Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Renovation Progress Update: From Design to Construction, with Louise + Zane

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 383, and in it, we’re getting an update from HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, about their renovation project. They&r...

Dimensions, Landscape Design and Navigating Construction, with Ben

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 382, and I am back with HOME Method member, Ben, as we continue following his renovation and extension journey, which is under ...

From Plans to Frame Stage: Site Meetings and Working with Your Builder, with Ben

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 381, and I am joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk about what happens when your project finally moves from dra...

How to Enjoy Building a New Home, with Fionna and Ed

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 380, and it’s Part 4 of my conversation with Fionna and Ed, as they take us behind the scenes of their new build journey ...

What Makes a Cost-Plus Contract Work: Scoping, Selections and Teamwork, with Fionna and Ed

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 379, and it’s Part 3 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Fionna and Ed, as they share their new build journey in...

Managing Budget, Design and Builder Selection for a New Build with Fionna and Ed

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 378, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed, who are building a new home in Canberra o...

How to Buy the Right Block and Build a New Home, with Fionna and Ed

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 377, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed. They’re based in Canberra, and are creating a b...

Build: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 376, and it’s the final instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, a...

Pre-Build: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 375, and it’s the third instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, a...

Design: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 374, and it's the second instalment in our 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project, in eac...

Pre-Design: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 373, and I’m kicking off a 4-part mini-series on how to make confident, clear decisions in your project. SO MANY homeowne...

What happens after you sign the building contract? The journey to site start, with Ben

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 372, and it’s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation of their Melbourne California ...

What to do before signing a building contract, and save time, money and stress, with Ben

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 371, and I’m joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk through the big milestone of choosing his builder and ...

Planning Kitchens, Bathrooms and Finance for a Sustainable New Build, with Tatiana

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 370, and in it, I’m catching up again with HOME Method member, Tatiana, as she continues the journey of designing and pla...

Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 369, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tatiana. She lives with her partner and three boys in regional Queen...

Navigating Interior Design and Other Project Choices for a New Build, with Jan and Landon

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 368, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, who are currently building a passive ho...

Passive House Design and Budget Lessons: Project Update, with Jan and Landon

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 367, and in it, I’m speaking with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, about their new home and granny flat that they&rsq...

How to Avoid the Drama in Your Renovation or New Build

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 366, and in it, I’m diving into the Drama Triangle and how it can show up in the communication and relationships involved...

Project Mistakes You’re Making (Without Even Realising It): My Top 5

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 365, and in it, I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes I see homeowners make in their renovation or new build projects - without ...

When Sustainability Meets Real Life: The Perfect Home, with Shauna

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 364, and in it, HOME Method member, Shauna, is back with Part 2 of our conversation about building her new family home. In this...

Balancing Budget, Sustainability and Family Needs in a New Build, with Shauna

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 363, and in it, I’m chatting with HOME Method member, Shauna, who has recently completed her new family home.  Shaun...

How to Manage Project Costs Without the PAC Process

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 362, and in it, I’m sharing what to do if you’re not using the PAC Process - or Paid As Consultant Process - but st...

Top Questions About Home Building and Renovating

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 361, and in it, I’m answering the questions I didn’t get to during our recent live webinars. I hope these answers a...

Getting the Best Build Experience, with Builder, Anthony Hickey, Two Tone Construction

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 360, and I’m back with Part 2 of my conversation with builder, Anthony Hickey, from Melbourne-based Two Tone Construction...

Getting it Right in Your Renovation, with Builder, Anthony Hickey, Two Tone Construction

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 359, and I’m super excited to bring this conversation to you. For some time on the podcast, we’ve been hearing the ...

Why People Join HOME Method: In Their Words

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 358, and in it, I’m sharing something a little different. Over the years of running my signature online program, HOME Met...

Perfection vs Reality: How to Navigate Your New Build Confidently, with Ellen

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 357, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ellen, about her new build and the construction process ...

Building with Confidence: Contracts, Builder and Selections, with Ellen

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 356, and in it, HOME Method member Ellen is back to give us an update on the construction of her new home in Ballarat, Victoria...

Early Design Phase: Budget, Plans, and Feedback, with Louise and Zane

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 355, and I’m back with Part 2 of the latest project update with HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, who are renovating ...

