Get It Right With Undercover Architect

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,

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 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 transcrip

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 m

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

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. 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 ma

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

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 head

Hello! This is Episode 252. In this episode, I’ll be talking about a question I receive a lot, and see get discussed in online forums as well. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/252] The question is along these lines: If you’re doing your long term, forever home, or have no idea if and when you’ll sell your home, how much should you take resale value into account? And should you include specific things in your design to improve the home’s resale ability or value?  Should you listen to your architect, designer, or builder and the suggestions they’re making about what adds value for resale if it’s something you don’t think you’ll want or need? And can you do a home that’s just for you, and not put your resale value at risk? I’m going to share my thoughts on this, plus give you some tips and action steps you can take to clarify this for yourself. Remember, if you want to grab a full, free downloadable PDF transcript of this ep

Hello! This is Episode 251, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Derek Layfield, Managing Director of Durra Panel. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/251] If you haven’t listened to part 1 of our conversation, you’ll find that in Episode 250. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/250 to listen now, or download the PDF transcript, and come back here when you’re all caught up! As a reminder, Durra Panel is a densely compressed straw building panel used in a huge range of projects globally.  Made in Australia, it’s an incredibly sustainable, durable, highly fire resistant building material that's also fully recyclable and biodegradable. In Part 2 of my conversation with Derek, we learn more about how to work with Durra Panel.  We talk more about the other finishes that Durra Panel is available in so it’s super functional in lots of applications, and also how to work with it, and how it compares to other products you mi

Hello! This is Episode 250 (WOOHOOO!!), and in it, I’m speaking with Derek Layfield, Managing Director of Durra Panel. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/250] If you’ve not heard of Durra Panel, this and the next episode are going to be fantastic for you, as we’re deep diving into what Durra Panel is, and how to use it in your renovation or new build. In short, though, Durra Panel is a densely compressed straw building panel used in a huge range of projects globally. Made in Australia, it’s an incredibly sustainable, durable, highly fire resistant building material that's also fully recyclable and biodegradable. I’m really excited to be bringing Derek onto the podcast for this and our next episode. So stay tuned, as we discuss all the ways you can work with Durra Panel, and what you need to know about it for your project. And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discu

Hello! This is Episode 249, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Robert Duffield, who is a co-founder of Architopia. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/249] If you haven’t tuned into the last episode, and heard part 1 of this conversation, I’d encourage you to do so now - because then this one will make a lot more sense! You can find it by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/248 We start Part 2 of my conversation with Rob by discussing what you actually get in the drawing packages when you purchase online from Architopia.  Rob also has a special coupon code for Undercover Architect podcast listeners, so you can access a great saving on their Architopia packages. Keep listening for that. 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/249 Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with

Hello! This is Episode 248, and in it, I’m speaking with Robert Duffield, who is a co-founder of Architopia.   [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/248]   What happens if you simply want to find a home design already done, and skip the design process, so you can be on site faster and in your finished home sooner?   That’s what the volume builders certainly offer. The option to choose a home design out of a catalogue, and shortcut a lot of the process of designing, documenting and the months, and sometimes even years, involved in bringing an idea to something that can be built.   But what if you want a home that is architecturally designed? Well, that’s where Architopia comes in.   Architopia is a business created by three co-founders who are passionate about making architecture more affordable, and giving access to ready made designs that can be purchased and built, wherever you are.    Plus, they’re designed with sustainabil

Hello! It’s not too late to join me on my free online workshops this week, where I’ll be sharing the biggest and top 5 home design mistakes and how to avoid them.  If you’re listening to this episode at its time of release, then head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/designmistakes and save your free spot. I’d love to see you there. Now, let’s get on with the podcast. This is Episode 247.  Something I know from all the years I’ve been in this industry is this:  No one sets out to renovate and build their future home with this wish: “I want to create an ‘ok’ home.” Not once have I had that as a brief. Not once have I had a client come to me, when creating their long-term family home, and say “I only want an ‘ok’ home”.  And yet, all over the suburbs and streets, where people are building and renovating, unknown compromises are being made as people create homes that don’t function well, and don’t feel great.  Well, not as great as they could, with the same money spent on making different decisions. All the time I

