Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Lifting the Lid on Builders’ Margins

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 283. In it, I’m going to discuss builders’ margins, what they are, what they should be, the difference between markups and ...

Should you get a second opinion on your home design? 3 ways to know.

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 282. In it, I’m going to talk about getting a second opinion on your design, and whether it’s something you should consider...

How to specify low carbon concrete, with Dylan Viviers from Holcim [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 281, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Dylan Viviers, National Specification Manager from Holcim, all about low ...

What is low carbon concrete with Dylan Viviers from Holcim [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 280, and in it, I’m talking with Dylan Viviers, National Specification Manager from Holcim, all about low carbon concrete. [F...

Busting the Myths of Magnesium Oxide Board, with Steve Marskell from Rescom [Part 3 of 3 Episodes]

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 279, and it’s the third episode of my series with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products about Magnesium Oxide Board. [...

How to Use and Specify Magnesium Oxide Board, with Steve Marskell from Rescom [Part 2 of 3 Episodes]

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 278, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products. [For all resources mentione...

What is Magnesium Oxide Board, with Steve Marskell from Rescom [Part 1 of 3 Episodes]

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 277, and in it, I’m talking with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products about Magnesium Oxide Board.  [For all resourc...

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (in Your Reno or New Build)

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 276. In it, I’m going to discuss your project team, and how to ensure you bring the right people on board. When renovating or...

Barndominiums: What you need to know

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 275, and in it, I’m going to be talking about Barndominiums. A barndominium is a type of residential structure that design-wi...

Tips for building with a Volume Builder

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 274, and in it, I want to follow on from my last episode about the 3 challenges when working with a volume builder, and in this...

3 Top Challenges When Building with a Volume Builder

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 273, and in it, I’m going to talk about a part of the industry that dominates new building in Australia, and in many other pa...

Ten Main Risks when becoming an Owner Builder

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 272. In it, I’m going to answer a question I commonly receive from homeowners.  And this question is: I want to do my projec...

Dilapidation Reports: What are they, and when do you need them? | Anthea Maynard, BSS Group

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 271, and in it, I’m talking with Anthea Maynard, who is the Dilapidation Manager and Senior Building Consultant at Melbourne-...

Your Roof Design: 5 Key Points to Know

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 270. In it, I’m going to share 5 key points to know about your roof design.  If you’re getting ready for your renovation o...

I’ll Never Build Again

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 269. In it, I’m going to discuss a post I recently saw on Facebook that really had me shaking my head about what people are e...

5 Problems to Avoid When Starting Your Renovation or New Build

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 268, and in it, I’m going to dive into 5 problems I commonly hear from those who are starting their renovation or new build p...

Building with Zero Waste: Greenhouse by Joost, with Joost Bakker [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 267, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Joost Bakker, and learning more about his Future Food System, and approac...

Future Food System: the Zero Waste House, with Joost Bakker [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 266, and in it, I’m so SO so looking forward to bringing you my amazing guest, Joost Bakker. [For all resources mentioned in ...

A Case Study: Green Roofs and All Electric Homes, with Emilio Fuscaldo, Nest Architects [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 265, and in it, I’m talking with architect, Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects, about Green Roofs and all electric homes. [Fo...

An Introduction to Green Roofs with Emilio Fuscaldo, Nest Architects [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 264, and in it, I’m talking with architect, Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects, about Green Roofs. [For all resources mention...

How to Design and Build an Energy Efficient, Zero Carbon Home, with Melanie Lupis, Sustainability Certified [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 263, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Melanie Lupis from Sustainability Certified about how to design and build...

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard for Existing Homes, with Melanie Lupis, Sustainability Certified [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 262, and in it, I’m speaking with Melanie Lupis, from Sustainability Certified about the Residential Efficiency Scorecard for...

Sustainable Retrofitting and Renovating with Sarah Lebner, Cooee Architecture [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 261, and in it, I’m speaking with a dear friend of Undercover Architect, Sarah Lebner. [For all resources mentioned in this p...

Connecting regional people with low-carbon homes, with Sarah Lebner, Cooee Architecture [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 260, and in it, I’m speaking with a dear friend of Undercover Architect, Sarah Lebner (formally of Light House Architecture a...

Climate Resilient Design and Building, with Kate Cotter, Bushfire Building Council of Australia [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 259, and in it, I’ll be continuing my conversation with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Aust...

Bushfire Resistant Homes, with Kate Cotter, Bushfire Building Council Australia

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 258, and in it, I’ll be talking with Kate Cotter, CEO and Founder of the Bushfire Building Council of Australia - which has r...

Choosing Building Materials: A How To

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 listeni...

Loves + Trends in Home Design 2022

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 listeni...

