Amelia Lee, The Undercover Architect - Modern Practice Series Ep. 3

Рет қаралды 54,365

5 жыл бұрын

Amelia Lee, the Undercover Architect, shares a deeply personal and emotional journey in the latest episode of the modern practice series. You’ll learn what inspired her to create the Undercover Architect podcast and why she left a seemingly perfect professional life behind. She had achieved professional success by any measure, a founding member in one of Australia’s fastest-growing architectural firms, revenues were soaring, they were hiring employees, on-boarding new clients, and winning awards. It was at this high point that she realized it wasn't at all what she was seeking.
We begin her story at a point many would consider to be the pinnacle of their career. But a trip to Uganda planted the seed of an idea that would alter the trajectory of her life and career. When she returned, she tipped her professional life upside down, trading a portfolio of work and a stable of clients for a bigger mission: social impact.
Learn from one of the most underrated thought leaders in modern architectural practice, someone unafraid of change, quick to pivot, eager to experiment with and challenge accepted norms. Her mission is education and her passion for her work is infectious. She’s a personal mentor and inspiration to me and my business.
Please thank her in the comments for having the courage to share it with you so candidly. And be sure to check out and subscribe to her podcast.
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Пікірлер: 124

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Starting a Modern Design Practice? Download my tools + take the course : thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course

@79Hokie 5 жыл бұрын

Eric, as always, excellent. Amelia is my kind of architect. To me, architecture is about helping others and it has nothing to do with an architect's fame or ego. I love her attitude about helping those home owners who just don't know. I am a bit selfish as I do architecture so I can design buildings, but no project is too small. Anything I can do to make someones else living experience better is rewarding. If telling someone where to put a door in a wall to make the flow through the room better, I am successful and satisfied. Tell Amelia thanks from another NC architect who thinks she understands architecture for what it is truly about, helping others and thank you for sharing this.

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Well said Tim...I totally agree...!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind comments and feedback, Tim. Love your attitude to supporting homeowners too! Best wishes for your business - Amelia, UA

@79Hokie 5 жыл бұрын

Undercover Architect, unfortunately, I think our attitude is not common among most architects, but that won't deter us from trying, :-) Thank you for your reply.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

@@79Hokie Our voice is getting louder and louder and it's awesome to see the tides are turning. Definitely not deterred! :)

@archishme9069 5 жыл бұрын

Your videos are........... Just have no word to explain... Love them

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that my friend...thanks for watching...

@maxsturman1655 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible!! Arming clients with knowledge frightens so many architects, builders & "experts" who are afraid that they'll lose control and power - forgetting that the client has desire, but not the tools to achieve their goals. Yes, I love seeing my finished projects. But my real joy and pride comes from seeing our clients getting even more than they originally anticipated and feeling like they created the solutions! ...if only more tradespeople would become guides and teachers... Congratulations on being a tremendous mentor for architects in general and women in particular.

@JWKDESIGN 5 жыл бұрын

Eric. THANK YOU! (and Amelia, thanks for flying across the globe for this episode!) I've appreciated Amelia's work for several years now, and her focus on the homeowner's perspective aligns 100% with how I run my business. Can't wait for the next episode!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for being part of the UA Community, and for your kind feedback. Best wishes for your business! - Amelia, UA

@MrMetalgearsollid 5 жыл бұрын

Seeing how much effort you put in this videos encourages me every time to give it all I got at university. Thanks for your work!

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

appreciate your support...! all the best...

@ArchitectScarlet-Macaw 5 жыл бұрын

Best episode! I’m signing up for your program even though I’m an “architect” This is the type of encouragement we should all give to one another in the industry. Thank you for the content and valuable insight of what it takes to be an Architect.

@ImtiazHossainauthority21 5 жыл бұрын

KZfaq needs a "hats-off" button.! super duper !!!

