Planning & Approvals

Clearer approvals. Smoother progress.

Ballast Point helps clients move through planning and approvals with greater clarity and coordination. As an integrated architecture and construction practice, we guide the process from early investigation and concept design through to lodgement, consultant coordination and council response — helping keep the project aligned, informed and moving forward. This is directly based on the current approvals page, which positions Ballast Point as architect and builder under one roof across pre-design, concept design and lodgement.

Your Journey Starts Here

1

Design Consultation

During this investigation phase, we gather information about the site and create a 3D CAD model of the existing building. We visit the site to review and engage a surveyor to measure existing buildings, analyse the opportunities and constraints, and develop planning options. We will also sit down with you to record a detailed brief during our Client Briefing and User Journey Workshop.

2

Concept Design

We will interpret your brief and present a schematic concept design via sketches and 3D form studies. This will be presented to you incrementally for your review and comments. We will have a preliminary cost estimate completed by an independent Quantity Surveyor.

3

Lodgement & Approval

The design will be refined in response to your comments, and prepared for the submission of Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on project’s scope. We will assemble a team of consultants to provide advice on the design, while also preparing essential documents such as the Statement of Heritage Impact, Statement of Environmental Effects, BASIX certificate, and Shadow diagrams and solar studies, which will accompany the architectural drawings for the application.

Following the submission, the Council may request additional information, site visits, or meetings. This stage is offered on an ‘as-required’ basis and is typically charged at hourly rates.

4

Review

After the DA or CDC approval, we will touch base with you to check if any of your key objectives or needs have changed since the project began. We will also review the budget to ensure we are still on target and create a detailed plan for the next phase of your project.

5

Documentation & Certification

We will provide detailed 3D designs and construction drawings, encompassing interior design, joinery, and selections of fittings, finishes, and fixtures. We will coordinate with external consultants to integrate all aspects of the project. The result is a fully detailed and coordinated set of drawings and specifications sufficient for construction.

Depending on your approval pathway, a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) may be required for the project and engineering and compliance documents will be submitted. Completion of this stage results in the Certifier issuing the Construction Certificate which means that construction can commence.

6

Pre-Contract Procurement

We will engage an independent Quantity Surveyor to provide a cost plan for construction. We will also get quotes from sub-contractors to market test the const plan with the trades. The construction contract will be developed and agreed upon ready for the construction works to commence.

7

Construction

During the construction phase, we will attend site periodically as the project progresses to maintain general conformance with the construction documents, as well as offering design support to the builders on site. There are normally samples and shop drawings that will need to be reviewed during construction. This part of the project is an ‘as-required’ service, and is typically charged at hourly rates.

8

Completion & Handover

Once your project is complete, we’ll hand over the keys along with a handover package of all your approvals, drawings, certificates, manuals and warranties. Our relationship doesn’t end there though, as we assist with ongoing maintenance and hopefully future projects!

9

Maintenance

Ballast Point has built, renovated and restored many homes in the Inner West, and we understand that even small properties can have complex issues. Using our accumulated knowledge, we will help you maintain your greatest investment and take the worry out of property repair and maintenance.

Architecture & design services across every stage.

Pre-Design

Early architectural thinking to explore potential, define direction and shape the right brief.

Heritage Architecture

Sensitive design for heritage homes that balances character, compliance and modern living.

Sustainability

Smarter sustainable design for healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient homes.

FAQ

Here are some common questions to help you understand how our architectural design consultation works and what to expect.

Can’t find the answer that you’re looking for? Get in touch with our team.

For DA projects: 6–8 weeks. For CDC projects: documentation can run simultaneously with the assessment, which typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Site survey and digital measurements, research into planning instruments, preliminary 3D site models and massing, and a Client Workshop to develop the project brief and identify key objectives.

A roughly 6-week process involving preliminary sketches, iterative refinements based on client feedback, and 3D digital renderings. The final concept is presented with plans, diagrams, and 3D models.

They prepare and submit all required documents — architectural plans, a registered surveyor’s site survey, BASIX certificate, shadow diagrams, and stormwater plans — and engage proactively with council to ensure smooth and timely approval.

Anywhere from a few months to over a year depending on project size and complexity. A clear timeline is established and clients receive regular updates. 3D renderings of the concept are also provided, accessible from any device.

A quantity surveyor reviews the budget during concept design, an appropriate contingency is set, and regular budget updates are provided throughout construction to avoid any surprises.

The project architect continues overseeing site meetings, ensuring the design is followed precisely, and managing any design-related questions or modifications alongside the site manager and construction team.

They engage with council quickly, escalate where needed, and collaborate with legal teams, planning managers, and key council figures to resolve issues and keep the project moving forward.

A comprehensive operating manual and defect rectification service are provided at handover, followed by a maintenance schedule and access to small works at project rates for up to 12 months post-handover.

A procurement plan is developed pre-contract covering material and fixture supply, subcontractor hiring and scheduling, to prevent delays and keep the project on budget.

Yes. Concept design takes around 2 weeks, CDC lodgement about 1 month, and construction can often move faster as documentation runs alongside the assessment.

Through regular site meetings, monthly budget updates, and close communication between the client, architect, and builder throughout both phases.

Yes — they offer both property maintenance and renovation services, from small repairs to large-scale renovations.

A clearer way to begin your project.

Ballast Point brings architecture, interior design and construction together in one integrated practice — with services designed to make the first step easier.