Mistake #3 | How You Work [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect]

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mistake #2 | How You Start [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect]

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, starti...

Mistake #1 | How You Choose [3 Mistakes with your designer or architect]

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Kitchen Design: Don’t Put Your Sink in Your Island Bench

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 fr...

5 Design Tips for Your Ceilings

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 resou...

Considering Resale Value When Designing Your Home

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Compressed Straw Building Panels with Derek Layfield, Durra Panel [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 251, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Derek Layfield, Managing Director of Durra Panel. [For all resources ment...

Sustainable Wall and Ceiling Panels, with Derek Layfield, Durra Panel [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 250 (WOOHOOO!!), and in it, I’m speaking with Derek Layfield, Managing Director of Durra Panel. [For all resources mentioned ...

Architecture Made Affordable, with Robert Duffield of Architopia [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 me...

Buying Off-the-Plan Architectural Home Designs, with Robert Duffield of Architopia [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 248, and in it, I’m speaking with Robert Duffield, who is a co-founder of Architopia.   [For all resources mentioned in this...

Three Tips to Help You Avoid Creating an ‘OK’ Home Design

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! It’s not too late to join me on my free online workshops this week, where I’ll be sharing the biggest and top 5 home design mistakes and ho...

You just need to find a good designer (PS … this is not correct)

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening...

Is the “Get it Right with Undercover Architect” Podcast Enough for Your Project?

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening...

My Pet Hates in Home Design

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! Before I jump into this episode, I want to let you know about a free workshop I’ll be running in early August, 2022. So if you’re listening...

After Discussing Enoughness

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 243, and in it, I’m going to be talking about what’s been happening over the past couple of months, especially since discus...

Hempcrete in Home Building | Joe D’Alo, The Hemp Building Co. [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 242, and in it, I continue my conversation with Joe D’Alo, builder and owner of The Hemp Building Co. [For all resources ment...

Building with Hempcrete: The Essentials to Know | Joe D’Alo, The Hemp Building Co. [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 241, and in it, I’m speaking with Joe D’Alo, builder and owner of The Hemp Building Co., which is based in Kyneton,...

Must-haves for a Sustainable Build, and Building with Hempcrete | Sanctum Homes [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 240, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Hamish White from Sanctum Homes, a Melbourne-based building business ...

Building Sustainably, and with SIPs or Structural Insulated Panels | Sanctum Homes [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 239, and in it, I’m speaking with Hamish White from Sanctum Homes, a Melbourne-based building business specialising in pa...

Creating Your Ideal Home with Jane Hilliard from Designful [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 238, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Jane Hilliard. Jane is the Founding Director and Head Designer at Tas...

Designing Your Home Using ‘Enoughness’ with Jane Hilliard from Designful [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 237, and in it, I’m speaking with Jane Hilliard. Jane is the Founding Director and Head Designer at Tasmanian based desig...

Home Insulation and Wood Fibre Products with James Cornell, Life Panels [Part 3 of 3 Episodes]

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 236, and this is Part 3 of my conversation with James Cornell from Life Panels, and we discuss the topic of home insulation. [F...

Moisture Control in Your Home’s Construction with James Cornell, Life Panels [Part 2 of 3 Episodes]

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 235, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with James Cornell from Life Panels. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast an...

Building Healthier Homes with James Cornell, Life Panels [Part 1 of 3 Episodes]

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 234, and in it, I’m kicking off a 3 part series of interviews with James Cornell from Life Panels, all about building hea...

How to Choose a Sustainable Builder with Jeremy Spencer, Positive Footprints [Part 2 of 2 Episodes]

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 233, and in it, I continue my conversation with Jeremy Spencer from Positive Footprints.  [For all resources mentioned in ...

Building Carbon Zero Homes with Jeremy Spencer, Positive Footprints [Part 1 of 2 Episodes]

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 232, and in it, I bring you a fantastic conversation with Jeremy Spencer, sustainable builder, thermal assessor and director of...

Mould in Your Home? Here’s What To Do with Alexx Stuart, Low Tox Life

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 231, and in it, I’ll be talking about what happens when you find mould in your home, how you should treat mould and what ...

What to do before signing a building contract

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 230, and in it, I’m going to be sharing one of Year 5’s most popular episodes and completing our celebration of 5 y...

Is Now the Right Time to Build or Renovate Your Home?

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 229, and I thought it might be a good opportunity to answer a common question I’ve been getting a lot lately which is thi...

Frequently Asked Questions about HOME Method with Undercover Architect?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 228, and as with the last episode, I’ll be talking in more detail about HOME Method, the member community, the group supp...

What’s inside HOME Method with Undercover Architect?

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is episode 227, and let me tell you right up front that I’m going to be talking about my flagship program, HOME Method. So, if you&r...

