Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! And welcome to Episode 389.
Once a project starts to feel real, money often becomes the loudest voice in the room.
This episode is about pausing before you spend, and understanding how early financial decisions shape not just what you can build, but how stressful, efficient and satisfying your project experience actually is.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/389]
Many homeowners believe the smartest move is to hold onto every dollar until construction begins. To save hard, minimise early spend, and assume the real costs only start once building is underway.
That belief makes sense. This is a significant financial investment, and it’s natural for that to feel confronting, even overwhelming.
But what we’re going to talk about in this episode is that why, when, and where you spend matters just as much as how much. And how early, intentional investment can often save you far more money, stress and regret later on.
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 to spend or how much. This is about helping you understand how money behaves in a project, where it creates leverage, and how to avoid spending reactively or under pressure - and especially how to avoid costly financial blowouts and regretful, expensive mistakes.
This episode is part of the Start Here Mini-Sodes Series, designed to help you pause at critical moments, challenge common assumptions, and make decisions that support both your future home and your future self.
Now you’ve seen how a project really unfolds through four phases in Episode 385, you’ve learned what to do before you begin designing anything in Episode 386, and you now know what to do before talking with builders, architects and designers in Episode 387 and your research is now focussed on what’s helpful thanks to Episode 388…
In this episode, we’re talking about money. Not budgeting spreadsheets or exact figures, but the mindset shifts that help you spend with intention rather than fear.
So let’s dive into Part 5 of the Start Here series, Before You Spend Your Money.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/389
The Get Started Guide Mini-Course
If you’re at the very beginning and want help orienting yourself without feeling overwhelmed, my mini-course, The Get Started Guide will help you understand the first meaningful steps for any project, and where to focus your energy before you get lost.
PROJECT 101 Self-Study Online Course
If you’re still orienting yourself, and want to understand how cost, time, team, design and you all interact in a project, PROJECT 101 is designed to be digested quickly, and provide you with a great, early foundation.
HOME Method Online Program
If you want guidance and support right through all four phases of your project, with the structure, tools and personalised help to navigate complexity, manage risk and avoid costly mistakes, HOME Method provides that ongoing support. It’s a small investment that will help you save you time, stress and money well beyond its upfront cost.
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 388.
Once you’ve decided that you really are going to renovate or build, something shifts. The dreaming phase starts to give way to planning, and the stakes begin to feel real.
It’s often at this moment that research ramps up. Podcasts, articles, social media, saved folders, screenshots, notes. It can feel like the most responsible thing to do. To educate yourself thoroughly so you do not miss anything or make a costly mistake.
This episode is not about doing less research.
It is about understanding when research is actually helping you move forward, and when it quietly becomes a way to delay decisions, avoid commitment, or feel productive without making progress.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/388]
If you have ever thought, “I just need to learn a bit more before I commit,” or felt like you should absorb everything before taking the next step, you are not alone. I hear this all the time from homeowners who genuinely want to get it right.
I’ve felt it myself too. As an avid learner myself, it can feel incredibly productive to be consuming useful information, but if it’s preventing you from progressing, you’re using research as a hiding place, and not the empowering tool it can be.
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 overwhelm you with information, or suggest that consuming more content automatically leads to better decisions. This is about helping you understand what to focus on, what can wait, and how to use information in a way that genuinely supports your project.
This episode is part of the Start Here Mini-Sodes Series, designed to help you pause at key moments, challenge unhelpful assumptions, and move forward with clarity rather than confusion.
Now you’ve seen how a project really unfolds through four phases in Episode 385, you’ve learned what to do before you begin designing anything in Episode 386, and you now know what to do before talking with builders, architects and designers in Episode 387…
In this episode, we are talking about research. How to recognise when it is building capability, and when it is pulling you into a rabbit-hole that feels responsible but leaves you stuck.
So let’s dive into Part 4 of the Start Here series, Before You Dive Down a Research Rabbit-Hole.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/388
The Get Started Guide Mini-Course
If you’re at the very beginning and want help orienting yourself without feeling overwhelmed, my mini-course, The Get Started Guide will help you understand the first meaningful steps for any project, and where to focus your energy before you get lost.
PROJECT 101 Self-Study Online Course
If you want a broader foundation across cost, time, team, design and you, PROJECT 101 helps you understand how these five factors interact, so you can make informed decisions before committing too far.
HOME Method Online Program
If you want guidance and support through all four phases of your project, with a clear structure, practical tools, and help applying what you learn to your specific situation, HOME Method provides the system, resources and community to support you every step of the way. It’s the most comprehensive and supportive way to navigate your project confidently, helping you take empowered action towards that home you’re dreaming of.
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 387.
At some point early in a project, many homeowners often reach the same conclusion:
“If I can just find the right designer or the right builder, everything will fall into place.”
This episode is about gently unpacking that belief, and understanding why choosing the right people matters far less than how and when you engage them.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/387]
If you’ve been feeling unsure about who to talk to first, worried about making the wrong call, or hoping that the right professional will simply take the lead and guide you, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common pressure points I see at the start of projects.
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 who to hire, or to suggest that one type of professional holds all the answers. This is about helping you understand the process, ask better questions, and engage professionals in a way that keeps you informed, confident, and in control of your decisions.
This episode is part of the ‘Start Here’ Mini-Sode Series, designed to challenge unhelpful assumptions and help you focus on what actually matters first, before momentum or fear shapes your project for you.
Now you’ve seen how a project really unfolds through its four phases in Episode 385, and what to do before you begin designing anything in Episode 386…
In this episode, we’re talking about what to have in place before you speak with builders, architects or designers, and why informed preparation plays a far bigger role in your outcomes than simply finding the “right” person ever will.
So let’s dive into Part 3 of the Start Here series, Before You Talk to Builders, Architects or Designers.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/387
Choose Your Builder Mini-Course
If choosing and engaging the right builder feels like your immediate challenge, my mini-course ‘Choose Your Builder’ will help you understand how to assess fit, ask the right questions, and avoid costly missteps when selecting and working with a builder.
PROJECT 101 Self-Study Online Course
If you’re still working out whether building or renovating is the right move, PROJECT 101 breaks down the five factors that shape every project. You’ll learn about cost, time, team, design and you, so you can see how a project really works and move forward with confidence rather than guesswork.
HOME Method Online Program
If you want guidance and support across all four phases of your project, HOME Method provides the structure, tools and personalised support to help you navigate complexity, manage risk and avoid costly mistakes.
Inside HOME Method, you’ll find step-by-step guidance, practical resources, research and interview checklists for your team, and access to our UA Army. This is a community of architects, designers, builders and other consultants who align with Undercover Architect’s approach to doing projects well.
HOME Method is designed for homeowners who want to feel informed, supported and confident at every stage, with architectural guidance and a like-minded community with 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! 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.