UndercoverArchitect How To Design A Home E Guide

How to
DESI G N A H OM E
Undercover
Architect
How to
DESIGN A H O M E
5 Simple Steps
to get started
and get it right
Undercover
Architect
o n tents
C
P.05 INTRODUCTION
P. 07 STEP 1: FIND YOUR BLUE
P.12 STEP 2: GATHER EVIDENCE
P.18 STEP 3: KNOW YOUR ADDRESS
P.23 STEP 4: START THE JIGSAW
P.28 STEP 5: WRAP IT ALL UP
P.33 STEP 6: WHAT’S NEXT?
How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 3

Hello ...
I’M AMELIA LEE, THE ARCHITECT
BEHIND UNDERCOVER ARCHITECT
So how do you design a home?

And where do you start, and how do you get it right?
Whether you’re renovating or building, this I know to be true:
Getting your design right is the difference between a home that supports and improves
your lifestyle ... or doesn’t.
People worry about regretting their tile choice, or getting it wrong in their paint selection.
They worry about not affording the light fittings or sofa they want. They worry about the
project taking 6 months longer than they planned it to.
But if you stuff up the layout, arrangement, size, shape … the design of your home … it will
bring far greater regret than anything else.
As an architect with over 25 years industry experience in over 250 projects, I’ve helped
countless homeowners create homes that work, are beautiful, on all budgets, and that
their owners love to live in.
This E-Guide draws that experience together, with 5 simple steps. It will guide your way to
get started on your home design journey. And when you start this way, you’re on the path
to creating a great outcome.
A home that works. Now and always. That suits you, your site, your budget and your life.
Let’s help you get it right in your future home.
- Amelia, UA x

I NTR O D UCTIO N
The idea of new beginnings, fresh starts, getting to choose, to create, the home you
actually WANT to live in … that’s big! It’s a great, big, hairy and audacious thing to do.
AND an amazing step in creating the kind of life you actually want to lead.
Yes, believe it or not, you’re choosing to change your world. And you’re starting with a
really significant part of it – the home you live every day in. That’s SO exciting!!
However, after that excitement has danced itself off, there’s always the ‘BUT’.
• But, my budget is really tight.
• But, I am really busy – I’m not sure how I’ll find the time.
• But, I don’t really know much about design, building or renovating (except for what I’ve
seen on TV).
• But, I’m not sure if I have it in me to make all these choices and decisions.
• But, I’m really unsure about how to get started – there’s so much to think about.
• But, I just want to move in already and get on with my life.
Like accomplishing anything you haven’t had a lot of practise in, it can be daunting.
I have this to share with you though …
You will have a budget.

It may be fixed or loose, and you may meet it, go over it or under it. What you do here is
usually similar to how you manage money in other parts of your life.
Understand that your budget is not the limitation here. It’s what you choose to spend it on
that has the greatest impact on the home you create.
Many make the mistake of thinking of their budget as a shopping list of what it can buy.

Without fail, their journey is full of frustration at what gets chopped off the list.
Instead, view your budget as an investment you are making in the future you are
building. Look for how you can invest to add value to your life.
You will find a way to make time, because you always do for things that are
important to you. And you know that even if you don’t, the time will pass anyway.
You may not know much - but that’s only NOW. As with everything else you’ve not known
before, you’ve been able to learn, and be resourceful. And seek information and advice. So
you know you can and will this time too. You’re clever like that.
You will make choices. You might

just make one choice. The choice
to hand over all the decisions to
B O MB someone else. Such as your partner,
TH get
TRU r b u d
:
the designer, the builder.
w y ou
t m ent
Vie i
s
nve w you
Or you might decide to take them
n all on yourself. Or somewhere in
a s a fo r h o o a d d
between.
l o o k e s t i t t l i fe
inv ur
can e to yo le). I recommend you embrace that
va l u l i fe s t y ‘choosing’ is a key part of creating a
(and new or renovated home, and the new
life you will live in it.
What matters, is the first choice

you make, and it is this: That you
choose to care.
CHOOSE to CARE about your home. If you care, then you will make every choice
(regardless of how many you take on) with intention, purpose and conscious thought.
And yes, you will get impatient. You will get frustrated and you will just want it to be over.
That is inevitable. But you know what? This is not just going to be a house. It will be your
home.
YOUR FUTURE HOME!!
Excited? I am ... I hope you are too.