@TheNataliacoto 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent!, she's definitely one of the architects I look up to, REAL & PROFESSIONAL, and making a huge impact...👏

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Natalia - Amelia, UA

@seriouslyreally5413 5 жыл бұрын

What an inspiring viewpoint! We just finished a huge home addition and renovation. As the primary director I had an amazing contractor and architect who gave me the respect of full collaboration in the entire 2yr project without "waiting for your husband to get home" Husband wasnt involved in it and he certainly wasnt writing their checks so my 15yrs of planning and research before I was ready to launch went to good use. Thanks for making this video because the builders and makers need to hear this as much as the homeowners.

@jaclynvassallo7604 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I can relate to Amelia's perspective regarding better access to architectural design, women confronting the trades and her admission of not actually wanting the traditional pinnacle attainment typically accepted in architecture. As an alumni of the UMaine architecture program still living in Maine, I am always thinking about how to make design accessible for everyday people. I've been told that to practice residential in Maine (and make a living), high-end residential is the only way. Thank you, Eric, for what you are doing - and showing it can be done in Maine. Thank you, Amelia, for your honest perspective and I look forward to checking out the podcast!

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jaclyn...nice to hear from a fellow Mainer...! There are so many ways to practice architecture now, given access to the Internet, it's difficult not to find one that supports both your personal and professional goals...

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jaclyn - wishing you the very best as you carve your own path. We are really fortunate to have so much opportunity these days - Amelia, UA

@AmrutaRanade 5 жыл бұрын

My favorite video so far...so inspiring and empowering! Thank you!

@dymaxiondesign7477 5 жыл бұрын

As usual, quality information and an excellent video! Amelia Lee is the kind of architect we hope future graduates can aspire too! Homeowners are usually focused on the finished product not its liveability from a design standpoint. How wonderful to hear Amelia Lee explain her vision to 'arm' them with a 'toolkit' to better manage their investment of time and money!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words, Ian - Amelia, UA

@nycbike73 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I found your channel, so much information and content.

@Campdarkhorse 5 жыл бұрын

30X40 Design Workshop, Thanks for an excellent interview. I'm certainly not the first to say this but I very much appreciate being introduced to specific/relevant and quality books, talent, and resources. This kind of exposure/networking directs quite a lot of further research and learning. Amelia makes a great point, "We're not taught as architects how to run businesses."

@yenegh 5 жыл бұрын

@6 mins in and I already love the candid discussion... she is saying what I have always thought... much respect to you both... I am really looking forward to that course... count me in...

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Yenegh - Amelia, UA

@dawnmelanson 5 жыл бұрын

Love this subjectEric, I felt like I could relate to her story. Can't wait for the next one in the series! Amelia has such a brilliant mind, and I loved how she was able to take all her knowledge and experience and build a business that worked for her on her own terms!!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dawn for your kind words - Amelia, UA

@starzy1509 5 жыл бұрын

I like how I can also learn about the experiences and advice from other architects from your channel. It's something different and a break from the usual videos, thanks for the awesome vids!

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

cheers...glad you enjoyed it...

@imadasmone8915 5 жыл бұрын

A new dimension.... when your profession becomes your passion... Thankyou very much for the video...

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

For sure...it was interesting as I interviewed her to see how emotively she spoke about her core audience...she knows exactly to whom she's speaking... thanks for watching my friend...

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

I feel we pursue our careers because we're passionate about something, and then get caught up in the day-to-day, or the pathway progression, and lose sight of it being something we can truly enjoy and love. It took me a while, but I'm so grateful now I've found a way I can shape my career and really love what I do as well. Best wishes to you - Amelia, UA

@aire930 5 жыл бұрын

Great interview, such enlightenment from her experiences. Can't wait to see how else your channel will continue to develop. Thank you for all the work that you are putting into this. By the way I'm not even an architect but what Amelia has expressed I feel can be applied to life in whatever career choice. One last and imperative note, thank you Amelia for sharing part of your life with us.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary for your kind feedback - Amelia, UA

@giuseppenativo2123 5 жыл бұрын

This is one of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen on you tube. I'm sincere. I really think that everyone that studied architecture knows how different and sometimes cruel is the difference between the idea of architecture and the many ways it is manipulated by the market. The narrative about Amelia's family and her doubts, choices, decisions, shows us a condition that is close to many practitioners. What I'm going to do? Am i really going to help people with all of my knowledge? I have to think that whichever job you do, there is no fulfillment without giving your service to other people.

