Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! And welcome to Episode 386. 

So often I see homeowners, excited about their project, instinctively moving straight into design. 

This episode is about slowing that moment down, and understanding why the work you do before you design has such a big influence on what is created - whoever you’re working with and even if you’re DIYing your design.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/386]

The urgency to start working on design drawings usually comes from a mix of excitement and fear. Excitement about finally seeing something take shape, and fear that if you wait, costs will rise, opportunities will disappear, or you’ll somehow fall behind.

But it is important to gently challenge the assumption that drawing plans is the best or most productive way to respond to that urgency.

Before we begin, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and I honour their ongoing connection to land, culture and community.

It’s Amelia Lee here, founder and architect behind Undercover Architect, an online education platform that teaches homeowners how to get it right when designing, building or renovating their home, simply and with confidence, wherever you’re located and whoever you’re working with.

Undercover Architect is your secret ally. Not here to tell you what your home should look like, or to push an aesthetic, finish, or product. This is about helping you understand the process, ask better questions, avoid stressful and expensive mistakes, and make clear, informed decisions that are right for you and your project.

This episode is part of the Start Here Mini-Sodes Series, designed to eliminate assumptions, gently challenge unhelpful beliefs, and help you focus on what actually matters first, before momentum and excitement carry you too far ahead.

Now that you understand the four phases every project steps through from what was shared in Episode 385…

In this episode, we’re talking about the thinking that needs to happen before anything is drawn. 

Because design doesn’t start with creativity. It starts with clarity.

Without clarity, drawings can feel reassuring, but they often give a false sense of progress. They look like decisions, but they’re shaped by assumptions that haven’t yet been tested.

So let’s dive into Part 2 of the Start Here series, ‘Before You Design Anything’.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/386

Happy Home Design Mini-Course

If you’re getting confused by how to create a home design that genuinely supports the way you want to live and that also suits your site, my mini-course, ‘Happy Home Design’ will help you with early design thinking and investigation.

HOME Method Online Program

If you want guidance and support right through all four phases of your project, providing you with the steps, tools, resources and personalised help to navigate complexity, manage risk and avoid costly mistakes, then HOME Method is where you’ll find the community, coaching and education to support you every step of the way. 

Also included in HOME Method are my much-loved Room Notes, capturing 30+ years of design experience across hundreds and hundreds of homes, and sharing the key design strategies, recommended dimensions and architectural insights so your home design suits you now and into the future.

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! And welcome to Episode 385.

Most people think projects start with design or budgeting. They don’t. This episode introduces the four real phases of every project, and explains why confusion, rework, and cost blowouts usually come from skipping or rushing the early ones.

So if you’re starting out and feeling overwhelmed or confused, you’re not behind. And in tuning into this episode, and the Mini-sode Series I’m kicking off, you’re in the right place to gain some helpful insights and know-how before you start your project.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/385]

Welcome to this Mini-Sodes Series called ‘Start Here’. Each episode is designed to eliminate assumptions, bust common myths, and help you understand what actually matters first, before you dive headlong into your project driven by excitement alone.

You’ll learn what to prioritise now, what can wait, and how to move forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Most homeowners feel overwhelmed before diving into their new build or renovation planning. Nervous, but excited. Confused, but optimistic. Creating your future home is an opportunity to support your lifestyle, reflect your values, and create a place to live and enjoy for years to come.

At the same time, a renovation or new build is often the biggest financial investment you’ll make outside of purchasing property. There can feel like a lot at stake, and the industry can appear opaque and complex.

If you’re wondering where to start, that’s the most common question I receive at Undercover Architect, and it’s why I created this series.

Before we begin, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and I honour their ongoing connection to land, culture and community.

It’s Amelia Lee here, founder and architect behind Undercover Architect, an online education platform that teaches homeowners how to get it right when designing, building or renovating their home, simply and with confidence, wherever you’re located and whoever you’re working with.

Undercover Architect is your secret ally. Not here to tell you what your home should look like, or to push an aesthetic, finish, or product. This is about helping you understand the process, ask better questions, avoid stressful and expensive mistakes, and make clear, informed decisions that are right for you and your project.

So let’s dive into Part 1 of the Start Here Series, ‘How Every Project Really Unfolds’.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/385

The Get Started Guide Mini-Course

You can jump into Undercover Architect’s mini-course, The Get Started Guide, which helps you begin organising your thinking about the first best steps for any project. 

PROJECT 101 Self-Study Online Course

If you’re still working out whether building or renovating is the right move for you, or you want to get your head around what’s involved before committing too far, PROJECT 101 is designed for that stage. It helps you understand the moving parts of a project and how cost, time, team, design, and you interact, so you can feel oriented and informed.