Find
YOUR BLU E
STEP 1
Design by Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect | Photo by Villa Styling

How to get and
maintain clarity with STEP 1
all those choices
This may sound obvious to some of you who know the power of dreams, establishing
visions, setting goals and making action plans. Or to others, may sound a little bit
silly and woo woo in the process of designing a home.
However, the first mistake most homeowners make is skipping this step.
It is the most essential one. Let me explain it like this.
I once went to a seminar to hear a business consultant speak. He had us do an

exercise to illustrate the concept of clarity and focus. He said to the thousand-odd
people in the room:
“Look around you and find all the BLUE things you can. Just for a minute, look
around, take them in. Then, close your eyes.” (We all complied).
“Now …. Tell me about the GREEN things in the room.”
And for the life of me, I couldn’t. I snuck a peak, and sure enough, there was some
green right in front of me - I just hadn’t seen it.
When you figure out your “blue” – ie the vision of your home, and life you will live in
it, as you want it to be, then you have given your search a focus. And it’s a focus that
has clarity and tangible qualities.
Right away, your search immediately becomes simpler.
You now have a core framework against which to check your decisions. You have a
foundation that sets in place the launchpad for all other choices.
AND whilst you make choices in alignment with your “blue” ... you will create a
holistic, well-designed outcome that gels with you, and your dreams for your home.
As well as the vision you have for the life you want to lead in it.
This is the big picture stuff that will set your goals, aspirations and the framework.
It is also how, if you’re doing this with a partner, husband, children or colleague, that
you can get on the same page.

STEP 1
Ask yourself these questions to find your BLUE ...
How do you want to feel in your new home?

Invigorated, peaceful, contented, safe, energetic, organised, rejuvenated, clean, spacious,
creative, inspired, authentic, honest, dynamic, calm, proud - or something else?
How do you want your new home to feel?

(This is slightly different to the above question). Like a sanctuary, or like a exciting hub, or
having an expansive openness, or an intimate, cosy haven - or another way?
How does this home fit into your overall goals?

What are you seeking to achieve by building or renovating this home?
How long do you think you’ll be living here for? What stage of life will your family be in
during their time in this home?
How do you enjoy spending your time?

Entertaining, having lots of friends casually dropping in, spending time gardening, hanging
out with your family, cooking, reading, or not being home much at all - what else?
Ideas about style and aesthetics can come into this idea of “blue”, but this is bigger
than what trend or fashion you like.
Remember that trends change, as do your tastes. Given how long homes last, it’s
wise to choose timeless elements and design for the permanent parts of your home.
Then bring on-trend items in through finishes and soft furnishings. This will enable
you to replace them as fashions and preferences change, or others buy your home.
The answers to these ‘find your blue’ questions may not come straight away. And
there’s no ‘wrong’ answers either. (Sometimes the ‘how long will you live here’ is a
prickly one to answer, for example.)
In my experience, when you start thinking about your home in this way, it unfolds
something in you. It gets the frills and fancy out of the way, and brings you to the
core ideas that will make your home uniquely yours.

