Get It Right With Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 379, and it’s Part 3 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Fionna and Ed, as they share their new build journey in Canberra. I decided to continue sharing our conversation so we could have this as a four-part series on the podcast, and then you get to hear the whole scope of their project through Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build and Build.  I hope, as a result, it’s super helpful for you to follow along and hear where they invested their time, efforts and money, and how that’s influenced their project journey. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379] If you haven’t listened to the previous parts of our conversation and want to hear the whole story from the start, head back to Episodes 377 and 378. You’ll find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/378 In this episode, we move into the construction or Build phase of their project, a

Hello! This is Episode 378, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed, who are building a new home in Canberra on a challenging but amazing site, where the home design responds to the unique site conditions, as well as the goals they have for their lifestyle into the future. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/378] If you’ve missed out on the first part of this conversation, head back to Episode 377 to learn more about how they secured their block, the due diligence they went through, and getting started on their project. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 In this latest update, you’ll hear how they collaborated with their architect through the design process. We also explore the practicalities of budget management during design and how they selected their builder.  Fionna and Ed also share the detailed thinking behind elements like their flat roof desi

Hello! This is Episode 377, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed. They’re based in Canberra, and are creating a beautiful, energy efficient and flexible home designed for their next chapter of life - a home that allows them to age in place, welcome family and friends, and accommodate their adult children when they come and go. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377] Fionna and Ed’s home is being built on a unique block with a spectacular old oak tree that takes up almost a third of the site. Their architectural design works around this tree through a series of three connected pavilions that make the most of light, outlook and connection to the garden. In our conversation, you’ll hear how Fionna and Ed navigated purchasing this block, including conditional offers, tree protection laws, and some very determined problem-solving. Their story is such a great example of balancing t

Hello! This is Episode 376, and it’s the final instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, across the four key phases that every renovation or new build travels through: Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build, and Build. We’ve already explored how to lay the groundwork for clarity in the Pre-Design Phase (Episode 373), how to lead with intention in the Design Phase (Episode 374), and how to stay in control as momentum builds in the Pre-Build Phase (Episode 375). Now, we arrive at the Build Phase: the part that many see as the most exciting. It’s where all your planning, decisions and hard work begin to physically take shape on site. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/376] And while it might look like the finish line is in sight, the Build Phase is often where overwhelm can hit hardest.  Construction moves fast.  Questions arise unexpectedly.  You ma

Hello! This is Episode 375, and it’s the third instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, across the four key phases that every renovation or new build travels through: Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build and Build. We’ve covered the Pre-Design Phase in Episode 373, and the Design Phase in Episode 374. In this episode, we’re moving into the Pre-Build Phase, which is often where things really start to ramp up. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/375] This is the stage where decisions begin to snowball, momentum builds, and that long-awaited construction start can feel just around the corner. It can be exciting. But for many, it also becomes stressful and chaotic, especially if this phase is rushed through or underestimated. And it’s no wonder. You’re often coordinating lots of moving parts, finalising hundreds of detailed decisions, working towards f

Hello! This is Episode 374, and it's the second instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, in each of the four phases every project travels through. In this episode, we’re diving into the Design Phase: the part of your project where your ideas and inspiration begin to take shape, and the drawings of your future home start coming to life. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/374] In the last episode, I introduced the series and shared how confidence and clarity were the most common feelings homeowners told me they want when designing, building or renovating their homes. And that makes total sense when you consider what’s at stake: time, money, energy, and the future lifestyle you’re creating for yourself and your family. The great news is this: Confidence and clarity are not things you either have or don’t have. They’re something you can build,

Hello! This is Episode 373, and I’m kicking off a 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project. SO MANY homeowners tell me they wish for the ability to make confident, clear decisions in their project. And that’s totally understandable when you’re investing this much time, money and effort, and creating something so long-term and impactful as your own home.  The good news is that it IS possible to feel much more confident, and clearer about what are the right and most suitable choices for you and your home, whilst avoiding the costly and stressful mistakes along the way. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/373] What’s important to understand is this: Confidence doesn’t just appear at the end when everything’s finished. It’s something you can build step by step, with the right guidance, tools, and support along the way. Confidence in your project a

