Planning & Design FAQs

It depends on the council, but yes, if the lot size is under 300 sqm and/or the property overlays trigger a planning permit. All renovations and new homes require a building permit. We check zones/overlays (heritage, neighbourhood character, flood/coastal, vegetation) during feasibility and outline the likely pathway and timing.

 This is very project-specific. Once the scope is determined, we can give you an indication of typical timing. Council timeframes and overlays can extend this -we flag risks up front. 

Everything needed for accurate pricing: planning drawings, coordinated working drawings, specs & schedules, and consultant inputs (land survey, structural, energy, building surveying if relevant). It’s builder-ready documentation.

We prepare a tender set, recommend suitable builders, answer RFIs, and value-engineer options so you can choose with clarity, not guesswork.

 Yes - with the right design, working with both the classic elements and the newer, more contemporary style. We endeavour to keep character whilst designing contemporary spaces. 

A registered architect (ARBV) meets regulated education, experience and professional standards. We’re ARBV-registered and carry PI insurance, which many clients and lenders prefer for new-build risk management.

Yes. We deliver dual-occupancy and unit developments with careful planning for setbacks, private open space, overlooking and parking. Expect more council scrutiny; our documentation streamlines approvals and tendering.

We optimise site orientation, glazing, shading, and envelope performance to meet NatHERS targets and comfort goals, then coordinate with energy assessors so compliance is embedded in the construction drawings.

We do. We use smart planning of circulation, light courts, privacy screens and storage to make narrow sites feel generous, while keeping overlooking/permeability within policy.

At the concept stage, we like to pass projects by known builders for approximate estimates. During design development and interior design stages, we align selections to target the budget. Final pricing comes via competitive tender to minimise surprises.

Yes - design once, build in stages. We can future-proof the structure and services for a later second storey.

Across Bayside, Kingston and Port Phillip, including Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Elwood, Port Melbourne and surrounds, as well as the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas.

Height and overlooking are controlled by neighbourhood character and ResCode. We use window placement, screening and setbacks to meet privacy requirements while retaining light/views.

Yes. Our builder-ready documentation (plans, elevations, details, sections, schedules) lets builders price like-for-like and reduces variations later.

Typically a land surveyor, structural engineer, energy assessor, sometimes an arborist, geotech, BAL/flood and building surveyor. We brief and coordinate them within the design timeline.

Both. We can tender to 2–3 suitable local builders or collaborate with your builder using our complete documentation.

Sometimes. It depends on setbacks, walls-on-boundary rules and neighbours’ windows. We model options that satisfy amenity and overshadowing controls.

Yes - light courts, skylights, smart storage and circulation make narrow plans work while meeting overlooking.