TAKE ACTIO N
TIME TO GRAB YOUR PEN

(OR YOU CAN TYPE IT IN) ...
Here’s a little bit of woo woo that works.
Close your eyes. Picture being in your

finished home.
Visualise yourself sitting in a favourite

spot … be it a chair in the corner, or in your
kitchen, or on your sofa, or outside.
The sun is just the way you like it. The STEP 1
temperature is just the way you like it.
There’s a beautiful light breeze.
Thinking of
What can you see? How does it make you your home in
feel? What words can you use to
describe it?
this way gets
the frills and
Write this down (you can use the following
page to do this). This is how you start finding
fancy out of
your blue, and simplifying every choice from the way.
here on in.
a. Find your blue: How do you want to feel Instead, it

in your home, and how do you want your brings you to
home to feel;
the core ideas
b. Get on the same page about your blue as that will make
anyone you will need to be co-deciding
with;
your home
uniquely
c. Focus on big picture goals and ideas yours.
first. Bring personal tastes and
preferences in after you’ve developed
these.
How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 0

STEP 1
When you figure out your “blue” - i.e. the vision of your home, and
the life you will live in it (as you want it to be), then you have given
your search and research a focus.
It’s a focus that has clarity and tangible qualities. So go ahead, and
think about your answers to these questions.
How do you want to feel in your home?
How do you want your home to feel?
How does this home fit into your overall goals?
How do you enjoy spending your time?

Gather
EVID EN C E
STEP 2
Design by Amelia Lee | Photo by Jacob Hutson

What does your
current reality tell you STEP 2
about your future home?
This is where you really assess how you live now, what works for you and what doesn’t. It’s
also where you have fun testing out your blue.
Be a detective in your own life and home. Ultimately, this is what architects and other
designers do. They read, research, learn and study how people live and use spaces. So,
put your interrogation goggles on, and start collecting.
Think about the house you live in now, and other houses you’ve lived in. The places you
live always make lasting imprints on your memory.
Think also about other places you’ve spent time in. Friends’ houses, holiday
accommodation, favourite places you’ve been to.
• What did and do you love about them?

• And what did and do you hate?
• What about them makes life easier, more fun, simpler, more beautiful?
• And what gets in the way of you easily living your everyday life?
• What must you have - can’t live without?
• What would be nice to have, would make things easier, simpler, more beautiful?
• And what can you definitely live without – or better still – would detest living with
ever again.
Some of these things will be practicalities
One bugbear for a lot of women is this: the trek from the car to the kitchen with bags of
groceries and all the other paraphernalia you lug out of a car. I’ve known homeowners,
who’ve focussed efforts on streamlining this in their new and renovated homes. They
know that weekly frustrations with a carload of groceries will start to impact how they feel
about their home. And then how they feel in their home.
Another homeowner measured how much storage space (in lineal metres) that she needed
for exactly what she wanted to store. She knew getting this right would help her feel
organised and calm in her home. And hence help her feel organised and calm in her life.
So she took some time to study it and plan it out.

STEP 2
Some of these things will be emotive.

I’ve had clients want to replicate bathrooms they particularly enjoyed during a great
holiday.
Or they’ve determined the size of a room to accommodate a particular piece of furniture or

artwork. One they can’t imagine being without. So they can celebrate it fully.
Record it. Write it all down. Create a scrapbook. Use pictures where words don’t work
for you. There are some great online resources for this. Whether you’re renovating or
building a new home, this will become a useful communication tool to show others your
aspirations for your new home.
Remember to check these choices against your blue as you go.
Does it fit? If not, why not?
Are you really being honest about your blue, or are you holding onto something when it
really doesn’t serve you?
We have a lot of sentimentality wrapped up in how we think about our homes, our
experiences in them, and the objects they contain.
We also tie up ideas of status and identity in things that don’t actually bring meaning to
our life.
At some point, even with all the money, land and time in the world, there will be a
constraint. You’ll have to choose and prioritise. If you get your priorities straight now, that
choice will be simpler to make. It actually won’t feel like a compromise. It will feel like the
best choice for you.
Ultimately, this is about liberating yourself from what you think in your head you should
and shouldn’t want, and feeling in your heart what you really need.
That’s really the only way to create a home that makes your life better.

