Do I need to do anything? I can see a link to the documents, but I don't know if I have to sign or approve anything.

We usually provide you with relevant documents via links containing data sourced from cloud platforms. Your next steps would be to review the document and let us know your requirements, such as updating the document, approving its release, processing a payment, or similar actions.

Can you discount the price?

We’re confident that our pricing stacks up well against the market—just take a look at our Google reviews for what others are saying. That said, if you’ve got a better quote from somewhere else, don’t hesitate to send it our way, and we’ll see if we can adjust our price to match or even beat it where we can.

Can I clearly understand all costs involved up to DA/CDC approval (including yours and the council's)?

To keep things affordable and transparent, we usually start by giving you a quote for the design service. As the project moves forward, we’ll provide additional quotes for any specialist consultants based on the initial design, if they’re needed. This way, we can tailor a cost-effective solution that fits your specific needs.

Do you have fit-out services?

We don’t offer fit-out services, but we can provide detailed fit-out drawings and link you with expert contractors to finish your project.

Can you check my scratch drawing for eligibility to build those?

Our designer will check the sketch and satellite images, letting you know if any issues pop up. For full accuracy, we’ll need to reassess during the design phase, as sketches can have unpredictable elements.

I have a surveyor report. Can you remove the cost for the surveyor report from your quote?

Yep, we can—provided your survey’s still valid (issued within the last 12 months) and you supply the CAD and PDF files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about our architectural services, drafting expertise, and sustainability assessments for your building project.

A. Service-Specific Questions

1. I received your email about the plan. Do I need to take any action?

We typically share documentation via secure cloud-based links. Once received, please review the files and advise us of any actions required—whether that’s approving, requesting revisions, making a payment, or giving final confirmation. This process applies to all our services, including Architectural Design, Drafting Documentation, and BASIX/NatHERS Certificate submissions.

2. Can you offer a discount?

Our pricing is competitive within the industry—just check our Google Reviews for firsthand feedback from past clients. If you’ve received a better quote elsewhere for architectural or drafting services, feel free to share it with us. In many cases, we can match or even beat that price where feasible.

We occasionally offer promotional discounts of around 10%, depending on project scope and timing. Contact us directly to discuss current pricing or to obtain a customised quote for your residential or commercial building design.

3. Can you clarify all costs up to DA/CDC approval?

Thank you for considering our services. To ensure affordability and transparency, we typically provide a quote for the design service initially. As the project progresses, we base any additional quotes for specialist consultants on the preliminary design, should they be required. This approach helps our clients receive a cost-effective solution tailored to their needs.

Please note that while Councils and Private Certifiers usually provide a general checklist for specialist consultant requirements, not all items are mandatory. Depending on your specific situation, we can guide you in avoiding unnecessary services to minimize expenses.

Additionally, the project process may involve multiple adjustments and considerations for unique property conditions such as heritage, flood, or bushfire risks. Given the limited initial information provided, it may be challenging to identify all potential requirements upfront. To help you budget appropriately, we recommend allocating 5–7% of the estimated construction cost for permits. You can use the CBA bank's estimating tool available on our website to assist in this calculation.

If you would prefer a full quote at the outset, we are happy to accommodate your request. To ensure our pricing is competitive and fair, we kindly ask that you share any other quotes you receive. We are confident in our ability to match or beat the most reasonable quote by at least 10% to earn the opportunity to work with you.

4. Do you provide fit-out services?

While we don’t directly offer fit-out construction services, we do prepare detailed fit-out documentation and drafting plans tailored to your needs. We can also recommend reputable, licensed contractors to deliver the physical work, ensuring your project is completed to a high standard.

5. Can you check my draft drawing for build eligibility?

Yes. Our architectural designer will review your sketch alongside aerial or satellite imagery to assess feasibility. However, we advise a detailed review during the design phase, as preliminary drawings may not capture all critical site constraints.

6. I already have a land survey—can that cost be removed from the quote?

Yes—if your survey was conducted within the last 12 months and you can provide both CAD (.dwg) and PDF versions, we’ll adjust your quote accordingly. This applies across all project types, including residential extensions, dual occupancies, and new home designs.

7. What is included in this work stage, and any requirements from us at this point?

The scope of work for each stage is typically outlined clearly in our contract. You may refer back to the contract corresponding to this payment stage. We will also contact you directly to provide detailed guidance on the specific information and documents required from your side at each stage of the process.

8. Could you provide a timeline for the drawings and approval?

For small-scale projects of approximately less than 1,000 sqm, we can typically commence work immediately and provide the initial design within 5 days. However, the timeframe for obtaining approval is subject to several factors, including the duration required for your review, discussions with other parties such as specialist consultants (if any), and waiting for assessments from the local council or the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA).

Nonetheless, on average, our projects generally receive approval and can proceed to construction within a period of 2 to 3 months.

B. General Enquiries About Approvals and Regulations

For general planning and construction regulation queries, we also recommend consulting reliable sources like ChatGPT, Grok or Google for further clarity.

1. How long does CDC approval take?

CDC (Complying Development Certificate) approval timeframes can vary, but if all required documentation is in order, approval is generally achieved within 30–60 business days.

2. What is the timeline for DA (Development Application) approval?

DA approvals typically take between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on Council workload and project complexity. Properties with overlays (heritage, flood, bushfire) may experience longer timelines due to additional assessments.

3. How long will it take you to prepare the DA/CDC/CC application?

We generally require 2–3 weeks to prepare a high-quality submission for DA, CDC, or CC. This includes preparing all architectural plans, drafting documents, and supporting reports (e.g. BASIX or NatHERS assessments) required for submission.

4. How many stages are involved in CDC/DA/CC planning?

There are generally four key phases:

Initial Design & Consultation – defining scope and objectives
Drafting & Documentation – detailed architectural and technical drawings
Consultant Coordination – acquiring required reports (e.g. stormwater, energy assessments)
Submission & Compliance – lodging the application with Council or Certifier and managing revisions if required

5. Should I submit through Council (DA) or a Private Certifier (CDC)?

It depends on your project type and site characteristics. Complying Development (CDC) is faster and suitable for many straightforward projects. Development Applications (DA) are necessary when your project falls outside CDC guidelines or includes sensitive overlays.

We will assess your site and recommend the most efficient path forward during the initial consultation.

6. Can I begin construction while waiting for building approval?

No. You must obtain formal approval from either your local Council (via DA & CC) or a Private Certifier (via CDC) before commencing any construction work. Starting without permits can result in fines or legal complications.