Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode #211, and in it, I’m going to be talking about the design of your outdoor entertaining area or alfresco.  And specifically, I’ll be sharing what to consider when it comes to your roof design over this area, so it doesn’t diminish the feeling and functionality of the space, or the interior of the home. This is a question I get a lot from homeowners. Often it’s because they’ve lived in a home where their outdoor space, and how it was roofed, negatively impacted the way their home worked overall. And they don’t want to make the same mistake in their current renovation or new build project. For some locations, there can be a debate of whether you need or want to roof your outdoor entertaining or alfresco area, or if that roof needs to just be used at certain times of the year, and then disappear at others. So, we’re going to dive into all of this.  Plus, I’ll be also talking about the various things to consider if you have an existing alfresco area that you want to enclose, to grow your home’s space overall. You can grab a full transcript of this episode, the first part of this conversation, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/211, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. 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. First, let’s jump into the roofing of the outdoor room, whether it’s roofed at all, and the roofing design you’ll choose. How you design the roofing of your outdoor room will require you to understand some specific things that are unique to your site and the home you’re building or renovating. I’m going to run through these items one at a time, and give an explanation on why they can impact your decision making, and the design outcome for your outdoor room. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/211 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode #210, and in it, I’m continuing on from the last episode, where we’re answering the question: How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder? If you haven’t had the chance to listen to the previous episode, then stop now, and go back to listen to Part 1. You can then come back to this episode, and it’ll make more sense. It’ll be here waiting for you when you’re ready! Remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/210. So be sure to do that so you can file that away and review this episode as needed. 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. When I speak to homeowners about this question of who they should use for their project, I know many would like a formulaic response that makes it really simple to know which professional you should choose.  And any time I see it asked in online forums as well, people will answer it like there’s a simple black and white process to choose.  However, with the years I’ve been in this industry, I just know that because the process of building and renovating, even in the smaller and partial projects, is such a personal one. And I also know that people value things differently, have different priorities and values, and so it’s not as simple as saying “if you’re doing project ‘x’, then you should choose professional ‘y’”. However, there is certainly a structure you can use to guide your decision-making.  Let’s look at some other ways of determining whether to use an architect, building designer, or draftsperson on your project - or even just going straight to a builder. And I’m going to dive right into the most common factor I see people often use to decide. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/210 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode #209, and in it, I’ll be answering a common question I hear from homeowners. How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder? Many homeowners want to know if there’s a way of narrowing down who they should work with based on the kind of project they’re planning. Or if their project will be considered too small or too big for specific types of design professionals. So, I’m going to be taking you through how to determine who to work with for your project, whatever you’re planning to do. You can grab a full transcript of this episode, the first part of this conversation, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/209, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. 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. The question of who is best to work with on your project design is a really common one.  And my approach may be different to others you hear out there, largely because I have the benefit of knowing the huge variety of ways in which design professionals supply their services these days, and the widely varying ways you can work with them as a result. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/209 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 208. In this episode, we’re discussing the topic of roof colour, and more specifically, dark roof colours vs light roof colours, and whether your selection really matters to the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of your home. Roof colour is something I’m asked about a lot. Does it really matter, and how much does it matter?  For many of us who know what it’s like to get into a dark car after it’s been parked in the street in the sun, or wear a black t-shirt out in the sun during Summer, there’s a basic understanding that dark colours absorb more heat.  And so, I’m also often asked, “if you live in an area where your focus is keeping your home warm in Winter, then aren’t you better off having a dark roof?” This is why I’m really looking forward to you meeting my guest for this episode. He is architect Sid Thoo, and he is also an energy assessor. In all his work, he aims to help homeowners create eco-efficient, comfortable homes. Together, Sid and I are going to be discussing a lot of the common questions and assumptions that I hear homeowners share when selecting their roof colour. I’m also going to be telling you about a fantastic way to learn more about how to create an energy efficient home, so stay tuned for that too.  And remember, you can get info on the resources and links for this episode at https://undercoverarchitect.com/sid.  And because there is a bit of science in this episode, and it’s a meaty conversation, I thought it would be helpful to have a transcript to review and revisit. So, head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/sid to access that transcript now. Let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode #208, Sid and I discuss: How Sid got into his current type of work, focussing on eco-efficient home design, and adding energy assessment to his toolkit as an architect What NatHERS is, what it measures, and why we need to worry about it How your roof colour gets factored into your home’s energy assessment measurements What we need to know about roof colour and how it impacts our home’s energy efficiency What your specific climate will mean for your roof colour How roof colour needs to be considered if you’re planning on having solar panels on your roof top What to know about adding extra insulation to your roof to manage the thermal conditions of the home And, we also talk about an exciting collaboration we’ve done, where we take you Under the hood of NatHERS - and share key information that I know is going to be amazing for anyone wanting to improve the star rating of their future home, and understand more about the energy assessment process.  Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/sid Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 207. In this episode, you’ll learn from architect, Antony Martin of MRTN Architects, how you can think about the Pre-Design Phase of your project. Often when homeowners start their project, their priority is to think about the floor plan design, how it will get created, and who will help them. And, if you’re planning on working with a design professional such as an architect or building designer, you may expect that your very first steps with them are going to be seeing pen put to paper (or mouse to CAD program!) as floor plans of your future new home or renovation get created based on your wishes and wants. However, and you’ve probably heard me talk about this before - and it’s definitely something I teach inside my online courses and program, the HOME Method - getting your design started is nowhere near as important as starting the RIGHT design. When you take the time at the beginning of your project to ensure you’re starting the RIGHT design for your future home, you’ll find your whole project experience far simpler, and far more enjoyable.  You’re able to be more strategic about the time and money you’re investing in your project.  And, it’s a fantastic way to prevent ending up in a home that doesn’t suit you, or you outgrow, or it frustrates you on a daily basis. So, what to do before you design your home: Are you not sure about what to do in this pre-design phase?  Well, you’ll love this conversation with Antony Martin then. Because it’s going to clarify a lot of the kinds of things to consider, and how helpful this process can be for shaping your thinking, your design and your project journey. And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/207, as I’ve popped them all there for you.  So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, Antony and I discuss: Antony’s experience in the industry and how he came to start MRTN Architects How MRTN Architects have created the methodologies and processes they use in their work with clients Antony’s views on something I heard him say at the Architeam Conference, which was this: “Design is a speculation on a future outcome” and that “thorough understanding of the problem means we can create a truly long-term solution” Why MRTN Architects prize the Pre-Design phase so highly, and how they communicate this to clients when they first start working with them The three main aspects they explore during the Pre-Design Phase, and what they involve (Experience, Knowledge and Inspiration) What the main outcome is of starting a project this way Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/207 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 205. In this episode, we wrap up our little mini-series on the PAC Process, or Paid As Consultant Process, with a fantastic conversation I really think you’re going to enjoy. I’m speaking with Bec and Glenn, who recently completed a renovation of their Queenslander home in Brisbane, and used the PAC Process during their design phase. After working with me to create some initial design concept options, they worked with building designer, Aaron Wailes, who you met in Episode 203, and builder, Duayne Pearce, who was on our last episode. As a collaborative team, they developed their preferred design concept into costed construction drawings, kicked off the renovation on site, and then completed the home in early 2021. Bec and Glenn were also members of my online program, the HOME Method both before and during their project. I know it’s going to be great for you to hear their experience first-hand, and I’m super grateful for them jumping on the podcast, because it’s so valuable to get these types of insights. And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/205, as I’ve popped them all there for you.  So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, Bec, Glenn and I discuss: Their home and project, and what they were hoping to achieve with their renovation  Why they chose to do a compact home, and the way they established their brief How and when they kicked off the PAC Process How they overcame concerns they had, plus how things changed for them from their initial ideas What really helped their project be enjoyable and go smoothly The things they love about the home, and what surprises them about it as well Plus LOADS of tips and helpful suggestions for your project! Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/205 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Get 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 204. In this episode, I am speaking with a builder who only uses the PAC Process in his residential construction business. He no longer does tenders and quotes, and will only work with clients right from the initiation of their project, so he can be Paid As a Consultant and get involved during the design phase. For him as the builder, the PAC Process is the best and only way to work with clients. Because he believes it improves the client experience, the project, and also the way he does business. I’m speaking about Duayne Pearce, and he was a guest in Season 4 of the podcast, and also my co-host for all of Season 7. He’s also a collaborator inside my online program, the HOME Method.  And now, he and I now have another business together, called Live Life Build, where we’re working with builders to improve the way they do business, so we can elevate the professionalism of the residential construction industry overall. This is the fourth episode I’m doing about the PAC Process. So, if you haven’t listened to the previous three episodes, be sure to do that now, because this episode will make a lot more sense with that background information. The PAC Process, is where you bring a builder on to be Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. They become a collaborative member of your design team, working alongside you and your chosen designer, to provide input on cost and buildability as your design develops and gets resolved. It’ll be great for you to hear just how much Duayne gets involved, and what you can expect from the PAC Process with other builders - because it’s far more than simply paying for a quote. And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/204, as I’ve popped them all there for you.  