Who Prepares Architectural Plans for a DA in NSW?

When you submit a development application (DA) in New South Wales, one of the first requirements is a set of architectural plans.

These plans must clearly show what you are proposing and how it complies with NSW planning controls.

As a town planner NSW professionals often collaborate with, I’m frequently asked, “Who exactly prepares these DA drawings?” The answer depends on the type and complexity of your development.

Draftsperson, Building Designer or Architect?

In most small to medium-scale residential projects, including dual occupancies, secondary dwellings or home extensions, the plans are usuall prepared by an experienced draftsperson or building designer.

These professionals are skilled in designing to building regulations NSW, site constraints and council DCPs.

For more complex or high-value developments, a registered architect may be preferred, especially if the project sits in a sensitive planning area.

Our in-house team has prepared architectural plans for countless DA approval submissions, from council submissions for secondary dwelling NSW to large subdivision applications.

Because we integrate town planning with design, our plans are tailored from the start to align with NSW planning policies and local controls.

What Needs To Be Shown in the Plans?

The architectural plans must include the site layout, floor plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans.

Other required drawings may include shadow diagrams, site analysis, landscape concepts and driveway profiles. These must all be drawn to scale and meet council standards.

We recently worked with a client in Georges River LGA on a dual occupancy proposal. Their previous designer had submitted plans without correct setbacks and driveway gradients.

Our planning consultant team reviewed the DCP, redesigned the layout, and resubmitted a compliant set of plans that led to fast council approval.

How a Town Planner Supports the Process

Although a draftsperson or architect draws the plans, a town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP ensures they comply with zoning, setbacks, FSR, height and amenity guidelines.

We assess how the design fits within development application rules, and if needed, prepare the statement of environmental effects for NSW DA alongside the plans.

In tricky cases, we’ve also assisted with expert help with Clause 4.6 variation request NSW to address non-compliant elements that still met planning intent.

Integrated Town Planning Services for Development Approval

Combining town planning services for residential development NSW with architectural drafting is ideal.

It ensures consistency, avoids back-and-forth with council, and delivers designs that are both functional and compliant.

We recently supported a small business owner needing a town planner for commercial change of use NSW project.

Because our plans and planning report were aligned, the planning permit NSW was issued with minimal revision.

If your site is heritage-listed, we also work closely with architects to ensure the design supports a compliant heritage impact statement NSW town planning teams can stand behind.

Knowing how to get a DA approved in NSW starts with having the right plans prepared by the right professionals.

Whether it's a new dwelling, extension or subdivision, working with a NSW town planning consultant for subdivision approval ensures your architectural drawings reflect more than design, they reflect approval-ready strategy.