In this episode, I saw down with Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect. Amelia has been empowering homeowners in the building and renovation process, and upskilling builders in their businesses. In this episode she shares her journey in architecture, the challenges homeowners face, and the importance of communication and education in the industry. The conversation covers the PAC process, managing client expectations, and the significance of moisture management in building health. Amelia emphasizes the responsibility of builders to educate homeowners and create lasting impacts on communities through their work.

Useful Links

Under Cover Architect

Undercover Architect Podcast

Live Life Build

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Undercover Architect and Amelia Lee

01:02 Amelia's Journey in Architecture

04:03 The Birth of Undercover Architect

08:01 Identifying Homeowner Knowledge Gaps

13:23 Homeowner Needs from Builders

19:35 The PAC Process Explained

23:30 Managing Client Expectations on Costs

27:03 Understanding Cost vs. Value in Building

28:10 The Importance of Education in Home Building

30:33 Navigating the National Construction Code Changes

32:51 Building Health and Occupant Health Connection

37:22 The Need for Continuing Professional Development

39:33 Moisture Management and Building Science

44:27 Empathy in Building: Understanding Homeowner Mindset

49:55 The Responsibility of Builders in Creating Homes

Full show notes:

In this conversation, Jess Kismet and Dr. Cameron Munro delve into the intricacies of building performance, focusing on how to create comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient homes. They discuss Cameron's background in aerospace engineering and how it informs his approach to building science. The conversation covers various topics, including the importance of mechanical ventilation, the impact of renovations on comfort, moisture management, and the significance of window and roof performance in building design. Cameron emphasises the need for clear communication of building performance metrics to clients and the importance of understanding the balance between passive and active heating and cooling systems.

Links

Cameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 1

Cameron Munroe on the Mindful Builder podcast - Part 2

In this conversation, Jess Kismet interviews Anthony Benger, a carpenter from Melbourne who shares his personal journey with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) caused by mould exposure. The discussion explores the intersection of health and building practices, emphasizing the importance of creating healthy living environments. Anthony reflects on his experiences with chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the building industry, and the need for better education on environmental health. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding how our home environments impact our health and well-being, advocating for a shift towards healthier building practices.

Links

Mould illness resource list

Toxic Mould Support Australia

Geovital

Surviving Mold - Dr Ritchie Shoemaker

NSJ Enviro - David Lark

Toxic Mould Support Australia Facebook group

HERTSMI test

Other links

Advanced Diploma in Building Biology - ACES

Leviticus 14:33–53 - there actually is a verse in the bible that says if a house is mouldy the priest should declare that the house should be torn down!

Tools app website

Tools app instagram page

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Psychology and Personal Journey

01:37 Navigating Chronic Illness and Its Impact on Work

07:01 The Shift from Theory to Practical Building Solutions

12:24 Building Practices and the Importance of Healthy Homes

17:20 Understanding Environmental Illness and Its Implications

22:22 A Day in the Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

33:51 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in the Building Industry

40:10 Connecting the Dots: Mold Illness and Home Environment

50:09 Final Thoughts on Health and Home Environment