HOME Method Online Program

And if you want guidance and support right through all four phases of your project, with the steps, tools, resources and personalised help to navigate your project confidently, manage your risk and avoid costly mistakes, then Undercover Architect’s signature online program, HOME Method, is where you’ll find the community, coaching and education you need to support you every step of the way.

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 384, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Louise and Zane. We’re catching up with them about their Melbourne renovation, and hearing more about their construction process.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/384]

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I’d recommend heading back to Episode 383 first. In that episode, Louise and Zane shared how construction is progressing, how they navigated early challenges with bank finance, and how a collaborative team and clear brief have helped them stay confident as their home starts to take shape.

And, previous conversations with Louise and Zane can be found in Episode 317 and Episode 318, as well as Episode 354 and Episode 355. 

You can find those at:

• www.undercoverarchitect.com/317
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/318
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/354
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/355

In this latest update, we go deeper into what it actually looks like to manage the construction phase well. 

Louise and Zane share some really practical insights around finalising their joinery, including their role in reviewing documentation, and highlighting a process with the cabinetmaker that you may not be aware of when building or renovating.

We also talk about the systems and technology supporting communication and collaboration with their build team, how they’re managing the construction budget in real time, and how they’ve managed to stay organised as decisions, invoices, and timelines all start moving quickly.

Louise and Zane also share their experience of supplying some items themselves, and the reality of juggling cash flow when you’re managing contract payments alongside owner-supplied items. 

If you’re in construction, or heading there soon, this episode offers a great insight into what helps projects stay calm, collaborative, and well managed.

And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/384.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/384

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 383, and in it, we’re getting an update from HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, about their renovation project. They’re currently under construction in their renovation and extension of a Californian Bungalow in Melbourne.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/383]

If you haven’t heard the earlier parts of Louise and Zane’s journey, head back to Episodes 317 and 318, and then their most recent updates in Episodes 354 and 355. 

You’ll hear how they approached choosing their team, what they wanted to create with their Californian Bungalow renovation and extension in Melbourne, and the early preparation they did to set themselves up well.

You can find those at:

• www.undercoverarchitect.com/317
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/318
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/354
• www.undercoverarchitect.com/355

In this conversation, Louise and Zane share where the project is at now, and the great news is that construction is moving along smoothly and they’re getting to enjoy that shift where the house starts to feel like a home. 

They also talk candidly about the early challenges of bank finance and timing, and how, once that was resolved, they’ve been able to find a really solid rhythm with the build.

We also dive into how they’ve used the PAC Process with their team, why their Design Brief (using the Brief Builder template from HOME Method) has been such an important anchor for decisions.

They also discuss how having their architect also act as their interior designer helped bring forward key selections and reduce pressure during construction. Not all architects work this way, so it’s super interesting to hear how this helped Louise and Zane in their project.

Plus, they share how and why they’ve staged parts of the project, including what they’ve done now to make stage two simpler when they’re ready.

It’s a fantastic update that shows how the preparation, learning and work they did in the earlier parts of their project is now supporting a streamlined, confident and collaborative construction process overall.

And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/383.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/383

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 382, and I am back with HOME Method member, Ben, as we continue following his renovation and extension journey, which is under construction right now. 

If you are in construction now, or heading towards it, this conversation will give you a In this episode, we step deeper into Ben’s experience of construction. 

You’ll hear Ben talk about what it felt like to walk through the home now the frame is up and the building wrap is on, and how he’s been able to have confidence in the room sizes and dimensions because of his use of the HOME Method resources earlier in his design process. 

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/382]

In the last episode, we explored the rhythm and clarity that regular site meetings have brought to his project, and how that foundation has strengthened communication, problem solving and the working relationship with his builder. 

If you haven’t listened to it, check out Episode 381 at www.undercoverarchitect.com/381. And you can find the rest of Ben’s story at Episodes 352, 353, 371 and 372.

This is such a powerful example of what it looks like to bring decisions forward so that when you reach construction, you are not making panicked calls on the fly. You are simply confirming what you already know.

We also explore Ben’s landscape design process, including how to navigate very different conceptual schemes, how to give clear feedback, and how to handle disagreements with design professionals in a way that keeps the collaboration positive. You will hear how he interprets strong advice from a landscape designer as care rather than conflict, and how that reframes the whole working relationship.

This episode is a brilliant look at the mindset shift that happens as your project moves from drawings into built form, and how preparation allows you to stay calm, engaged and resilient through the inevitable questions that come up on site.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/382.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/382

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 381, and I am joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk about what happens when your project finally moves from drawings into real walls, a real roof and regular site meetings on your building site.

