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 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 transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/255] With each of my loves, I’ll be sharing what to consider and key tips to remember if exploring them for your future home. Most of what I teach here at Undercover Architect is focussed on timeless, functional design. To me, design isn’t prescriptive, and it isn’t about how something looks. Design is about how something works.  Design that can be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of your family as you live in the home, and adapt to the future owners who’ll come to live in your home in the decades ahead. Homes that suit you now, and over the long-term.  And homes that feel fantastic to live in, because they’re thermally comfortable, energy efficient, full of lovely natural light and ventilation, and there’s a sense of order and calmness about them, which helps you feel relaxed and at peace. Where there’s space to be together and to be apart, and a great connection with the outdoors that optimises the natural environment - even in the most urban of areas. That to me, is the design to aim for. Designing for sustainability, enoughness, for sufficiency, for durability and a long-term view.  And then inside that framework, you can inject what is relevant and special to you. The spaces and things you love. The design styles and trends that you resonate with, and you feel authentically reflect you. The things you know you have always loved and been attracted to. The things that have meaning to you. So, what are my loves when it comes to home design? And what are some of the trends you should be aware of? Listen to the episode to learn more. 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 www.undercoverarchitect.com/255 Now, let’s dive in. 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.    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.   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/255   Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan   Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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 make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.  So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near it’s time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there. Let’s dive in. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop Access 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.

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 things to focus on that will help you make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.  So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near its time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there. Let’s dive in. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop Access 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.

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 make your project a success, and the home you create one that works for you and your family.  So, if you’re listening to this podcast at or near its time of release, then be sure to head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/workshop to join me, and learn loads to help you get it right in your reno or new home. I’d love to see you there. Let’s dive in. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript of this as well as the other two mini-sodes that are part of this series, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/designer Join me for my free online workshop “4 Factors to Make or Break Your Project” happening November 2022 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/workshop Access 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.

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 www.undercoverarchitect.com/254 Now, let’s dive in. 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.  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. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/254 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/253 Now, let’s dive in. 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.  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. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/253 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 episode, with links to the other resources we discuss, you can access that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/252 Now, let’s dive in. 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.  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.   LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/252 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access 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.

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 might be familiar with.  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/251. Now, 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.  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. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/251 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access 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.

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 discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/250. Now, 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.  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. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/250 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access 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.

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 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.  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. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/249 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access 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-methodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.