@andyrodriguez5211 5 жыл бұрын

Love this!

@MrFriskyWhiskey 4 жыл бұрын

To me, the true role of an architect is like someone going for a counselling session. It's very much of a thought process. Thinking out loud.

@lumbanimuwowo5046 5 жыл бұрын

Great work. Waiting for the next one.

@MiamiArnold 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, needed to hear that

@edgarteran1366 5 жыл бұрын

Wow!!! Incredible her point of view not only unique but so relevant to today’s workflows, please keep doing this inspiring videos!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback Gabriel - Amelia, UA

@StroudEdward 5 жыл бұрын

She is a true architect to me. My hat is off to her.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Edward - Amelia, UA

@danielmorton6800 5 жыл бұрын

Love your videos, you’re my inspiration 😁💙

@LJLancaster 5 жыл бұрын

So good to see Amelia's take on the profession and her chosen place within it. Like many i have read and listened to here podcast since finding it but I haven't really looked into her story before. It was great to get a glimpse of this.

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

cheers mate...she's not afraid to tip things upside down in search of better solutions...I found that really refreshing...

@LJLancaster 5 жыл бұрын

@@30by40 I totally agree. As i near the completion of my studies I am left wondering why we do not borrow more practices from other design professions. I love how Amelia has tread a new path that some of us new graduates may follow (or at the very least present a dialogue on what may be)

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

@@LJLancaster Thanks so much for listening to the podcast and best wishes for finding your own way in this industry! - Amelia, UA

@nicholastilford1744 5 жыл бұрын

nice hook at the end... can't wait to see the next episode

@AmateurHour321 5 жыл бұрын

Powerful content. Useful and inspiring even for a non-architect like me. Thank you.

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching...!

@baseplate4160 5 жыл бұрын

Love it.

@ianramsay6467 5 жыл бұрын

Phenomenal!

@sashan1281 5 жыл бұрын

I love your videos, funny enough I have to question this for an essay the future of architecture!

@yueteng2018 5 жыл бұрын

Mind-blown.

@abuabbakundi 5 жыл бұрын

I see her went through a path that is more human than professional, but with a knowledge base. the content as always is deep, keep the good work Eric.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you - Amelia, UA

@abuabbakundi 5 жыл бұрын

@@UndercoverArchitect you are very welcome madam

@andrefortune8278 5 жыл бұрын

Student Architectural Technologist 😎 great video Eric

@wjcolclasure 5 жыл бұрын

Great content. Love her story.

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

cheers...

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks William - Amelia, UA

@cristalgarcia797 5 жыл бұрын

I absolutely loved this video, made me feel like I may fit in. I am architectural building designer with only my Associate and have 13+ years experience; I have licensed Architects review and stamp my drawings. I completely respect what Architects do and LOOOOOOOVE this type of work! If I could have had the funds to complete my schooling I would have gone for it till the end. I just started my own design studio but I get push back from potential clients for not being licensed. Its so irritating because my experience speaks volumes. I love this work, I understand the design and construction portion of it and absolutely enjoy the challenges this field brings. Might you have any advice for me on this matter?

@anthonybutto1925 Жыл бұрын

As a future student, through curiosity, I was browsing the internet on how I can be a good draftsman, for it's a lifetime I grew up in the building industry when my father took me to work with him ever since I was in preschool in the mid 70's to jump off the tools and to work in the architectural tech industry. Knowing I'm in my 50's, I sometimes wonder if I'd be accepted in my age group to work for someone in an architectural firm for a boss. Thank you Amelia for your package you sent to my email for you've made a immensely

@anthonybutto1925 Жыл бұрын

You made us immensely proud.