Choosing the Right Team for Your Renovation, with Louise + Zane

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 354, and in it, we’re getting an update from HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, about their renovation project.  ...

Managing Your Renovation Budget When Designing, with Ben

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 353, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation and extension of his and his p...

How to Design a Home Renovation and Extension, with Ben

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 352, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Ben. He and his partner, Mike, are designing the renovation and exte...

Trusting a First Time Builder with your New Home Build, with Tatiana

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 351, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Tatiana, about her new build in regional Queensland on a...

New Home Build with Affordability and Family in Mind, with Tatiana

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 350, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tatiana. She lives with her partner and three boys in regional Queen...

How Do You Create a Luxurious Home?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 349, and in it, I’m going to discuss a topic that is, I believe, often the promoted ‘thing’ out there through...

Designer Detailing and On-Site Decisions during Construction, with Michael

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 348, and I’m back with HOME Method member, Michael as we continue the conversation about the construction of his new home...

Choosing the Best Builder with Budget in Mind, with Michael

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 347, and Michael is back to give us the latest update on his new build project in Western Australia (which is currently under c...

Electrifying Your Home: Solar Power, Heat Pump Hot Water and Air Conditioning, with Brendan Lang, Get Off Gas

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 346, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with electrician, Brendan Lang, from Get Off Gas. We finished Episode 345 ...

How to Get Off Gas: Electrifying Your Home with Brendan Lang, Get Off Gas

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 345, and in it, I’m talking with Brendan Lang from Get Off Gas. Brendan is an electrician and is joining me to talk about...

8 Years of Helping You Get it Right: Latest Thoughts

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 344, and in it, I’m celebrating the 8th birthday of the Undercover Architect podcast. I can’t quite believe it’s been 8 y...

Choosing Smart Home Systems for a New Build, with Cindy

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 343, and I’m back with Cindy, HOME Method member, designer and Thermal Performance Assessor, giving us an update on her new b...

Dealing with a Wet Mouldy Timber Frame during Construction, with Cindy

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 342, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Cindy. Cindy is a HOME Method member, and she’s also a designer and Th...

Budgeting, Design and a Beautiful Renovation, with Sophie

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 341, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Sophie, about her Perth-based renovation of a 2 bedroom Cali...

Turning a 1930s Bungalow into a Light-Filled Haven: Renovation Tips and Lessons with Sophie

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 340, and in it, I’m talking with homeowner and HOME Method member, Sophie, about the renovation of her Californian bungalow i...

The Granny Flat Dilemma: Custom, PreFab or Kit, with Jan and Landon

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 339, and I’m continuing my conversation with Jan and Landon about their new build in Sydney’s north on an amazing site that...

Gardens, Grandkids, and Sustainability: Building a new home, with Jan and Landon

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 338, and in it, I’m speaking with Jan and Landon about the new home they’re planning to build on an amazing site in Sydney’...

Creating the Right Relationship with Your Home Builder, with Ellen

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 337 and in it, I continue my conversation with HOME Method member, Ellen.  Their new build project is underway in Ballarat, Vi...

When your New Build takes longer than expected, with Ellen

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 336 and in it, you’re going to meet HOME Method member, Ellen. She and her partner are building a new home in Ballarat, Victo...

Create a Healthy Home by Reducing Toxic Emissions, with Andy Pace, Green Design Center USA

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 335, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Andy Pace from The Green Design Center in Wisconsin, USA, where we dive i...

Challenges and Solutions for a Healthy Home, with Andy Pace, Green Design Center USA

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 334, and in it, I’m talking with Andy Pace from the Green Design Center in Wisconsin, USA. Andy is joining me to talk about h...

Textile recycling for your renovation or new build, with UPPAREL

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 333, and in it, I’m sharing information about an amazing company that’s Australia’s leader in textile recovery and recycl...

Renovating a Brick Home in a Bushfire Flame Zone, with Elizabeth

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 332, and I’m back with HOME Method member, Elizabeth, and discussing the renovation of her brick home in a Bushfire BAL Rated...

Getting Really Ready for a Renovation Project, with Elizabeth

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 331, and I’m looking forward to introducing you to HOME Method member, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been one of our long-time mem...