If you are in construction now, or heading towards it, this conversation will give you a really practical look at how to stay informed, keep your communication organised, and maintain a strong relationship with your builder along the way.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/381]

You may remember Ben from Episodes 352 and 353, where he shared how their project began and why he and his partner, Mike, chose to pause and redesign in order to better align with their budget and goals. 

We then caught up again in Episodes 371 and 372 to talk about choosing their builder and stepping into pre-construction after more than a year of due diligence.

Make sure you check out those episodes if you haven’t heard them - they’re a great journey through Ben and Mike’s project. You’ll find them at undercover dot com, followed by the episode number - so undercoverarchitect.com/352 for example.

In this latest episode, we check in at frame stage, with the roof now on and the house really taking shape. Ben shares how their weekly site meetings have created a steady rhythm for the project, as well as Ben’s record keeping and communication management overall. 

Additionally, the builder has done a great job of facilitating open conversations with subcontractors during these site meetings, to assist in collaborative decision-making in the project.

We also dive into one of the big technical decisions that’s come up during the build. Ben talks through the process of revisiting the original plan for a vapour permeable membrane and looking at an Anticon blanket alternative, and how it was resolved on site. 

This episode is a great example of what it looks like to move through construction with structure, respect and agency, managing relationships and your own confidence along the way. 

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/381.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/381

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 380, and it’s Part 4 of my conversation with Fionna and Ed, as they take us behind the scenes of their new build journey of their sustainable, accessible home, and share how they set things up so they could enjoy the experience.

In this episode, it’s the last in our 4-part series, and we’re talking about what it’s been like on site - visiting regularly, watching progress unfold, and tracking schedule and budget.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/380]

Fionna and Ed share how their builder has provided regular, transparent updates against budget and time, which has helped them stay informed and confident every step of the way. 

You’ll hear why the time they invested in the design phase well and truly paid off once construction began… and how their clear expectations of the consultants involved, along with their architect’s thorough preparation, helped set everything up for success from the outset.

In fact, they say they’ve had far more confidence in this build than in any of their previous renovation projects. And I think it’s largely due to their level of preparation and education, and then how they’ve been able to pull such a fantastic team together that they’ve collaborated so well with.

They’ve been proactive, intentional and well-informed, and you’ll hear Fionna’s thoughts towards the end of the episode as she shares some great advice for you if you’re planning your own project.

Also, one of my favourite moments in this conversation is Fionna’s reflection on the importance of trusting your past self. 

Because when you make well-informed decisions early, and document them properly, you don’t need to second-guess or course-correct constantly during construction. Trusting in her past self, and the research she made to inform those decisions at the time is one of the things that has helped keep things moving smoothly, even when the inevitable bumps have arisen.

(Now, 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, 378 and 379. You’ll find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/378 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/379 )

And remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/380.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/380

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, and unpack what’s helped it run smoothly under a cost-plus contract.

We discuss the power of fully scoping a project before construction begins, and how having detailed documentation, thorough selections, and early decision-making created real certainty in cost and confidence in delivery.

Fionna and Ed also talk about the collaborative relationships they've built… with their architect staying involved through construction and assisting with key details like shop drawings, and with trades and subcontractors actively contributing ideas and expertise to improve outcomes on site.

You’ll also hear how their builder’s appetite for recycling materials, and finding avenues to repurpose demolition waste, brought an additional layer to the sustainability to the project. 

And we explore how their cost-plus contract includes thoughtful mechanisms to encourage time efficiency and accountability, which, combined with a transparent quoting process, has helped keep things on track.

At its core, this is a story about what happens when you have the right team (professional, passionate, and committed) all working together with an informed and educated client, to bring a shared vision to life.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/379

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 design, airtightness, threshold detailing, and passive performance. And how their team’s professionalism, transparency, and willingness to upskill gave them complete confidence through the process.

If you’re looking to better understand how to work with your team, manage your budget, or prepare for the complexities of building well, this is an incredibly generous and insightful episode I’m sure you’ll find super helpful.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/378.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/378

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 tenacity with smart risk management, and shows how valuable, yet challenging, it can be to stay objective, even when you’ve fallen in love with a site.

We also talk about how they chose their architect, the importance of finding someone who listens deeply, and the design thinking behind creating a functional, energy efficient home that can adapt for visitors, future care, and changing needs over time.

Fionna and Ed share fantastic insights into designing for accessibility, the details they’ve included from the start, and how they’re approaching this project with their love of design and quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

This episode is packed full of really useful insights, as Fionna and Ed have been really methodical and intentional in their approach, so if you have a tricky site for your project, a desire to create a functional home you can age in, an interest in energy efficient design, want a quality build outcome, or like Fionna, don’t want a butler’s pantry in your home, I know you’ll find it super helpful. 

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/377

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.