@30by40 Жыл бұрын

Some great advice in this video (whole video is worth a watch) but around the 17:16 mark applies to you specifically: So, You Want to Be An Architect? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJqhddGZrLDSmHU.html

@paulotieno5245 4 жыл бұрын

Great Amelia . I love all of your movies made by( 30*40)'

@DrAdnan 5 жыл бұрын

I wanna learn how to get better at perspective. Architects are the experts at this, so maybe I need to do more technical drawings.

@rcdesigns2016 5 жыл бұрын

I'm a junior architectural engineer. And I know how it feels. In a men workfield where you constantly feel like as a woman you aren't well informed or don't know what you're doing is frustrating but I chose my own path.. I'm an ballet assistant teacher and personal blogger plus owner of RC Designs. And it going slowly but it's going okey

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

much respect...charting your own course isn't easy, but so worth it... all the best...

@rcdesigns2016 5 жыл бұрын

I have to point out..ofcourse not all men are like that.. I know that from experience too..

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Keep it up RC Designs. My approach was and is to always seek out like-minded colleagues and workmates so we could champion and support each other. Best wishes for finding your way - Amelia, UA

@rcdesigns2016 5 жыл бұрын

@@UndercoverArchitect thank you

@rcdesigns2016 5 жыл бұрын

@@30by40 thank you

@Shoaibkhan-vn6zt 5 жыл бұрын

I really really appreciate your ideas from your KZfaq channel, running tough n beautiful I like it 💯

@christianhelbich2959 5 жыл бұрын

Very interesting ! By the way, what software uses Ameli at the pad ?

@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 5 жыл бұрын

Great interview and very interesting insights. Did I miss something at the end... "you're not a real architect though"? What was that about Eric? Maybe I didn't hear that correctly.

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you my friend...you did hear it correctly...it was teasing the next episode... Essentially, there's a belief in the architectural community that if you're not designing + constructing work via a traditional delivery method (working 1:1 with clients) then you're "not a real architect"...I like her answer as it's something I'm confronted with as well...

@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 5 жыл бұрын

@@30by40 I had a feeling that's where you were going with the comment... trying to elicit a thoughtful response... but then I also thought "is Eric a jerk?" LMAO. Just kidding. Looking forward to another episode for sure. Thanks for the response! Keep up the great work.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

@@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 Did you see my eyes roll LOL? It's not the first time it's been said to me! And yes, it's something Eric and I discuss a lot because of the way we work, and traditional view of our industry - Amelia, UA

@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 5 жыл бұрын

@@UndercoverArchitect Thanks for the reply Amelia. I really like your mode of operation. It sounds almost altruistic, but more real than that if that makes sense. I have 3 very capable daughters plus a professional wife so I am often too quick to step up and "defend" them and all others of their "persuasion". LOL I am slowly learning that I really don't need to intervene for the most part. Guess that's all part of them being capable! I did presume that Eric was having a little fun with you there or at very least he was trying to make a point. Glad I was right.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

@@robthewaywardwoodworker9956 This is fantastic. There's a saying I love that's "The standard we walk past is the standard we accept" so I really like that you jump to defend - it shows others what's not acceptable. Keep it up! We can always clarify after the intervention :)

@alighassanalilateef1239 5 жыл бұрын

can you please explain what is parametric design. thank you

@nasib7131 5 жыл бұрын

In which country is the 30×40 Workshop?

@lalishocisneros329 5 жыл бұрын

Subtitulado en español me interesa

@litoboy5 5 жыл бұрын

COOL

@rozinant1237 5 жыл бұрын

I wonder if you could expand on the dynamic here? I am having trouble understanding who her client is? If she is working for people who have engaged an architect then that does not seem right? If her clients are working with a builder in a housing development, than traditionally there is little room to make large changes in the configuration of the building. If she is working with people building their own home on a remote piece of land then isn't she a traditional architect? Just trying to understand what problem she is there to solve? Great video otherwise.

@studiot7480 5 жыл бұрын

I think she works more as a 'consultant' to regular people building homes - those who i suspect already have a project on the go but need additional advice and resources to customize the finish.