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.  This free online workshop is called “The Top 5 Home Design Mistakes (and how to avoid them)”. In it, I’ll be going through the biggest and most commonly made home design mistakes, and my tips and tactics for avoiding these in your project.   Whether you’re renovating or building new, and whoever you’re working with, you’ll find this free online workshop packed full of actionable help and info. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask me questions too! Save your spot by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/designmistakes And now, let me get on with the episode! This is episode 246, and in it, I’m going to be talking about a comment I REGULARLY receive on my social media, and a few months ago, it was even typed into the comments of a free online workshop I ran. It gets put in different ways, bu

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.  This free online workshop is called “The Top 5 Home Design Mistakes (and how to avoid them)”. In it, I’ll be going through the biggest and most commonly made home design mistakes, and my tips and tactics for avoiding these in your project.   Whether you’re renovating or building new, and whoever you’re working with, you’ll find this free online workshop packed full of actionable help and info. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask me questions too! Save your spot by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/designmistakes And now, let me get on with the episode! This is episode 245, and in it, I’m going to be discussing this podcast and one of the common questions I get about it, especially from homeowners who are considering what other support and education they need in their projects. This qu

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening to this around its time of release, be sure to save your spot.  This free online workshop is called “The Top 5 Home Design Mistakes (and how to avoid them)”. In it, I’ll be going through the biggest and most commonly made home design mistakes, and my tips and tactics for avoiding this in your project.   Whether you’re renovating or building new, and whoever you’re working with, you’ll find this free online workshop packed full of actionable help and info.  Save your spot by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/designmistakes And now, let me get on with the episode! This is episode 244, and in it, I’m going to share some home design ideas and choices I regularly see, that are actually pet hates of mine. Just because they really don’t work. I get pretty passionate about home designs that don’t work, hence calling these things ‘pet hates’! This will be

Hello! This is Episode 243, and in it, I’m going to be talking about what’s been happening over the past couple of months, especially since discussing enoughness on the podcast. Over the past few months on the podcast, I’ve been sharing content and people who are focussed on sustainable design, sustainable building materials and generally building less, but better. And over the past few months, I’ve also had some amazing conversations off the podcast, with podcast listeners, fellow professionals, and HOME Method members about what we’ve been talking about here.  In fact, my inbox has never received as many messages about the podcast content as it has over the past few months. Mostly positive. However, not all of it has been positive. Some of the content has been super challenging for some listeners. So, I want to talk about this in this episode, plus share some of the other things I’ve been learning over the past few months as I’ve been mulling over with how we have some bigger conversations here at Undercove

Hello! This is Episode 242, and in it, I continue my conversation with Joe D’Alo, builder and owner of The Hemp Building Co. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/242] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of this interview, please head back to Episode 241, where you’ll hear Joe explain to us exactly what hemp and hempcrete are, the numerous benefits of it as a building material, and things you specifically need to know if you’re planning to build with it.  You can listen to that episode, or grab the full transcript by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/241 In this episode, Joe continues sharing more details about building with hempcrete. We talk about what to do if you want to clad it vs using a lime render, and other aesthetic choices depending on how you want it to look.  We also discuss cost, using it in bushfire prone areas, and if you’re curious about hemp insulation, we also discuss that in this episode. Remember too, t

Hello! This is Episode 241, and in it, I’m speaking with Joe D’Alo, builder and owner of The Hemp Building Co., which is based in Kyneton, Victoria. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/241] So often, I’m getting asked questions about building with hempcrete, and what are the essentials to know so you can confidently use it in your new home or renovation.  In my last episode (Episode 240), Hamish White from Sanctum Homes spoke to us about his current experience with hempcrete in a residential project he is working on, and we talked a little about the material and working with it. But I knew you would want to know more. I wanted to know more! So I reached out to Joe D’Alo, a builder with a huge wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for hemp, hempcrete and building with this fantastic material.  Over this episode and the next, Joe will take us on a deep dive into understanding more about

Hello! This is Episode 240, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Hamish White from Sanctum Homes, a Melbourne-based building business specialising in passive house, sustainable and high performance homes. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/240] If you haven’t listened to the last episode, and heard Part 1 of my conversation with Hamish, be sure to check that out first. You can head to Episode 239 wherever you’re listening to this podcast, or go to www.undercoverarchitect.com/239 to access the episode and a free downloadable transcript. And then come back and join us here for Part 2! In this second part of my chat with Hamish, we talk more about sustainable building, and especially about building with Hempcrete. That’s actually where this episode kicks off, and Hamish has a lot of learnings to share in a project he’s building right now. We also go through some important must-haves in a