Get It Right with Undercover Architect
Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect
If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home. Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 8, 2025 • 40min
What to do before signing a building contract, and save time, money and stress, with Ben
Join Ben as he shares his journey of selecting a builder, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and effective communication. Discover how he navigated revised quotes that unveiled hidden costs and learned the art of validating builder bids. Ben highlights the crucial steps taken before signing the contract, including locking in detailed selections and managing client-builder relations. He reveals the benefits of structured site meetings and how an informed client can significantly enhance the building experience. This conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone in the construction process!
Sep 1, 2025 • 47min
Planning Kitchens, Bathrooms and Finance for a Sustainable New Build, with Tatiana
Join a captivating discussion as a homeowner navigates the ins and outs of designing a sustainable new build. Topics include smart choices for kitchen and bathroom layouts tailored to climate and maintenance needs. Discover creative solutions for windowless showers and the balance of research with budget constraints. The conversation also dives into the financial overwhelm many face, highlighting key documents for discussions with mortgage brokers and the importance of blower door tests for energy efficiency. Tune in for insights and strategies!
9 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 43min
Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana
Tatiana shares her journey of designing a family home while navigating budget constraints. She discusses the impact of a tight budget on disciplined design choices, including a debate about adding a third toilet. The L-shaped layout enhances functionality, and the design process emphasizes collaboration with her builder. They explore entry design and layout features like a mudroom and alfresco space, all while balancing personal ideas with professional guidance. Insights into planning roof options and maximizing space are also highlighted.
4 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 43min
Navigating Interior Design and Other Project Choices for a New Build, with Jan and Landon
Jan and Landon, homeowners from Sydney, share their journey of building a passive house. They discuss the progress on their granny flat and the hiccups they've encountered with stormwater management. Jan opens up about her struggles choosing an interior designer and fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom. Amelia provides helpful insights on visualizing selections and ensuring aesthetic coherence. The podcast also touches on meaningful moments like their sod-turning ceremony, blending functionality with design.
Aug 11, 2025 • 44min
Passive House Design and Budget Lessons: Project Update, with Jan and Landon
Jan and Landon share their journey of building a Passive House in Sydney, emphasizing sustainability and age-in-place design. They discuss their current project status, detailing the unique features of their main house and granny flat. The couple navigates design challenges while keeping costs in check, collaborating closely with their architect and builder. They reflect on accessibility considerations and the practical impacts of budgeting on material choices. Their proactive project management ensures a well-organized build process, supported by a skilled team.
Jul 21, 2025 • 32min
How to Avoid the Drama in Your Renovation or New Build
Discover how the Drama Triangle can impact communication in your renovation projects. Uncover the roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer that can lead to stress and misunderstandings. Learn about the Empowerment Dynamic, which offers a clearer path to handling conflicts with confidence. Explore the PAC model and how personal history shapes interactions. Gain insights on how to transition from drama roles to becoming a Creator, Challenger, or Coach, empowering you to reclaim control over your project journey.
Jul 14, 2025 • 37min
Project Mistakes You’re Making (Without Even Realising It): My Top 5
Home renovation pitfalls can be surprisingly subtle. Many homeowners underestimate the challenges, leading to confusion and frustration. Not asking critical questions can derail a project, while trying to be an expert often leads to micromanagement. Understanding your role as a collaborator is crucial. Budgeting should be seen as a strategy, not just numbers, to prevent costly mistakes. Finally, seeking help early can alleviate stress and improve outcomes. Tune in to learn how to navigate these challenges with clarity!
Jul 7, 2025 • 46min
When Sustainability Meets Real Life: The Perfect Home, with Shauna
Discover how Shauna navigated her home-building journey with a long-term vision, balancing budget and sustainability. She shares her choice of a design-build approach to manage complexities and enhance communication. From smart site planning for a sloped, bushfire-risk area to implementing Green Star targets, her decisions focused on efficiency and livability. Hear about her practical choices that improved daily life, and the confidence she gained in advocating for her needs during construction. Celebrate the joys and surprises of her newly finished home.
Jun 30, 2025 • 44min
Balancing Budget, Sustainability and Family Needs in a New Build, with Shauna
Join a conversation with Shauna, a sustainability practitioner, on her journey building a family home with sustainability in mind. She shares insights on balancing budget and family needs while tackling challenges like purchasing a derelict house and managing the project as a single parent. Discover how she crafted a clear design brief to guide her decisions and prioritized pragmatic sustainability solutions. The focus is on making intentional choices over striving for perfection, ensuring long-term livability and eco-friendliness.
Jun 23, 2025 • 34min
How to Manage Project Costs Without the PAC Process
Discover effective strategies for managing project costs without the PAC Process. Learn how to leverage quantity surveyors for accurate budgeting and understand the importance of designer-builder relationships for better cost feedback. Explore the benefits of Early Contractor Involvement and negotiate tendering for value management. Amelia addresses common homeowner fears about early builder engagement and explains how to achieve reliable costing and a seamless construction process. Gain insights to minimize risks and avoid heartbreak in your building project.