TAKE ACTIO N

For the next week (or longer if you find it

helpful), aim each day to write
down in a notebook:
• in your home, what task or activity was

particularly inconvenient today and why?
(cooking dinner, getting kids out the door,
finding your keys, getting a restful sleep,
unpacking the dishwasher ...)
• in your home, what task or activity
happens seamlessly and why? (Look hard.
Even with the most frustrating of homes,
there’ll be something).
STEP 2
• in a friend’s home, cafe, local library,
workplace, identify something you love Check that your
that would make your home work better ... ‘must-haves’,
• and something you don’t love and want to
avoid. ‘nice-to-haves’,
and ‘definitely-
Write it down ... that’s 4 points each day, for
7 days ... so 28 points in total!
don’t-wants’ fit
with your blue.
You’ll be amazed at what you start to notice,
and what it tells you about your future home.
Be honest.
a. Put your interrogation goggles on and Feel what you
analyse, research, study and collect;
really need and
b. Create a record – a scrapbook or online want.
pinterest board is a good option;
c. Determine your priorities. Ask yourself

“does this align with my blue?” If not, why
not? Feel it. Don’t think it.

STEP 2
Become a design detective in your own life and home. Study,
research, learn and watch how you, and your family, live.
What works? What could work better?

Collect your ideas (pictures, words - whatever works). Use this as
a communication tool, to show others on your team what you want
from your future home. Write down 4 items per day, over 7 days.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

Day 5
STEP 2
Day 6
Day 7
Extra Notes

Know
YOUR AD D R ES S
STEP 3
Design by Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect

How to maximise
what is freely available STEP 3
for your home
In my experience, this is what I know to be true. The best homes ... the ones that have that
secret wow and magic you can’t quite pin down ... have been designed to uniquely suit
their site.
By ‘suit their site’ - I mean they haven’t been simply plonked on their land. The inherent
and unique qualities of the site have been studied and understood. The home has been
designed to maximise the site’s advantages and dimish its drawbacks.
It’s something we intuitively pick up on when we’re in these homes. It’s the design we don’t
intentionally notice. We can’t always put our finger on it, but we respond to anyway.
So how to get this ‘wow’ into your home? Here’s how.
The most important thing to know when designing your home is ... Orientation.
What on earth is orientation?
When it comes to design and architecture, orientation is what compass direction your
home ‘faces’.
The beautiful thing is, that once we know the orientation of our home, it’s possible for us
to know how the sun will move across our home. On any given day of the year, at any time
of the day. And then design our homes to make the most of it.
But why does this even matter?
According to research by CSR, a leading building products company in Australia and New
Zealand, research has found:
• Natural light benefits mood and mental health

• Natural light aids recovery from illness
• Natural light has positive impacts on building occupants
• Natural light aids in connection with the local environment
• Natural light increases the sense of space in a building
It also saves money in the long-term heating and cooling costs of your home. A win for
your wallet and the planet!

STEP 3
Designing for orientation is the single biggest thing you can do to make your home work,
feel great and you feel great in it.
This means it can and should be the first choice you prioritise. This then makes every later
choice simpler and faster. That helps streamline design.
This, in turn, makes your project simpler, and your life less stressful.
Trust me, it rocks.
• You save money.

• You help the planet.
• Your home feels great.
• You feel great in your home - and beyond it.
Once you know and design for the movement of the sun, we can also look at the other
natural features of your block of land (or site).
Natural assets and features include:

• Sunlight
• Shade
• Breezes
• Landscape
• Views
• Privacy
Understand these assets for your site. Where are they working for you? Where are they
not? Then maximise or minimise them in the design of your renovated or new home.
Connecting our home to its environment this way helps it feel great, and us feel great too.
Getting this right is the stuff that adds value for free. This is what’s already on your site
and in your home. If you can unlock the potential of it in your design, it will seriously add
value to your home. Both financial value, and lifestyle value.
This will help you create a home that is enjoyable to live in, and works.