Renovate or Detonate: How to Improve Your Existing Home, with Angela

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 330. In it, I continue my conversation with Angela, a Tasmanian HOME Method member, currently kicking off the design phase of h...

Knock Down Rebuild Or Renovate Your Existing Home, with Angela

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 329. In it, you’re going to meet Angela. She and her partner own a block of land with an existing home on it in Tasmania, and...

Successful Builder Communication and Collaboration, with Janet

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 328, and it’s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Janet, about the pre-build and build phases of her project. ...

Prepping for a Smooth and Stress-free Build, with Janet

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 327, and I’ve brought Janet back to talk more about her project of building a new home on a challenging block for her family ...

Building a Home Whilst Living Remotely from the Site, with June

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 326, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, June, about their new build of their retirement home in the ...

Designing a New Coastal home for Ageing in Place, with June

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 325, and in it, you’ll meet HOME Method member June, who at the time of recording our conversation, is only a few weeks away ...

Volume Builder vs Custom Builder for a New Home Build, with Michael

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 324, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Michael about their new home project in Western Australia.  This is a ho...

Building a New Home for Retirement, with Michael

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 323, and I’m looking forward to introducing you to Michael, a member of HOME Method who is building a new home in Western Aus...

Choosing Materials when Building a Sustainable Home, with Cindy

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 322, and in it, I continue my conversation with Cindy about building her new home on the NSW coast. Cindy is a HOME Method memb...

A New Home with Family and Sustainability in Mind, with Cindy

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 321, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Cindy. Cindy is a HOME Method member, but one with a difference. Because...

Building a new home on a challenging site, with Janet

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 320, and in it, I continue my conversation with Janet, a HOME Method member who is sharing with us the journey that she and her...

Designing a new home with a difference, with Janet

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 319, and in it, you’re going to meet Janet, who is a HOME Method member building a new home in Brisbane, Queensland. And, it’...

Beginning a Californian Bungalow Renovation, with Louise + Zane

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 318, and in it, we continue my conversation with Louise and Zane about beginning the renovation of their Californian Bungalow i...

Where to Start When Renovating, with Louise + Zane

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 317, and if you’re yet to get started on your renovation or new build, or taking your very first steps, I know this is going ...

Saving $80,000 in a New Build, with Powerhaus Engineering

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 316, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Hannah and Andy from Powerhaus Engineering about their app and its abilit...

Smart Data to Design an Energy Efficient Home, with Powerhaus Engineering

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 315, and in it, I’m sharing an incredible new way you’ll be able to access smart data to help you design a more energy effi...

Design a home for how you want to feel in it everyday

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 314, and in it, we dive into the second half of my conversation with Clare about building her new, sustainable home, on the Fle...

Building a Sustainable New Home: Here’s how to get it right

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 313, and in it, you’re going to meet Clare. In September, 2023, Clare finished building a new home. Working closely with her ...

The best help when renovating or building new: An Insider’s View

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 312, and in this episode, I continue my conversation with Caroline about her insights into the homeowner experience of building...

What makes a great renovation? Insights from an enjoyable project.

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 311, and in this episode and the next, it’s all about introductions and updates! And if you’re keen to hear from someone wh...

Want a great project and great home? Here’s the 3 Building Blocks You Need.

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 310, and in it, I’m going to take you through a way of thinking about the areas you need to focus on to help you have a great...

The You Risk of Analysis Paralysis When Renovating or Building

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 309, and in it, I want to discuss a risk that is super common for anyone who is building or renovating. And it’s the risk of ...

The Design Risk of Not Creating an Effective Design Brief

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 308, and in it, I want to discuss a Design Risk I see that creates problems for you from the get-go, in terms of how your proje...

The Team Risk When Relying on Your Project Team Too Much

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 307, and in it, I’m going to be talking about a common and problematic risk when it comes to finding and working with your pr...

The Time Risk When Signing Your Building Contract

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 306, and in it, I’m going to be talking about a significant and influential project risk when it comes to finalising things w...

The Cost Risk of Saving Your Money for Construction

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 305, and in it, I’m going to be talking about a significant and influential project risk I want to bring to your attention as...