Hello! This is Episode 372, and it’s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation of their Melbourne California Bungalow. In this episode, we pick up at the point where Ben and his partner, Mike, are preparing to sign the building contract. He shares how he approached legal review, navigated sensitive conversations with his builder, and managed the personal dynamics of taking such a big step. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/372] If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, I’d encourage you to go back and catch up on how Ben selected his builder, finalised his design and selections, and laid the groundwork for a successful build.  You can find Part 1 at www.undercoverarchitect.com/371 - and of course, Ben’s previous updates on his project are in Episode 352 and Episode 353 as well. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/352 an

Hello! This is Episode 371, and I’m joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk through the big milestone of choosing his builder and stepping into the pre-construction phase of his project.  If you're navigating your own decision-making process or weighing up quotes, builders, or final selections, this conversation is going to be incredibly valuable. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/371] Ben was first on the podcast back in Episode 352 and Episode 353, sharing how their project began, and taking us through the decision to put pause on the project, and spend time redesigning to help the project align with their budget expectations more effectively. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/352 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/353 ) In this latest episode, Ben shares how he and his partner, Mike, chose between two builders after over a year of due diligence, the sur

Hello! This is Episode 370, and in it, I’m catching up again with HOME Method member, Tatiana, as she continues the journey of designing and planning her new family home in regional Queensland with her partner and three boys. In this episode, we dive into more of the details, including exploring how Tatiana is thinking ahead about her kitchen and bathrooms, researching materials and layouts that will work for her climate, and looking at ways to minimise maintenance and avoid common pitfalls. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/370] In Part 1 in the last podcast, Episode 369, we talked about keeping the design simple to suit their budget, making key layout choices, how Tatiana has found their budget constraints helpful to keep them on track, and collaborating closely with their building designer and builder.  (You can find that episode at www.undercoverarchitect.com/369) In Part 2, we talk about navigating cost all

Hello! This is Episode 369, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tatiana. She lives with her partner and three boys in regional Queensland, and is in the exciting stage of finalising their concept design and moving into preliminary drawings for their new family home. She’s back with her latest project update! [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/369] In our last conversation, we met Tatiana at the very start of her journey. If you haven’t heard the first part of Tatiana’s project story, you can find it at Episodes 350 and 351.  (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/350 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/351 ) Since then, she’s been working closely with her building designer, and collaborating with her builder for input along the way, all while keeping a close eye on their square metre target / floor area size to suit a tight budget. In this e

Hello! This is Episode 368, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, who are currently building a passive house home for themselves in Sydney’s north.  In this episode, we’re diving into a few key updates, starting with their Granny Flat and how its design and construction are coming together. We also discuss interior design selections, and some challenging stormwater issues they’re needing to resolve. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon in the last episode, head back to Episode 367 to hear more. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/367  Jan and Landon first appeared on the podcast in Episodes 338 and 339 to introduce us to their project, so those episodes are there for you to hear more about their journey and where it all began. In this episode, we also chat th

Hello! This is Episode 367, and in it, I’m speaking with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, about their new home and granny flat that they’re building as a Passive House in Sydney’s north. Jan and Landon have specific goals for their project. They’re both in their 70s, so they’re considering how they can age in place well, as well as create a home that’s in alignment with their sustainability and lifestyle goals. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/367] Jan and Landon were first on the podcast back in Episodes 338 and 339, where we learned about them selling their home of 39 years, to move to a different part of Sydney, and to a site that’s been in Landon’s family for over 70 years. They’re retired teachers so they’re amazing learners and have really embraced their project preparation and management with a fantastic, proactive methodology using the content of HOME

Hello! This is Episode 366, and in it, I’m diving into the Drama Triangle and how it can show up in the communication and relationships involved in your renovation or new build project. This episode is a little different to the usual tips, strategies, and homeowner stories I share here. But I know from experience - personally and professionally - that how you communicate can make or break your project journey. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/366] When things get stressful, uncertain, or emotionally charged, it’s easy to fall into unhelpful patterns without even realising it. You might shut down, lash out, try to fix everything for everyone, or feel like you’re walking on eggshells. These responses often come from roles we unconsciously play. Roles like Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer, are part of a well-known psychological model called the Drama Triangle. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what

