We continue our interlude - examining how to use communication as the powerful tool it can be, to get it right in our renovation or new build.

In the last episode, I took you through the first 3 Communication Tools you can use in your project to help it go more smoothly, and achieve success overall.

Do you remember what they were? They were: Your team, Your brief, and Your language.

In this episode, I’ll take you through 4 more Communication Tools, and explain how to use them effectively as you move towards the building stage, and during construction.

These 4 Communication Tools are:
Your quotes
Your legals
Your project management
Your result

Listen to the podcast now to learn more about these last 4 Communication tools so you can get it right.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

We continue our interlude - examining how to use communication as the powerful tool it can be, to get it right in our renovation or new build.
In the last episode, I took you through the first 3 Communication Tools you can use in your project to help it go more smoothly, and achieve success overall.
Do you remember what they were? They were: Your team, Your brief, and Your language.
In this episode, I&rsquo;ll take you through 4 more Communication Tools, and explain how to use them effectively as you move towards the building stage, and during construction.
These 4 Communication Tools are:
<ol start="4">
<li>Your quotes</li>
<li>Your legals</li>
<li>Your project management</li>
<li>Your result</li>
</ol>
Listen to the podcast now to learn more about these last 4 Communication tools so you can get it right.
FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/the-best-building-renovating-tools/">CLICK HERE</a>

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

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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a>. 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 <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/">www.undercoverarchitect.com</a>

Your secret ally when designing, renovating or building your family home.

Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Some of the biggest issues in designing, building and renovating result from communication issues. This shorter Season Interlude (in-between Season!) helps you learn how to ensure communication on your project is clear, well-managed and enables you to have a successful, low-stress experience.

Some of the biggest issues in designing, building and renovating result from communication issues. This shorter Season Interlude (in-between Season!) helps you learn how to ensure communication on your project is clear, well-managed and enables you to have a successful, low-stress experience.

Your most important tool (communication) | Podcast Season Interlude | 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

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

In this episode, Amelia takes you through 4 more communication tools, and explains how to use them effectively as you move towards the building stage, and during construction.

Which tools will help you finish well? - Episode 2 (Interlude)

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.

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 <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/389">www.undercoverarchitect.com/389</a>]
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&rsquo;s natural for that to feel confronting, even overwhelming.
But what we&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;re located and whoever you&rsquo;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&rsquo;ve seen how a project really unfolds through four phases in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/385">Episode 385</a>, you&rsquo;ve learned what to do before you begin designing anything in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/386">Episode 386</a>, and you now know what to do before talking with builders, architects and designers in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/387">Episode 387</a> and your research is now focussed on what&rsquo;s helpful thanks to <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/388">Episode 388</a>&hellip;
In this episode, we&rsquo;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&rsquo;s dive into Part 5 of the Start Here series, Before You Spend Your Money.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/389">www.undercoverarchitect.com/389</a>
The Get Started Guide Mini-Course
If you&rsquo;re at the very beginning and want help orienting yourself without feeling overwhelmed, my mini-course,&nbsp; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/get-started-guide/">The Get Started Guide</a> 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&rsquo;re still orienting yourself, and want to understand how cost, time, team, design and you all interact in a project, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/project-101/">PROJECT 101</a> 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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a> provides that ongoing support. It&rsquo;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.

Start Here: Before You Spend Your Money [Part 5]

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.

Hello! And welcome to Episode 388.
Once you&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/388">www.undercoverarchitect.com/388</a>]
If you have ever thought, &ldquo;I just need to learn a bit more before I commit,&rdquo; 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.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve felt it myself too. As an avid learner myself, it can feel incredibly productive to be consuming useful information, but if it&rsquo;s preventing you from progressing, you&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;re located and whoever you&rsquo;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&rsquo;ve seen how a project really unfolds through four phases in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/385">Episode 385</a>, you&rsquo;ve learned what to do before you begin designing anything in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/386">Episode 386</a>, and you now know what to do before talking with builders, architects and designers in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/387">Episode 387</a>&hellip;
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&rsquo;s dive into Part 4 of the Start Here series, Before You Dive Down a Research Rabbit-Hole.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/388">www.undercoverarchitect.com/388</a>
The Get Started Guide Mini-Course
If you&rsquo;re at the very beginning and want help orienting yourself without feeling overwhelmed, my mini-course,&nbsp; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/get-started-guide/">The Get Started Guide</a> 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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/project-101/">PROJECT 101</a> 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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a> provides the system, resources and community to support you every step of the way. It&rsquo;s the most comprehensive and supportive way to navigate your project confidently, helping you take empowered action towards that home you&rsquo;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.

Start Here: Before You Dive Down a Research Rabbit-Hole [Part 4]

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.

Hello! This is Episode 387.
At some point early in a project, many homeowners often reach the same conclusion:
&ldquo;If I can just find the right designer or the right builder, everything will fall into place.&rdquo;
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 <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/387">www.undercoverarchitect.com/387</a>]
If you&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;re located and whoever you&rsquo;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 &lsquo;Start Here&rsquo; 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&rsquo;ve seen how a project really unfolds through its four phases in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/385">Episode 385</a>, and what to do before you begin designing anything in <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/386">Episode 386</a>&hellip;
In this episode, we&rsquo;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 &ldquo;right&rdquo; person ever will.
So let&rsquo;s dive into Part 3 of the Start Here series, Before You Talk to Builders, Architects or Designers.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, plus a full transcript, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/387">www.undercoverarchitect.com/387</a>
Choose Your Builder Mini-Course
If choosing and engaging the right builder feels like your immediate challenge, my mini-course &lsquo;<a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/choose-your-builder/">Choose Your Builder</a>&rsquo; 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&rsquo;re still working out whether building or renovating is the right move, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/project-101/">PROJECT 101</a> breaks down the five factors that shape every project. You&rsquo;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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a> provides the structure, tools and personalised support to help you navigate complexity, manage risk and avoid costly mistakes.
Inside <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a>, you&rsquo;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&rsquo;s approach to doing projects well.
<a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a> 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.

Which tools will help you finish well? - Episode 2 (Interlude)

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