TAKE ACTIO N

Draw your block of land on a piece of paper.

Or print it off Google Maps!
STEP 3
Mark out where north is. (On Google Maps, Getting this
this will be vertically up the screen, at 12 right adds
o’clock).
value to your
Then start marking on the block what your home for free.
natural assets are:
• where is your best winter sun?
• where is your harshest summer sun? Unlock the
• what views to you love? and not love?
• where do you need to protect from
potential of it
overlooking? in your design.
• where do the main breezes come from?
• is there landscaping you’d like to protect
if you can? This will help
• is your land flat, or sloping? you create a
Create a little sketch plan to show these. home that
What does it tell you about your future enjoyable to
home?
live in, and
How can your home make the most of the works.
land it will be sitting on – to create a great
design overall?
a. Look at the orientation of the site. Where’s north? How does the sun move?
b. What are assets does the site have? Views, natural features, favourite places;
c. What are the features you need to design for? Sloping land, rocky areas, trees,
protection from privacy and overlooking.

STEP 3
Part of the secret ‘wow’ is that these homes uniquely suit their
sites. It’s the design we don’t notice. Yet, we respond to it anyway.
Take this space to do a diagram of your house and/or site. Identify

the natural assets you want to maximise and minimise.
Season 1 of the UA podcast is a

fantastic resource to learn more.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Start
T HE JI GSAW
STEP 4
Design by Amelia Lee | Photo by Jacob Hutson

Putting the pieces
together to create STEP 4
your future home
Ultimately what makes up a house, in its physical sense, is a collection of rooms and
spaces.
These rooms and spaces are then arranged so that they can perform a certain way, and
then also connect and relate to each other as they need to.
There are a few great questions that always help with the arrangement of spaces and
rooms.
How do rooms need to feel?
What role do they need to perform?
And so what type of natural light should they have access to? Not sure? Season 2 of my
“Get it Right with Undercover Architect” Podcast is a great resource for this.
Then think about all the things you use each room for. We need rooms in our houses to
be versatile and flexible. We don’t live anymore in a way where there is a dedicated room
for every single activity we undertake (and nor do most of us have the inclination, budget
or space to do so).
The connection and relationship between spaces is also important. Some relationships
are obvious. Others will be your personal preference.
Ask yourself some questions:
1. How do you want to move into and through your home? When you get home, get up the
morning, go to bed at night ...where and how will you move?
2. Visualise the spaces you sit in now, and what you see. How would you like that to be
the same? And how would you like it to be different?
3. How will you furnish these rooms and spaces? What will be loose, and what will be
built in?
4. What do you want to be close to in a space or room, and what do you want to be away

STEP 4
from? Proximity (or not) enables great function, as well as a lovely feeling of ease,
contentment, relaxation and peace in how you live.
5. How can the people you share your home with be close to each other, and also have
space away from each other (with some acoustic and visual privacy). Whilst feeling
connected to each other and to the home?
Putting the spaces and rooms together is like getting a jigsaw puzzle to fit. But just
like putting that last jigsaw piece in - when the planning comes together, the picture is
suddenly there. It’s revealed itself to you as a whole. One that is far more than the sum of
all the little parts, rooms and spaces that make it up.
It’s your beautiful home that seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle … and makes your
life better.
And you know what? You may not be able to do this step all on your own. That’s ok.
We’ve all watched Survivor – everyone has different skills and strengths. Some of us are
not so great at the jigsaw puzzles! Or it may bore you to tears to try and put all
these pieces together. That’s when you call in the experts.
If you understand what the puzzle pieces you want to include, and what you’re seeking in
how they go together, you are miles ahead of most people when they start their search for
their future home.
Getting your head around this process, identifying what makes a great home and what
you need in YOUR home ... This will be the launchpad to whatever method you choose to
create your future home.
And now you have the tools to explain it to someone who IS good at puzzles.
Now you can know that they’ll understand, see, feel, design and build your blue.
And you’ll have the tools to keep them on track with your blue whilst they do.

