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
38 snips
May 22, 2017 • 35min
Entries and Front Gardens - Episode 12 (Season 2)
Explore how your front entry and garden can enhance your home's curb appeal and personality. Discover the importance of design choices and materials that make a statement. Learn about the common mistakes homeowners make, such as hiding entries and neglecting gardens. Gain valuable design tips, including using levels for privacy and enhancing connections through outdoor spaces. This episode offers a wealth of ideas to create an inviting and functional front of your home!
May 15, 2017 • 28min
Outdoor living spaces and swimming pools - Episode 11 (Season 2)
Practical tips for planning decks, patios and alfrescos to expand your living space into the garden. How to decide the right feel, function and flexibility for outdoor rooms. Advice on furnishing, flow between indoors and outdoors, and common design mistakes to avoid. Guidance on swimming pool planning, sizing and budgeting. Notes on landscaping and staging to finish the outdoor space.
May 8, 2017 • 27min
Stairs and Garages - Episode 10 (Season 2)
Clear guidance on when stairs and garages are essential and when you can skip them. Design pitfalls to avoid, like undersized stair plans and too-narrow garage bays. Ideas for making stairs work as light sources, storage and visual features. Practical garage tips on orientation, storage solutions, and avoiding walk-through pantries.
May 1, 2017 • 24min
Study nooks, studies and home offices - Episode 9 (Season 2)
Practical tips for carving out study nooks, dedicated studies and home offices that actually work for busy families. Clear distinctions between quiet study spaces and business-focused offices. Advice on furniture, power placement, storage and where to position workspaces in the home. Design ideas for acoustics, flexible layouts and where to hide bulky items like printers.
Apr 24, 2017 • 30min
Secondary bedrooms for your kids and guests - Episode 8 (Season 2)
Practical tips for designing secondary bedrooms like nurseries, kids' rooms and guest or live-in spaces. Questions to help you plan who will live with you now and later. Design rules on orientation, circulation, storage and safety for growing kids. Flexible solutions for occasional guests and future-proofing for elderly relatives.
Apr 17, 2017 • 29min
Wardrobes, linens, laundries - Episode 7 (Season 2)
Practical tips on designing wardrobes, walk-in robes, linen and broom cupboards. Clear advice on mudrooms and laundries, including where to place and how to connect them. Guidance on storage sizing, door choices and layout to keep family homes convenient and clutter-free.
Apr 10, 2017 • 29min
Bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms - Episode 6 (Season 2)
A deep dive into bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms and what each space typically contains. A look at how these wet areas should feel and function for everyday routines and future flexibility. Practical design warnings about toilet placement, powder room location and towel rails. Top tips on vanity positioning, bath clearance and choosing tile extents early to control costs.
Apr 3, 2017 • 27min
Bedroom Number 1: Your master suite - Episode 5 (Season 2)
Practical design choices for the main bedroom, from layout and sightlines to privacy. Questions to help you decide on atmosphere, function and future flexibility. Sun orientation, furnishability and circulation are covered. Top mistakes and quick design tips on door placement, lighting control and room location.
12 snips
Mar 27, 2017 • 35min
All things kitchen (including butlers, walk-in pantries and appliance cupboards) - Episode 4 (Season 2)
Designing a kitchen is all about maximizing space and functionality. Consider how you want to feel in your kitchen and ensure it flows well for family life. Explore the benefits of butler's pantries versus walk-in pantries, and the importance of storage planning. Avoid common pitfalls like undersized islands and ineffective corner pantries. Opt for layouts that enhance interaction and keep services off islands for tidiness. Prioritizing light and ample storage could revolutionize your home cooking experience!
Mar 20, 2017 • 28min
Your second living space: Do you really need it, and how to get it right - Episode 3 (Season 2)
A lively take on whether a second living space is worth the cost and space. Practical tips on placement, flexibility and keeping the room from feeling closed off. Discussion of orientation and seasonal light planning. Quick warnings about three common design mistakes and budget-friendly alternatives to a full extra room.
