose May 17, 2021

Show notes

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.

Design Construct builders or companies can seem like a great way to manage cost and still get a custom design approach inside a one-stop shop, with a single point of contact.

However there are a range of reasons why it may not work for your project, and where it can be problematic.

And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/197, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed.

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.

Plus, I’ll share with you what on 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.

In this Episode 197, I share some key things to establish before working with a Design Construct Builder or Company.

These key things can include, but are not limited to:

How long will the design phase go for?
How many reviews are included?
What type of agreement are you signing to commission the design phase?
Who owns the products of this design phase?
What will this phase cost in fees?
How will budgetary information be provided during the design phase?
What assumptions are being made in that budgetary information?
What other steps will be taken in this design phase?

Listen to the podcast now as I take you through these considerations, plus loads more help, when it comes to choosing a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation project.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/197

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.