Step #5 | COMMUNICATION [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is the fifth and last mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is ...

Step #4 | CONNECTION [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is the fourth mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is called &...

Step #3 | CONDITIONS [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is the third mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is called &l...

Step #2 | COLLECT [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is the second mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is called &...

Step #1 | CLARITY [Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin]

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is the first mini-sode in our super special series titled “Home Design: 5 Steps Before You Begin”. This mini-sode is called &l...

7 Tips for Choosing Colours for Your Home

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 226, and in it, I’m going to be doing an update to one of Year 4’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebra...

How to Choose Colour for Your Home

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 225, and in it, I’m going to be sharing one of Year 4’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebration of 5 y...

Sustainable Home Updates - What you need to know

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 224, and in it, I’m going to be doing an update to one of Year 3’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebra...

Simplifying Sustainable Home Design and Construction

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 223, and in it, I’m going to be sharing one of Year 3’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebration of 5 y...

How To Be A Good Project Manager

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 222, and in it, I’m going to be doing an update to one of Year 2’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebra...

Staying Sane When Renovating or Building Your Home

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 221, and in it, I’m going to be sharing one of Year 2’s most popular episodes and continuing our celebration of 5 y...

Orientation and Efficiency in Home Design

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 220, and in it, I’m going to be providing an update to our last episode and continuing our celebration of 5 years of the ...

Still the most important thing to know when designing your home

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 219, and I’m back!! Thank you for joining me again after the break we’ve had. I’m really excited to be here a...

Why do we do what we do? Plus checklists for your project.

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode 218, and in it, I’m going to take a slightly different direction. This is very different to the episode I had originally ...

Build Phase: Mistakes to Avoid

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #217, and it’s the last of four episodes where I’ve been discussing in more detail the four phases of building or r...

Pre-Build Phase: Mistakes to Avoid

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #216, and it’s the third of four episodes where I’ll be discussing in more detail the four phases of building or re...

Design Phase: Mistakes to Avoid

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #215, and it’s the second of four episodes where I’m discussing in more detail the four phases of building or renov...

Pre-Design: Mistakes to Avoid

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #214, and it’s the first of four episodes where I’ll be discussing in more detail the four phases of building or re...

How to check your drawings: Build Phase

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #213, and in it, I’ll be helping you see how to review your construction drawings, and what to check as you look through ...

How to check your drawings: Design Phase

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #212, and in it, I’m going to help you understand how to check your drawings during your Design Phase. And I’ll als...

Roofing your outdoor room

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 specif...

Part 2 | Who should you use for your home design?

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Part 1 | Who should you use for your home design?

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Does Roof Colour Matter in Your Home’s Energy Efficiency? | With architect, Sid Thoo

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

The Pre-Design Phase with Antony Martin, MRTN Architects

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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-Desi...

PAC Process | The CLIENT

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 con...

PAC Process | The BUILDER

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 n...

PAC Process | The DESIGNER

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

PAC Process | The WHAT

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 desi...

PAC Process | The WHY

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 fi...

Celebrating 200 Episodes of the Undercover Architect podcast

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Episode 200. Can you believe it? Sometimes I pinch myself that I’m here, that you’re here, that we’re on this journey togeth...

Part 2 | Supplying your own fixtures and finishes

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Episode #199. In this episode, I’m continuing on with information about what to consider if you’re planning on supplying your own ...

Part 1 | Supplying your own fixtures and finishes

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! This is Episode #198, and I’m diving into the topic of supplying your own fixtures and finishes for your renovation or building project. ...

Design Construct Builders and Companies | What to know before you choose

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation.  Design...

Creating Your Design Brief

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode #196, and in it, I’m going to share with you how to create a comprehensive and effective design brief for your renovation or bui...

The stories we tell ourselves as we create our future homes

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 195 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the stories we tell ourselves that may sabotage our ren...

How to communicate with your project team

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 194 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be covering the kick-off stage of your project.  This is where you&r...

Ready to sign a building contract and hit ‘GO’ on your renovation or new build? - Episode 8 (Season 13 - Your next best steps)

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 193 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’m talking about those of you, who have got your plans locked and loaded, and...

We're stuck. We have a design we don't love, and we're not sure what to do now. - Episode 07 (Season 13 - Your next best steps)

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 192 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about being stuck. That frustrating feeling when you’re ...

Working with an architect or designer on your home design - Episode 06 (Season 13 - Your next best steps)

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 191 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about those who are working with someone right now on your hom...

DIY’ing your home design and about to choose your builder - Episode 05 (Season 13 - Your next best steps)

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 190 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode I’ll be talking about those who are DIY’ing their design, and know that s...