So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, Duayne and I discuss: DPearce Constructions and the type of work they do How many designers Duayne works with using the PAC Process Why the PAC Process is the only way he takes on projects What happens as part of the initial query (when a client first gets in touch) The most common questions and concerns from clients about the PAC Process How Duayne views his role as the builder in the design process, and what he ensures he stays focussed on The greatest source of confusion in this process Plus his big tips to get it right when using the PAC Process Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/204 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 203. In this episode, I speak with a building designer who is using the PAC Process with his residential clients to improve the design process, and the client experience in their project. You may recall Aaron Wailes, who featured as our Building Designer in Season 4 (Know Your Team) here on the podcast. Aaron Wailes is the Founder and Owner of GreenCoast Building Design, a residential design practice focused on delivering form, function, personality and lifestyle to residential housing. Based in Wynnum, Brisbane, they work with clients all over SE Queensland and beyond. Remember, our PAC Process, is where you bring a builder on to be Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase.  They become a collaborative member of your design team, working alongside you and your chosen designer, to provide input on cost and buildability as your design develops and gets resolved. Aaron has some great insight to share about how he sees this process working for homeowners in real life, plus tips to help you get the most from the process and your design experience, and some really great ideas about building the right team for your reno or new build. And remember, to access the resources and information mentioned in this episode, you can head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/203, as I’ve popped them all there for you.  There’s also a full PDF Transcript you can download - I don’t usually transcribe the interviews because it’s such a big job compared to my solo episodes, but we had some challenges with internet stability in this interview, so I thought it would be helpful for you to have a version you could read as a backup!  So head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/203 to grab that free PDF transcript too. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, Aaron and I discuss: GreenCoast Building Design and how things have changed since the last time he was on the podcast. How many builders he works with using the PAC Process What happens as part of the initial query (when a client first gets in touch) The most common questions and concerns from clients about the PAC Process The main things Aaron has to be aware of as a designer, knowing he’s working for, and commissioned by the client The greatest source of confusion in this process Plus his big tips to get it right when using the PAC Process Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/203   Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 202. In this episode, I’m continuing the conversation about the PAC Process, where you bring a builder on board your design team and they’re Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. In the last episode, I shared some information on why this process can be a great way to commence your project, and what you can achieve with it, plus some key things to be aware of as well - including what the PAC Process is NOT.  So, if you haven’t listened to that episode, I encourage you to stop listening to this one, and head back to it now. You’ll get to hear the WHY of the PAC Process. And we’ll be waiting here for you when you get back. In this episode, I’m sharing more about the WHAT of the PAC Process. I’ll be talking about what the PAC Process actually looks like as a step-by-step process, as well as key things to be aware of and how it can vary depending on the builder you work with. Now, remember you can download a PDF Transcript of this episode for free at https://undercoverarchitect.com/202 - so be sure to do that so you can save these notes for your records to review later. So, let’s dive in. If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. So, let me explain how the step by step process of the PAC Process can go.  This can vary though, based on the builder and designer or architect you’re working with, the fee you’re paying, and the type of project you’re doing.  As I’m taking you through these steps, my expectation is that you’re at the beginning of your project - ie, you haven’t started your design process yet. Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/202 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, this is Episode 201. If you’re frustrated at hearing all the stories about those who spend loads of time on their home design, only to find at the point of getting quotes that they’re significantly over budget, you’re going to love this podcast episode. You can create a custom new build or renovation that’s on budget and simpler to build - you just need the right process and the right team on board. In this episode, and actually across the next few episodes as well, I’m going to dive into detail into what I call the PAC Process, or the P - A - C Process.  This is a process where you, as the homeowner, bring a builder on board to be Paid As a Consultant (hence the P-A-C initials).  You bring them on to be Paid as a Consultant during the design phase, and they work collaboratively with you and your chosen designer (be it an architect or building designer), whilst your design is being developed. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/201, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, I’ll help you understand WHY the PAC Process can be such a useful way to work through your design phase. In the next episode, I’ll be diving more into the WHAT of the PAC Process: that is, the step-by-step process, so you can have a clearer understanding of what it really involves, who does what, and what you can expect from them as well. It’s really great to be sharing this detailed information with you about the PAC Process, because I believe it to be such an awesome way to get a great outcome and experience from your renovation or new build, right from the start.  And I’m seeing time and time again how much it improves budget management, creates strong relationships within project teams, and makes projects far more enjoyable overall. And, I’m also seeing the proliferation of ‘getting paid for quotes’ or ‘charge for quotes’ info being spread through the residential building industry, and builders getting taught terrible information about how to implement this in their business. So, let’s help you get it right. Learn more about how the PAC Process can help you create a home design that’s on budget and simpler to build. Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/201 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.