TAKE ACTIO N
STEP 4
This is a great exercise to do one room at a

time, as you unravel what you want in your
home. Need help
Start with one room in your future home. For putting the
example - your kitchen. puzzle together?
What type of sunlight should this room get?
What do you want to do in that room?
That’s ok ...
See from it? find a design
Have it sit next door to? professional who
Here’s some ideas to get you started: can help you.
Kitchens are great on the eastern or northern You’ll know the
side of your home.
Of course, your kitchen is for cooking pieces that
However, is it also for homework? For casual need to go into
conversations? For eating certain meals?
Do you need to get outside quickly? Get
your puzzle,
to the laundry? The garage (for unloading which will help
shopping)? you make your
What does this exercise tell you about each home great.
piece of your home’s jigsaw puzzle? You’re
starting to put the pieces together.
a. Listen to Season 2 of the UA podcast

for where to locate rooms based on Season 2 of the
orientation; Undercover Architect
podcast takes you (room-
b. Consider the movement between and by-room) through your
through rooms, and how it will work; home design. Learn the
mistakes to avoid, and how
to get it right.
c. The pieces might not all fit straight away,
but remember your blue. Arrange the LISTEN
spaces and rooms to align with it. NOW

STEP 4
Take the time to think about each room in your home. You’ll be
amazed how much clarity this can give you for your overall layout
design, and where your priorities lie.
What type of sunlight should each room get? What do you want
to do in each room? See from it? Have it sit next door to? And
definitely not be next to?
Write down your notes here (you may need more pages!)

Wrap
IT A L L U P
STEP 5
Design by Amelia Lee, | Photo by Jacob Hutson

Getting volume
(shape) and light (life) STEP 5
into your home
This last step is about creating the third dimension of your home, which brings everything
together to create the home you live your best life in.
This is what takes our jigsaw puzzle to the next level. Because design simply isn’t the
process of re-arranging squares on a page, and then applying finishes and furniture.
Great design … the design that makes your home functional, feel great, and you feel great
in it … requires more than this. It requires us to think in 3D.
This third dimension can significantly impact how the space or room feels, and how we
feel in a space. Volume can do amazing things to create this in our homes. And when we
bring light in, then that brings the space to life.
So as we create volume, let’s think about the holes we’ll cut in it to bring light in.
Where do you place the doors and windows to get the best light, best views, capture
breezes, prevent overlooking, put something on display, let people in and out?
How do you connect the interior to the exterior? These holes don’t always have to be
in the walls. One of the most beautiful surprises you can have in a room is the light that
comes from above you, and gives you a view of the sky.
Then, how can you create drama – that ‘wow’ factor that brings excitement in how you
live in these spaces – with volume and light?
Do you want some spaces to feel big and expansive? And other spaces to be cosy,
intimate, private? Light and volume enable us to create these feelings.
Also consider the materials you’re wrapping your volumes in.
It may seem strange leaving this until last (given the materials will strongly impact how
your home looks visually). And to a certain extent, you will have created some idea of this
as part of identifying your ‘blue’.
However, there is a reason I’ve placed these steps in this order.