@hectorziad 5 жыл бұрын

What program is she using to sketch on the ipad?

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Morpholio trace...

@saarangsahasrabudhe8634 5 жыл бұрын

Is there a link to her podcast???

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy the podcast Saarang - thanks for posting the link Eric - Amelia, UA

@franciscoal1255 5 жыл бұрын

What laptop is she using?

@aaronee2752 5 жыл бұрын

Francisco Al iPad

@payupich 5 жыл бұрын

I filled out your survey but never heard back

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for filling it out, I do appreciate it! Given the number of responses we received (many thousands) we couldn't speak with everyone individually. Your ideas will be shaping the content on the channel and my next course which is currently in development.

@payupich 5 жыл бұрын

OK thanks I really enjoy your channel. I doubt you remember me but we were talking maybe last year or the year before off and on... Great work everyone is always trapped on getting things out the door and submitted so I watch your channel as a breath of fresh air to remind me that we do this and we love it we are so lucky to design homes and environments that people enjoy together as families. Hopefully one day we can collaborate something maybe a office communication episode would be cool. For instance everybody comes to everyone’s desk and talks to each other and it frustrates me so bad that they don’t just grab a piece of paper and cut the conversation and a half and be crystal clear. I think no matter what we should sketch to each other when we communicate it’s important there’s just too much detail and alignment. Anyway have a great day I have family in Maine maybe we can have a beer And a lobster one day haha Keep up the great work

@frankolamar 5 жыл бұрын

Please, What laptop do you recommend for an Architecture student?

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

I made a video on this topic: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bN6Wd6xeza3Jg6c.html

@mayombweremigius4203 5 жыл бұрын

Am a Ugandan however, abroad for architecture studies. Am humbled to here from you.

@frankolamar 5 жыл бұрын

@@NOSFERATU_ONE how expensive

@frankolamar 5 жыл бұрын

@@30by40 thanks a lot for your support.

@frankolamar 5 жыл бұрын

@@mayombweremigius4203 really? I am also Ghanaian , and currently studying in Ghana. Which means this Means this laptops are going to be freaking expensive here.

@juliarriaga1056 5 жыл бұрын

Have you considered buying an ipad pro and an apple pencil?? Or an surface laptop and the surface pen?

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

I used Amelia's when she visited my studio. And, I wanted to like it but I just didn't. It felt like I was drawing with Jello...the immediacy of the line on the page turned a usually enjoyable exercise into a frustrating one. That's just me though...she seems to like it...

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Julieta ... I was resistant at first too, and it's definitely not the same as hand sketching. However, I do a lot of 'mark-ups' on other people's floor plans, and so I find the iPad Pro, stylus and Morpholio app a brilliant combo for that. I can import the PDF, overlay sketches / notes etc, and then directly export to my course members. I also find it good for early mud-mapping and block concept ideas. I still get to my drawing board to drill down and resolve design ideas though. Hope that helps! - Amelia, UA

@user-sm3jz1wy4e 5 жыл бұрын

I'm dream architect engineer 😘

@30by40 5 жыл бұрын

right.

@user-sm3jz1wy4e 5 жыл бұрын

@@30by40 I love it so much architecture😍😍

@Shoaibkhan-vn6zt 5 жыл бұрын

Hello man! I'm from Tanzania I have drawn my own small house design which I really wanna make it very unique, so can u be little helpful to me sir! Im student of high school last year n have decided to do something great which I love always especially a home where I would never get enough of it

@MrFriskyWhiskey 4 жыл бұрын

@11:06 "You're not a REAL architect though..." Ouch!

@kylemacht 5 жыл бұрын

What a cliffhanger.

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

Eric edited that well didn't he Kyle LOL! - Amelia, UA

@kylemacht 5 жыл бұрын

@@UndercoverArchitect It was cool to see you in video form. You did great and I hear you in terms of life values and choosing what is best for you personally and your family!

@UndercoverArchitect 5 жыл бұрын

@@kylemacht thank you :)