Do I Need a Town Planner or an Architect First?

Many property owners start a project by contacting an architect, only to find out later that the design isn’t allowed under local planning rules.

In NSW, it’s often better to speak to a town planner first, especially if you’re unsure about zoning, land constraints or council expectations.

A town planner NSW based will assess the site’s planning controls and help set realistic design parameters before any drawings are done.

A town planner specialises in interpreting the NSW planning framework. This includes zoning rules, Development Control Plans, minimum lot sizes, building envelopes and restrictions related to heritage, flooding or bushfire risk.

If your project will require a development application, a planner will also advise whether it qualifies for a Complying Development Certificate, or if a full DA approval is needed. This can save you from designing something that won’t be approved.

Architects are essential when it comes to design, layout and construction documentation.

However, if they begin the process without a planning review, you risk delays or redesigns. In one recent case in the Central Coast, a client commissioned an architect to design a dual occupancy.

Unfortunately, the proposed layout exceeded local height controls and the site was in a conservation area. We were brought in later to prepare a heritage impact statement NSW town planning and a Clause 4.6 variation request NSW, which could have been avoided with earlier planning advice.

Our approach is collaborative. For residential builds, we often provide town planning services for residential development NSW alongside architectural teams.

We check zoning, setbacks, and site conditions early, and prepare the statement of environmental effects for NSW DA or other reports needed for council.

If you're submitting a council submission for secondary dwelling NSW or planning a commercial change of use, we ensure the design is DA-ready before final plans are lodged.

For projects like shop conversions, granny flats or subdivisions, we also act as the lead consultant to coordinate other professionals.

If you’re wondering how to get a DA approved in NSW, or whether to engage a planning consultant before hiring an architect, the safest move is to start with planning.

Whether you’re applying for a planning permit NSW, modifying a home, or speaking with a NSW town planning consultant for subdivision approval, engaging a town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP first gives your project the best foundation to succeed.