STEP 5
For me, design is NOT about aesthetics, or how ‘on trend’ something is, or how it looks.
These things are far too subjective when it comes to design.
Design is about how your home FEELS, and how YOU FEEL in your home. Great design
supports you living your best life.
One thing I recommend is to think about the durability and longevity of the materials
you choose. Maintaining a home is a big job, and you will need to (or pay someone to)
maintain it over the years. So choose materials with this in mind.
Seek recommendations from experts and professionals, and pay attention to the homes
around you and how they look after a few years in the sun and weather.
If you want to relax in your home and find it peaceful and restful to be in, I don’t think that
looking around at all the jobs-you-haven’t-got-around-to will help you live that way!!
Of course, aesthetics and tastes do come into play when creating a home. Everyone,
and I mean everyone, likes and doesn’t like certain things.
Think about your attraction to particular aesthetics. Do you want it to look historic
because that means something specific to you? (Heritage and tradition translating to
permanence and stability). Or do you want a contemporary, modern house because it’s
new and fresh and a complete departure from your past and the houses you’ve always
hated living in?
Do things have to actually LOOK a certain way to FEEL a certain way?
Understand the attraction you have to particular styles if you can.
Rather than thinking your home has to be in that style, understand what you like ABOUT it,
and HOW THAT ALIGNS with your blue.
It will help you make choices that aren’t just cut-and-paste-copying. And you can bring
your own identity to them.
That way, you will create a home that will give you a sense of belonging and joy through
its authenticity. You will feel this way, because it is authentically you.

TAKE ACTIO N

This step is where you might shake off some of

your preconceptions about how your home has to
look. It will also help you create your style more
authentically, as you dig inside the ‘trend’ to find
what it is that you love.
What aesthetic style are you attracted to? Have
a look in your Pinterest, or Houzz, or physical
scrapbook.
Is there a consistency to what you like? Is it all
mid-century modern? Scandinavian? Hamptons?
Australian coastal? Don’t worry if you can’t ‘name’ STEP 5
the style. Describe it as best you can. This is
about wrapping ideas and words around your
preferences so you can understand them better, Design is
and communicate them to others. not about
Write down 3 reasons you are attracted to these aesthetics, or
aesthetics. being ‘on
What is it exactly that you love about these styles?
(“I just like it” is not a reason!) trend’. These
For example ... Hamptons style feels fresh. It’s has things are too
a traditional elegance as well. And it’s coastal so
feels a little holiday-ish and relaxing. The textures subjective.
and patterns make a home feel natural, cosy and
comfortable.
Design is
a. What volumes (shape) and light (life) do you timeless. Great
want your spaces and rooms to have?
design supports
b. What do you want your home’s edges to look
and feel?
you living your
best life.
c. How do you want to bring your identity to your
home? Remember your blue and you’ll build a
better future home.

STEP 5
Make choices that aren’t just cut-and-paste copying.
Bring your own identity. Create a home that is authentic. And
authentically you.
What aesthetic style are you attracted to? Write down 3 reasons
you are drawn to this aesthetic.
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
I’ve got some extra resources to help you with this
This podcast is about the best way to communicate your style so you end up with
what you actually want >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-what-style-
is-my-house/
Want to learn more about thinking about volume when you design? Listen here >>>
https://undercoverarchitect.com/creating-spaciousness-using-volume/

What's next?
YOUR FUTURE HOME

Think of
Undercover Architect
as your secret ally ...
It’s where you’re going to wake up every morning, and go to sleep every night, and
celebrate Christmases, and birthdays and read to your kids, and have a quiet coffee in the
morning sun over the paper, and worry about the school report you just read, and cook
your favourite meal – or eat your favourite takeway!
Whether it’s for 3 years or 30 years.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could head out from a place that is heaven and haven to you?
Where you felt safe, secure, at ease and peace. Where you could relax and restore? So that
each time you do head out into the world, you can be the best version of you?
That’s how you change your world.
So, take the time, do the work, because your home is worth it. You are worth it. You
deserve to create a home that makes your life better. I can’t wait to see you make your
dreams a reality.
OVER THE NEXT LITTLE WHILE ...

Getting it right can feel
impossible. I’ll be popping into your inbox with more useful
information for your reno or new home.
With so much at stake,
you don’t want to stuff I’m on a mission to help you be more informed
it up. and empowered when designing your future home.
And be confident and in control along the journey.
Or be done over by
professionals you So there’s some more free resources coming
mistakenly trust. your way. Keep an eye out and I’ll see you on the
‘inside’.
That’s exactly what I
want to help you avoid And don’t forget to tune into the “Get it Right”
- so you can get it right podcast. ‘Season 2: How to Design a Home’
the first time. especially, will help you design your family home,
so it works now - and always.

