Clik here to view.
Spotlight: Creating a new coastal home
This spotlight is on a new home design for a coastal home for a Queensland location. This UA Design Concept was conducted remotely. Using Skype and other technology, I worked with the client to collect...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to work out the cost of building or renovating your home
What will it cost me to renovate or build my home? This is one of THE MOST common questions I get asked by homeowners. Frustrated homeowners … who … don’t know how to find out this information can’t...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Renovating a Queenslander cottage: Project Diary Entry #05
How long does it take to renovate a Queenslander? In our last update, I showed you how we adjusted the design to protect the pre-1911 parts of the home. Well, actually protect the whole home (!) given...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do I need Council Approval for my renovation?
I received a question from a member of the UA Community: “If I’m using a licensed Building Designer to draw up my renovation plans, will I still need Council Approval? The two of those things actually...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Simple renovation ideas to change the look of a brick home
Do you have a charmless brick home you want to change the look of? Is render your only option? Here’s some inspiration … In this post, I answer a recent question from a member of the UA Community: “We...
View ArticleWelcome to the new Undercover Architect Podcast: Get it Right
Welcome to the new, Undercover Architect podcast: “Get it Right” with Undercover Architect – Your guide to designing, building and renovating your home. This podcast will help you get it right when...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Renovating a Queenslander cottage: Project Diary Entry #06
Renovating a Queenslander – We get ready to build! In our last update, I outlined how we worked out how to cram A LOT into a tight project program. This helps us get the project finished by March 2017...
View ArticleGet Started: What would you like to do?
One of the consistent questions I receive from homeowners is “Where do I start?” It doesn’t matter whether you’re building or renovating. Knowing how to start can be confusing and overwhelming. There...
View ArticleGet Started: What are you allowed to do?
In this episode, let’s talk about question 2. This question is “What are you allowed to do?” More specifically, it’s “What does your local authority or council say you’re allowed to do?” Council rules...
View ArticleGet Started: What can your renovation or building budget afford?
This episode uncovers question 3: What can your budget afford? Ugh … money. At some point it was going to get here, wasn’t it?! Budget is the main thing that concerns homeowners embarking on their...
View ArticleGet Started: What do you and your family need from your home (now and in the...
In this episode, I’ll be helping you answer the last question, which is “What do you, and your family, actually need from your home – now and into the future?” This may seem like a repeat of the first...
View ArticleThe most important thing to know when designing your home
This is Episode 1 of Season 1. This season I’m going to be taking you through what matters most. What are the most essential choices when designing your home? And in this first episode of the season,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
And that was 2016 …
It’s been a big year. And that was a big understatement. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve seen and read a lot of conversation about just how hard 2016 has been for many, many people. I know personally,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Making your home great: All things NORTH
This is Episode 2 of Season 1. We continue to explore what matters most, and what decisions to prioritise when designing your new or renovated home. In this episode, we’ll talk about all things NORTH....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Making your home great: All things EAST
This is Episode 3 of Season 1. In this episode, we continue on our adventure of uncovering what matters most, and what decisions to prioritise when designing your new or renovated home. In this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Making your home great: All things SOUTH
This is Episode 4 of Season 1. So far this season, we’ve been exploring the idea of orientation. And the importance of knowing yours when designing, renovating or building your home. We’ve talked about...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Making your home great: All things WEST
This is Episode 5 of Season 1. This episode is the last of our four orientations. Over the last 3 episodes, we’ve talked about north, east, and south sunlight and orientations. In this episode, we’ll...
View ArticleOnline resources to help with important design choices
This is Episode 6 of Season 1. This episode will give you some free and low cost online resources to help with designing your home for your climate, and the movement of the sun. As well as some others...
View ArticleThe assets that add design value for free
Want to know more about the assets that add design value for free to your new home or renovation? This is Episode 7 of Season 1. In this episode, I share some of the other assets you have available...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Creating Spaciousness: Using Volume
How can you create a spacious home? There are 4 tools to use, and the first is “volume”. This is Episode 8 of Season 1. This season has been all about what matters most in designing your new home or...
View Article