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how it works
STEP1
FREE STRATEGY SESSION
We encourage you to select your design team wisely. There are many ‘blind spots’ and complexities that could derail your approval and extend the time and cost to achieve your goal. Selecting the incorrect design team for your project could mean the difference between an approval or a refusal from council and may not add any monetary or aesthetic value to your property.
We suggest that your design is not something that you want to shop for the lowest price on because poor plans will pretty much ensure that your project won’t be approved.
That’s why we offer this free strategy session to give you greater clarity on your project, give you a roadmap of where to go next with it and to give you ideas that will maximise the potential of your project.
Click here to book a Free Strategy Session.
STEP2
PROJECT SCOPE & PLANNING ASSESSMENT
Based on the roadmap that’s created in your Free Strategy Session the design team will prepare a project proposal for you going through the details of what to include in your project.
At this early stage, most of our clients choose to have a Preliminary Planning Assessment carried out by our sister company, The Council Approval Experts. Prepared by a qualified town planner they scrutinise the pertinent planning laws and regulations that will need to be adhered to when preparing your plans. This stage really is the secret sauce of how we have been able to create not just beautiful plans, but plans that get approved by council.
We are the ONLY FIRM IN AUSTRALIA to partner with Australia’s most trusted council approval consulting firm
A PRELIMINARY PLANNING ASSESSMENT GENERALLY ANSWERS:
- Based on what I want to achieve, what will be the quickest and easiest path to council approval?
- Are there any exempt or complying ‘loopholes’ that might simplify the process?
- What are the planning laws that apply to the property in the context of your ambition?
- What will be my chances of success?
- What major hurdles should I be aware of and what hoops will I need to jump through to achieve approval?
A Preliminary Planning Assessment is conducted by our sister town planning firm , The Council Approval Experts.
STEP3
SKETCH DESIGN
Stage One of the design process is where we really get to know you, your wants and needs with regards to design and understand the town planning implications of your chosen site. It generally includes
- Brief establishment with you, site inspection, measure up of existing buildings, photo documentation, verification of data from the surveyor and update any missing information
- Liaison with surveyor if necessary to update or correct drawings
- Internal briefing with the design team
- Liaison with the Council Approval Experts town planner regarding compliance, permissibility and restrictions
- Set-up sketch design in Graphic Software
- Import survey
- Prepare existing measured drawings
- Work on brief development together with client’s input
- Prepare sketch site plan
- Prepare sketch floor plans
- Prepare sketch elevations
- Prepare sketch 3D views
- Prepare sketch design set of drawings for your review
- Includes up to two revisions
Although the actual scope will be based on the specific project proposal we send you, this hopefully gives you an understanding of this step.
We take extra measures to make sure we have all of your ideas and thoughts before we continue to steam ahead. Our team will guide you through our systemised process that will help in this phase.
STEP4
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
In correlation with The Council Approval Experts specialised town planning team (should you choose to engage them), the design team will begin to work their magic in creating and designing your ideal plans for your project. Guided by planning rules the design team can hit the ground running and have your plans drawn up with little delay. During this stage you will also have the opportunity to talk with the design team about your design before solidifying the final copy of the plans.
This is where the sketch design for your project is further refined and developed into the final concept stage. This stage generally includes:
- Work on design development together with your input and feedback on sketch design process
- Liaison with consultants if necessary (BCA, landscape architect, structural engineer etc) and incorporation of information in architectural set
- Prepare further developed site plan
- Prepare further developed floor plans
- Prepare further developed elevations
- Prepare further developed 3D views
- Prepare material schedule
Although the actual scope will be based on the specific project proposal we send you, this hopefully gives you an understanding of this step.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
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Step5
PLANS FOR SUBMISSION
In this stage your plans will be finalised for submission. This phase is where we finalise the concept plans that you have approved and upgrade them to architectural standard plans that are required by the consent authority. This generally includes:
- Upgrade architectural plans to council standards including
- full dimensions
- site plans
- floor plans
- elevations
- sections
- demolition plans (if required)
- schematic stormwater plan
- schematic landscape plan
- area calculations
- site coverage
- Shadow diagrams
- Sediment control
- Notification plan
- Review of compliance with planner
- Minor amendments if necessary to planners feedback
- Planner to update reports to align with finalised plans
- Delivery of plans for lodgement in PDF format
Again, the actual scope will be based on the specific project proposal we send you, this hopefully gives you an understanding of this step.
Most of our clients choose to engage our specialised town planning team at the Council Approval Experts. As plans are only a portion of what is required to submit to the consent authority, they are able to help prepare and provide the necessary reports, supporting documents and project management of other consultants and council staff that will help streamline your application. We recommend their town planning services to ensure the work you have put into your plans are actually approved.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
DA for Vehicle Salvage and Wrecking Yard
The Council Approval Experts and their design team have been of great assistance, they have provided very timely and professional advice and responses. And their quality of work is outstanding.
DA for Demolition of the Existing Dwelling and a new Boarding House
A truly genuine design team. Easy to work with. You have the expertise and humbleness to tackle tough tasks with ease. Definitely recommended
Alterations and Additions to Existing Building
Thank you so much for all your hard work. My family and I are just so excited to see all the plans. I really don’t know how to express my sincere gratitude enough! I’m so impressed with it all and just love your idea for the kitchen layout upstairs. It’s funny how you envision things differently then see an alternate and wonder how you couldn’t see that way before.
Proposed subdivision with existing buildings
Thanks for sending those drawings through – it looks great. Appreciate the quality.
Proposed series of boarding houses
Thank you for your prompt and timely work. The design of these small boarding houses is very functional. I hope the market warms to them.
Proposed new residence with attached secondary dwelling
Thanks for the call yesterday Giuseppe. Just to reiterate the comments made to you in person. We were surprised by how well your first concept met our brief. It was not what either of us had imagined, but immediately felt comfortable to us. Very pleased.
Proposed change of use to mechanical workshop and repair
Very very happy with the plans – they look fantastic!
Proposed new residence and alteration to existing residence with subdivision
Giuseppe, the architect, needs to be commended for his approach, friendly attitude, the drawing design and the time frame for the design. I have already recommended Council Approval Design to others and will use them again for my next project.
Proposed dual occupancy with subdivision
The draft plans look great. Overall, we are really happy with the plans. Thank you.
Entertainment Village restaurant and markets
Great job mate. You have covered it very well.
Childcare
Giuseppe, I didn’t receive a picture, instead I received goose bumps – looks amazing! Loving your work!
Proposed dual occupancy with strata subdivision
Again, you have done well Giuseppe and team …Go for it and lodge with Council.
Proposed eco village
Thank you for this design which now reflects our combined input and is what we see as being a great end product
Proposed new residence and alteration to existing residence with subdivision
The entire process from start to finish with Council Approval Design has been clear and concise. Direct contact with the design team is crucial and we received constant communication, which can provide reassurance when necessary to someone not experienced in reading plans.
Alterations to existing apartment
Dear Giuseppe – thanks those plans are PERFECT!