Performance Solutions for a Livable Home with Jenna Cohen, Honeycomb Access and Design [NCC Series]

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 304, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with Jenna Cohen from Honeycomb Access and Design. In Part 2 of my conversation, we ...

Accessibility in your Home Design, with Jenna Cohen, Honeycomb Access and Design [NCC Series]

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 303, and in it, I’m talking with Jenna Cohen, director of Honeycomb Access and Design. In this first part of my conversation ...

2023 Wrapped on ‘Get it Right with Undercover Architect’

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 302, and in it, I want to share with you the top five most downloaded 2023 podcast episodes on Undercover Architect’s podcast...

What’s On In Architecture 2024

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 301, and in it, I’m going to share with you what is being discussed in architecture for 2024. [For all resources mentioned in...

Celebrating … and updates from UA HQ

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 300, and I have a lot to celebrate. So, in this episode, I’ll be catching you up on what’s been going on at UA HQ.   [For ...

Fast Tracking Passive House Construction, with Brian Guinan from I-Smart Building Group [NCC Series]

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 299, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with Brian Guinan from I-Smart Building Group. Brian Guinan is a Passive House builde...

Sustainable Building Beyond the Code with Brian Guinan, I-Smart Building Group [NCC Series]

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 298, and in it, I’m talking with Brian Guinan from I-Smart Building Group. Brian Guinan is a builder and the director of I-Sm...

What’s a WUFI Analysis? With Jessica Allen, Climasure [NCC Series]

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 297, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Jessica Allen from Climasure, and we’re discussing what a WUFI Analysis...

Air Tightness and Blower Door Tests with Jessica Allen, Climasure [NCC Series]

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 296, and in it, I’m talking with Jessica Allen from Climasure, about air tightness, blower door tests and what you need to kn...

Does Size Matter in Achieving 7 Stars? With Jeremy Spencer, Positive Footprints [NCC Series]

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 295, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Jeremy Spencer, builder, thermal performance assessor and co-owner at Pos...

The ‘Whole of Home’ Rating Scheme with Jeremy Spencer, Positive Footprints [NCC Series]

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 294, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Jeremy Spencer, builder, thermal performance assessor and co-owner at Pos...

7 Star Homes with Jeremy Spencer, Positive Footprints [NCC Series]

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 293, and in it, I’m talking with Jeremy Spencer, builder, thermal performance assessor and co-owner at Positive Footprints. T...

Building Membranes + Condensation Management, with Jesse Clarke, Pro Clima [NCC Series]

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 292, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Jesse Clarke, Innovation and R & D Manager at Pro Clima. This episode...

Building Science 101 with Jesse Clarke, Pro Clima [NCC Series]

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 291, and in it, I’m talking with Jesse Clarke, Innovation and R & D Manager at Pro Clima. This episode is part of a speci...

What is a Performance Solution, with Laura Terrnova, Deemed to Perform Consulting [NCC Series]

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 290, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Building Surveyor, Laura Terrnova, from Deemed to Perform Consulting. We’...

Understanding the National Construction Code, with Laura Terrnova, Deemed to Perform Consulting [NCC Series]

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 289, and in it, I’m talking with Building Surveyor, Laura Terrnova, Director of Deemed to Perform Consulting about project co...

Building a healthy home: With Zara D’Cotta, The Healthy Home [NCC SERIES]

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 288, and in it, I’m sharing Part 2 of my conversation with Building Biologist, Zara D’Cotta, from The Healthy Home.  This ...

Your home’s health: With Zara D’Cotta, The Healthy Home [NCC SERIES]

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 287. In it, I’m talking with Building Biologist, Zara D’Cotta, from The Healthy Home. She’s here to talk about healthy bu...

What’s Changed in the National Construction Code? [NCC SERIES]

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 286. In it, I’m going to share some detail about the specific updates that have been made to the latest iteration of our Nati...

Introduction to the National Construction Code 2022 [NCC Series]

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 285. In it, I’m kicking off a series we’ll be running on the podcast over the next few months all about the National Constr...

Why is my House Cold? 7 Reasons Why.

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 284. In it, I want to share with you some learnings, some personal experience, and some insights into why your home is so cold....