From Design Brief to DA, CDC and Construction Certificate Documentation
The steps below show how we move your project from early site information through to design, documentation, consultant coordination and DA, CDC or Construction Certificate requirements.
Common Approval Pathways:
Development Application (DA): Usually suited to new homes, major renovations or more complex proposals that need council assessment and approval.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC): A faster approval pathway for straightforward projects that meet the relevant complying development standards.
Construction Certificate (CC): The approval that confirms the construction plans and documentation comply with the approved design and applicable building regulations before building work starts.
Step by Step Process
01.
Site Information Before Design
Before your design consultation, we usually ask you to obtain a current site survey and Section 10.7 Planning Certificate. These confirm key site details such as boundaries, levels, easements, zoning and planning controls, giving the project a proper starting point before design work begins.
02.
Design Consultation
Your project starts with a detailed consultation to understand your lifestyle, budget, design goals and approval requirements. We discuss what you want to build, how the home needs to function and whether your project is likely to suit.
03.
Site Review & Planning Constraints
We review the planning controls and site conditions that may affect what can be built. This can include setbacks, building height, floor space, solar access, privacy, parking, stormwater, BASIX, NatHERS, bushfire, heritage and council-specific requirements.
04.
Design Strategy
Once your brief and site constraints are clear, we develop a design strategy that balances lifestyle, planning compliance, buildability, sustainability and long-term value. The approach will vary depending on whether you are planning a custom home, renovation, extension, duplex, dual occupancy or more complex site.
05.
Concept Design
The concept design stage turns your brief and site review into an initial design solution. This is where floor plans, room relationships, external form, rooflines, elevations, street presentation and outdoor areas are developed.
06.
Design Review & Refinement
Once the initial concept is prepared, your design is reviewed and refined before detailed drafting begins. This is the time to adjust layout, room sizes, windows, materials, circulation and outdoor areas before the project moves into technical documentation.
07.
DA, CDC & Approval Documentation
Once the design direction is resolved, we prepare the drawings and documentation needed for your DA, CDC or Construction Certificate pathway. This may include site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, shadow diagrams, BASIX coordination, NatHERS coordination and supporting documents for council, a certifier or the NSW Planning Portal.
08.
Consultant & Approval Coordination
Many residential projects need input from consultants such as certifiers, engineers, BASIX or NatHERS assessors, heritage consultants, bushfire consultants, surveyors or stormwater consultants. We help coordinate this information so the design and approval documentation stay aligned.
09.
Construction Certificate & Building Documentation
After DA approval, or where a CDC applies, your project may need further documentation for the Construction Certificate, builder pricing or construction stage. This can include detailed drawings, construction notes, sections, window and door information, wet area layouts and clarification of key design items.
10.
Construction Support
Your project may still need design clarification during construction. Where required, we can assist with builder queries, drawing updates, site conditions and documentation support. We do not build homes. Our focus is building design, architectural drafting, documentation and the approval pathway.
Not Sure What Your Site Can Realistically Support?
Before committing to drawings, builder quotes or approval paperwork, it is worth understanding your site constraints, likely approval pathway and documentation requirements.
Request a Quote or Call Back to discuss your brief, survey, Section 10.7 Planning Certificate and project goals, then we can guide you on the next steps for design, DA, CDC or Construction Certificate documentation.
PRACTICAL PLANNING ADVICE
Understand your site, planning controls and likely approval pathway before design work begins.
BUILDABLE DESIGN
Design advice that balances lifestyle, council requirements, construction costs and buildability.
CLEAR DOCUMENTATION
DA, CDC and Construction Certificate drawings prepared with the right level of detail for the next stage.