Hello! This is Episode 365, and in it, I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes I see homeowners make in their renovation or new build projects - without even realising they’re doing it. These aren’t the obvious, dramatic missteps you hear horror stories about.  They’re subtle, sneaky habits and beliefs that can quietly derail your progress, blow your budget, or leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure as your project unfolds. They’re also incredibly common, and totally avoidable once you know what to look for. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/365] So, in this episode, I’ll walk you through each of these mistakes. I’ll also share why these mistakes happen, what the consequences tend to be, and most importantly, how you can course-correct before they cause bigger issues. Whether you’re just starting out, midway through your planning, or already feeling the pinch of uncertainty, th

Hello! This is Episode 364, and in it, HOME Method member, Shauna, is back with Part 2 of our conversation about building her new family home. In this episode, we dive deeper into the long-term view Shauna took with this home, and how that shaped her decisions around budget, investment, and design. And you’ll hear how she tested her thinking along the way, continually asking herself if her choices were still delivering a better result than the alternatives. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/364] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation, be sure to head ot Episode 363, where you’ll hear Shauna introduce her project, and discuss how she embarked on her design process balancing sustainability goals, her budget and a complex site. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/363 In this episode, we explore how Shauna navigated her decision to go with a Design-Build builder, and how she set herse

Hello! This is Episode 363, and in it, I’m chatting with HOME Method member, Shauna, who has recently completed her new family home.  Shauna is a sustainability practitioner by profession. So, what does someone who works in sustainability do when creating their long-term family home?  Well, you’ll hear how she approached her new build with intention, clear objectives, and a pragmatic approach that balanced the realities of her budget and site with her overall goals and wishlist in her newly built home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/363] In this episode, I talk with Shauna about how she identified her objectives, and worked to create an incredibly comprehensive Design Brief, using the HOME Method Brief Builder Template and Room Notes as her guide and template.  You’ll hear how she very quickly realised that this wasn’t about striving for perfection - which in fact can be paralysing

Hello! This is Episode 362, and in it, I’m sharing what to do if you’re not using the PAC Process - or Paid As Consultant Process - but still want to ensure you don’t get massively disappointed when your project gets priced before you start construction. Perhaps you still want to competitively tender your project? Or you’ve found out about the PAC Process too far into your project? Or your architect or designer isn’t interested in doing it at all, or has another method they’re suggesting to you? This is something I get asked about a lot. So, in this episode, I want to give you clear guidance on what you can do instead. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/362.] Because if you can’t, or don’t want to, use the PAC Process, there are still really practical ways to reduce your risk, get accurate cost feedback, and avoid the heartbreak of working for months, and spending a lot of mon

Hello! This is Episode 361, and in it, I’m answering the questions I didn’t get to during our recent live webinars. I hope these answers are interesting to hear, and perhaps help you feel more equipped and confident in navigating your own project. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/361.] Whenever I host a live session, I’m always blown away by the type and curiosity of the questions that come through. They show me just how thoughtful, considered, and committed you are when it comes to getting your home right - and how much you’re navigating behind the scenes as you do it. Sometimes, though, we run out of time before I can respond to everything. So in this episode, I’m circling back to answer the questions I didn’t get to live, but that I know many of you are wondering about too. We’re covering a whole range of topics: from how to know if you’re adding value to your property, t

Hello! This is Episode 360, and I’m back with Part 2 of my conversation with builder, Anthony Hickey, from Melbourne-based Two Tone Construction. Anthony recently completed a renovation project with HOME Method members, Tanya and Paul, and as he said in Part 1, they’ve redefined his benchmark for his ideal client! In this episode, Anthony and I talk about how to set up effective communication between a builder and a client, especially when you’re a client who has invested in getting educated and informed, and you’re wondering how a builder might welcome your input and involvement in your own project. Anthony also shares his recommendations for how to find the right builder to work with, how to work well with your builder, and when to get them on board to achieve the best outcome. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/360] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of the conversation, head back to Episode