Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our architectural services, drafting expertise, and sustainability assessments for your building project.
Quick answers: giantA is a Registered Design Practitioner and BDAA-accredited architectural firm in Sydney. We provide architectural design, drafting, BASIX/NatHERS assessments, and specialist consulting for DA, CDC, and Construction Certificate applications across NSW. Contact us for a competitive quote — we typically match or beat competitors by 10%.
giantA is a Sydney-based architectural firm specialising in:
- Architectural Design — custom homes, duplexes, townhouses, apartments, commercial buildings
- Drafting Services — construction documentation, council drawings, compliance plans
- BASIX & NatHERS Assessments — NSW energy and water compliance
- Development Application (DA) Preparation — full DA documentation and lodgement
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC) — fast-track approvals via private certifiers
- Specialist Consulting Coordination — structural, hydraulic, bushfire, geotechnical, landscape
We are accredited by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA), and House Energy Raters Association (HERA).
A Development Application (DA) involves a detailed assessment by your local council against planning policies, zoning, and environmental considerations. Approval typically takes 30–90 days via the Gateway assessment pathway.
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) offers a faster, streamlined approval process (10–20 days) for straightforward projects that meet specific NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) requirements. CDC can be approved by a private certifier instead of council.
The choice between DA and CDC depends on your project's complexity and compliance with the NSW Housing Code. giantA assesses which pathway is right for your site during our feasibility review.
DA costs vary by council and project complexity:
| Component | Typical Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Council DA fees | $2,000 – $15,000+ |
| Architectural drawings | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| BASIX certificate | $300 – $600 |
| Structural engineering | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Specialist reports (bushfire, flood, geotech) | $1,000 – $3,000 each |
| Total for typical residential DA | $10,000 – $35,000+ |
giantA's fee structure: We provide a transparent quote after reviewing your site and requirements. We can typically match or beat competitors' quotes by 10% — share your existing quote for a comparison.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW Government requirement for all new residential buildings and changes over $50,000. It assesses water, energy, and thermal comfort targets across the planning, design, and construction stages.
You need BASIX if you're:
- Building a new home, duplex, granny flat, or multi-residential project
- Doing alterations/additions over $50,000
- Changing the use of a building
giantA is a Certified Professional in Home Energy Sustainability and prepares your BASIX certificate alongside DA or CDC applications.
Maybe — square metres alone don't determine viability. NSW councils typically require a minimum of 400–500m² for duplexes, but the real answer depends on:
- Zoning (R2, R3, etc.)
- Local Environmental Plan (LEP) — minimum lot size
- Development Control Plan (DCP) — setbacks, floor space ratio
- Easements — drainage, sewer, right-of-way
- Natural constraints — slope, bushfire, flood
- Legal encumbrances — covenants, Section 88B
A 451m² block may or may not support a duplex depending on the actual buildable envelope after setbacks and easements. giantA runs an 8-source feasibility check using NSW Planning Portal, SIX Maps, and council LEP/DCP data before advising on any site. Contact us for a site assessment.
DA approval timelines vary by council and project complexity:
| Project Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Simple residential (straightforward) | 30–60 days |
| Standard residential | 60–90 days |
| Complex or heritage-affected | 90–180 days |
| Alterations/additions | 30–60 days |
| CDC (fast track) | 10–20 days |
The NSW Gateway assessment pathway provides a 30-day statutory determination period for most residential DAs.
Under the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, a Registered Design Practitioner (RDP) is required to design and declare compliance for:
- Class 2 buildings (multi-residential apartments)
- Class 3 buildings (hotels, boarding houses, aged care)
- Class 9c buildings (certain care facilities)
Using an RDP ensures your project meets statutory compliance requirements and reduces the risk of future defects litigation. giantA's team includes Registered Design Practitioners accredited under the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Scheme.
Yes. While our offices are in Parramatta CBD and Western Sydney (Kingswood), giantA provides architectural design, drafting, BASIX, and DA/CDC services across all of NSW. We have completed projects in:
- Greater Sydney (Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Campbelltown, Liverpool)
- Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong)
- Newcastle and Hunter Region
- Wollongong and Shellharbour
- Blue Mountains
- Regional NSW
Contact us with your project address to discuss feasibility.
Under the National Construction Code (NCC), giantA is accredited for all building classes:
| Class | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | Single detached house | Custom home |
| 1b | Boarding house, hostel | Small boarding house |
| 2 | Multi-residential (apartments) | Apartment block |
| 3 | Residential (hotel, motel, aged care) | Boutique hotel |
| 5 | Office building | Medical suite, professional office |
| 6 | Shop building | Retail, café, showroom |
| 7 | Storage/car park | Warehouse, car park |
| 8 | Laboratory/building | Production facility |
| 9 | Public building | Healthcare clinic, assembly |
| 10 | Non-habitable structure | Carport, garage, fence |
Get a quote in 3 simple steps:
- Submit an enquiry via our online form, email info@giantA.com.au, or call +61 488 880 787
- Provide your details — project address and a brief description
- Receive your quote — we typically respond within 24–48 hours with a competitive, itemised quote
Price match guarantee: If you have a lower quote from a competitor, share it with us. We can often match or beat it by at least 10% to earn the opportunity to work with you.