What people say ...
ABOUT UNDERCOVER ARCHITECT
“You have helped us move forward with clarity and confidence, and it’s great hearing every
tradie or supplier I talk to saying “Wow, you’ve really done your homework!” Yep, I listen to
Amelia!” - Kate
“I have been binge reading your entire blog! Thanks for sharing your expertise and
experience, it’s a great resource.” - Jane
“Searching through the website is like scanning great tomes of knowledge with pages of
advice to point the right direction. Thoroughly recommend Amelia’s advice as a preparatory
step to getting the most from your home with the ideal journey to attaining it.” - Andrew
“The information Amelia shares is literally life changing.” - Lanc
“We’ve decided to defer our build so we can listen to all of these podcasts and be better
informed. Thank you so much for all your knowledge and way of speaking that is so easy to
listen to.” - Kate
“Don’t attempt to build or renovate without listening to Undercover Architect. I guarantee it

will improve your build and / or save you money.” - Nick
“Your material has been such a valuable resource. I appreciate the time you take to share
your knowledge and experience. Thank You!” - Joi-Summer
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT WWW.UNDERCOVERARCHITECT.COM +

“GET IT RIGHT WITH UNDERCOVER ARCHITECT” PODCAST
Not a podcast listener? You can find our top #10 podcast
on the Undercover Architect website, and also on
iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher (and any other podcast app you use!).
It’s free and awesome to listen to!
How
How to
to Design
Design aa Home
Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 3 5
EXTRA NOTES
Type in any extra tips or notes you want to remember here ...

hello@undercoverarchitect.com | www.undercoverarchitect.com
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How to

P. 07 STEP 1: FIND YOUR BLUE

P.12 STEP 2: GATHER EVIDENCE

P.18 STEP 3: KNOW YOUR ADDRESS

P.23 STEP 4: START THE JIGSAW

P.28 STEP 5: WRAP IT ALL UP

P.33 STEP 6: WHAT’S NEXT?

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 3

So how do you design a home?

Whether you’re renovating or building, this I know to be true:

Let’s help you get it right in your future home.

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 4

I have this to share with you though …

You will have a budget.

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 5

You will make choices. You might

What matters, is the first choice

YOUR FUTURE HOME!!

Excited? I am ... I hope you are too.

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 6

Design by Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect | Photo by Villa Styling

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 7

It is the most essential one. Let me explain it like this.

I once went to a seminar to hear a business consultant speak. He had us do an

“Now …. Tell me about the GREEN things in the room.”

Right away, your search immediately becomes simpler.

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 8

Ask yourself these questions to find your BLUE ...

How do you want to feel in your new home?

How do you want your new home to feel?

How does this home fit into your overall goals?

How do you enjoy spending your time?

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 9

TIME TO GRAB YOUR PEN

Here’s a little bit of woo woo that works.

Close your eyes. Picture being in your

Visualise yourself sitting in a favourite

a. Find your blue: How do you want to feel Instead, it

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 0

How do you want to feel in your home?

How do you want your home to feel?

How does this home fit into your overall goals?

How do you enjoy spending your time?

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 1

Design by Amelia Lee | Photo by Jacob Hutson

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 2

• What did and do you love about them?

Some of these things will be practicalities

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 3

Some of these things will be emotive.

Or they’ve determined the size of a room to accommodate a particular piece of furniture or

Remember to check these choices against your blue as you go.

Does it fit? If not, why not?

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 4

TIME TO GRAB YOUR PEN

For the next week (or longer if you find it

• in your home, what task or activity was

c. Determine your priorities. Ask yourself

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 5

What works? What could work better?

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 6

How to Design a Home ©Undercover Architect | Amelia Lee 1 7

Design by Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect