Blue Sky Building Designs specialises in Class 1 and Class 10 residential projects. The services provided depend on the site, the approval pathway and the level of documentation required.
What We Can Help With
- New Homes & Duplexes - Custom residential design and documentation for new homes and Class 1 duplex projects, developed to suit the site, lifestyle, planning controls and approval pathway.
- Alterations & Additions - Design for renovations, extensions, upper-floor additions and internal reworking of existing homes, with careful consideration of the existing structure, budget and approval requirements.
- Secondary Dwellings & Studios - Design and approval documentation for granny flats, studios, guest accommodation, detached rooms and small residential buildings, where permitted by the relevant planning controls.
- Pools, Cabanas & Outdoor Areas - Design integration of pools, cabanas, decks, terraces and outdoor areas as part of the overall residential project, with focus on layout, levels, access and connection to the home.
- Approval Plans & Applications - Preparation of plans and supporting documentation for Development Applications, Complying Development Certificates, Construction Certificates and modification applications, including submission on the client’s behalf where required.
- Builder Documentation - Detailed documentation to assist builders and subcontractors, including construction drawings, kitchen and bathroom layouts, internal room details, electrical plans, plumbing plans and other documentation required for the project.
BEFORE - CONCEPT - AFTER
How the Process Works
Starting a residential building project can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to begin, what approvals are required or which consultants need to be involved.
Every project is different, and the exact pathway will depend on the site, the type of work, council requirements and the approval process required. However, most projects generally follow the stages below.
Starting a residential building project can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to begin, what approvals are required or which consultants need to be involved.
Every project is different, and the exact pathway will depend on the site, the type of work, council requirements and the approval process required. However, most projects generally follow the stages below.
Stage 1 - Initial Enquiry and Online Meeting
The first step is to send through an enquiry with your property address, contact details and a short description of what you would like to achieve.
We then arrange a 30-minute online meeting to discuss your project, your goals, your timing and any early questions you may have. This meeting helps identify the likely approval pathway, any obvious site constraints and the consultants that may be required.
Following this meeting, a fee proposal can be prepared for the building design services, including an outline of the likely stages and consultant involvement.
The first step is to send through an enquiry with your property address, contact details and a short description of what you would like to achieve.
We then arrange a 30-minute online meeting to discuss your project, your goals, your timing and any early questions you may have. This meeting helps identify the likely approval pathway, any obvious site constraints and the consultants that may be required.
Following this meeting, a fee proposal can be prepared for the building design services, including an outline of the likely stages and consultant involvement.
Stage 2 — Site Information and Existing Conditions
Before the design work can properly begin, it is important to understand the site, the existing conditions and the project brief in more detail.
This stage usually includes a site visit to view the property, surrounding area, access, levels, existing buildings and any site conditions that may affect the design. For alterations and additions, an internal site measure is also required so the existing building can be modelled accurately.
A registered land surveyor will usually need to be engaged to prepare a contour and detail survey of the site. This provides important information such as boundaries, levels, existing structures, trees, easements and other site features.
A good understanding of the site and existing conditions is crucial before moving too far into the design. During this stage, we will also discuss your brief in more detail, including how you would like the home to work, what you would like to improve and any key priorities for the project.
Before the design work can properly begin, it is important to understand the site, the existing conditions and the project brief in more detail.
This stage usually includes a site visit to view the property, surrounding area, access, levels, existing buildings and any site conditions that may affect the design. For alterations and additions, an internal site measure is also required so the existing building can be modelled accurately.
A registered land surveyor will usually need to be engaged to prepare a contour and detail survey of the site. This provides important information such as boundaries, levels, existing structures, trees, easements and other site features.
A good understanding of the site and existing conditions is crucial before moving too far into the design. During this stage, we will also discuss your brief in more detail, including how you would like the home to work, what you would like to improve and any key priorities for the project.
Stage 3 — Concept Design
The concept design stage is where the main design ideas are developed.
This may include floor plan options, building form, layout, levels, roof design, outdoor areas, access, parking and the general relationship between the existing and proposed spaces. The aim is to create a design that responds to your brief, the site conditions, planning requirements and practical building considerations.
Client feedback is an important part of this stage, and the design is usually refined through discussion before moving into the approval documentation stage.
Early consultation with a builder is also highly recommended during this stage. A builder can provide valuable input on construction costs, buildability and practical ways to maximise the outcome while keeping the budget in mind.
Taking the time to resolve the design properly at the concept stage can help reduce unnecessary consultant fees, avoid repeated changes to approval documents and minimise future approval revisions.
The concept design stage is where the main design ideas are developed.
This may include floor plan options, building form, layout, levels, roof design, outdoor areas, access, parking and the general relationship between the existing and proposed spaces. The aim is to create a design that responds to your brief, the site conditions, planning requirements and practical building considerations.
Client feedback is an important part of this stage, and the design is usually refined through discussion before moving into the approval documentation stage.
Early consultation with a builder is also highly recommended during this stage. A builder can provide valuable input on construction costs, buildability and practical ways to maximise the outcome while keeping the budget in mind.
Taking the time to resolve the design properly at the concept stage can help reduce unnecessary consultant fees, avoid repeated changes to approval documents and minimise future approval revisions.
Stage 4 - Approval Documentation, Consultant Coordination and Submission
Once the concept design is confirmed, the approval documentation can be prepared.
This stage usually includes the preparation of drawings and documents required for the relevant approval pathway, such as a Development Application, Complying Development Certificate, Construction Certificate or modification application.
Depending on the project and site conditions, consultant reports and supporting documents may also be required. This may include stormwater design, flood reports, geotechnical reports, bushfire reports, arborist reports, landscape plans, BASIX and NatHERS certificates, and preparation of a Statement of Environmental Effects.
Blue Sky Building Designs can help coordinate the required consultants and incorporate their recommendations into the drawings where required.
Once the documentation package is ready, the application can be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal, either to council or the nominated certifier, depending on the approval pathway.
Once the concept design is confirmed, the approval documentation can be prepared.
This stage usually includes the preparation of drawings and documents required for the relevant approval pathway, such as a Development Application, Complying Development Certificate, Construction Certificate or modification application.
Depending on the project and site conditions, consultant reports and supporting documents may also be required. This may include stormwater design, flood reports, geotechnical reports, bushfire reports, arborist reports, landscape plans, BASIX and NatHERS certificates, and preparation of a Statement of Environmental Effects.
Blue Sky Building Designs can help coordinate the required consultants and incorporate their recommendations into the drawings where required.
Once the documentation package is ready, the application can be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal, either to council or the nominated certifier, depending on the approval pathway.
Stage 5 - Approval Process, Responses and Post - Approval Requirements
After the application is submitted, the assessment process begins.
During this stage, council, the certifier or other authorities may request additional information, clarification or amendments. If required, Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with responses, revised drawings and coordination with consultants.
Once the approval is issued, the conditions of consent need to be reviewed carefully. For projects approved through the Development Application pathway, the next step is usually the preparation of drawings and documents for the Construction Certificate.
This stage often requires additional notes, construction information and key details requested by the certifier. Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with preparing the Construction Certificate drawing package, coordinating the required consultant documents and helping to organise the CC and PCA application lodgements.
The aim of this stage is to help move the project from planning approval towards construction approval in a clear and organised way.
After the application is submitted, the assessment process begins.
During this stage, council, the certifier or other authorities may request additional information, clarification or amendments. If required, Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with responses, revised drawings and coordination with consultants.
Once the approval is issued, the conditions of consent need to be reviewed carefully. For projects approved through the Development Application pathway, the next step is usually the preparation of drawings and documents for the Construction Certificate.
This stage often requires additional notes, construction information and key details requested by the certifier. Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with preparing the Construction Certificate drawing package, coordinating the required consultant documents and helping to organise the CC and PCA application lodgements.
The aim of this stage is to help move the project from planning approval towards construction approval in a clear and organised way.
Stage 6 - For Construction Documentation
For smaller projects, detailed construction documentation may not always be required. However, for larger or more complex projects, this stage is highly recommended and can be very beneficial in the long term.
For Construction Documentation provides more detailed information for pricing and construction. The construction drawings may include structural coordination, floor, wall and roof set-outs, kitchen and bathroom details, electrical plans, plumbing plans, internal elevations, finishes, joinery details and other project-specific information.
More detailed drawings also assist builders and subcontractors to price the project more accurately, which can reduce the risk of misunderstandings, missing items and budget blowouts during construction.
The more decisions that are resolved before construction starts, the smoother the building stage is likely to be. While this stage is not always necessary, it can help streamline construction, improve communication on site and ultimately save time and money.
For smaller projects, detailed construction documentation may not always be required. However, for larger or more complex projects, this stage is highly recommended and can be very beneficial in the long term.
For Construction Documentation provides more detailed information for pricing and construction. The construction drawings may include structural coordination, floor, wall and roof set-outs, kitchen and bathroom details, electrical plans, plumbing plans, internal elevations, finishes, joinery details and other project-specific information.
More detailed drawings also assist builders and subcontractors to price the project more accurately, which can reduce the risk of misunderstandings, missing items and budget blowouts during construction.
The more decisions that are resolved before construction starts, the smoother the building stage is likely to be. While this stage is not always necessary, it can help streamline construction, improve communication on site and ultimately save time and money.
Stage 9 - Construction SupportOnce the project moves to site, questions may arise from the builder, certifier or consultants.
Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with drawing clarification, minor documentation updates and coordination where required. This support helps keep the project moving and allows design intent and practical construction matters to be addressed during the build.
Blue Sky Building Designs can assist with drawing clarification, minor documentation updates and coordination where required. This support helps keep the project moving and allows design intent and practical construction matters to be addressed during the build.
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Example of DA ISSUE Plans for a New Build
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Example of FOR CONSTRUCTION Plans for a New Build
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We Are Here to Help
A building project can involve many moving parts — design decisions, planning controls, consultants, approvals, documentation and construction questions.
Our role is to help make this process clearer and easier to understand. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through each stage and bring the required information together in a practical and organised way.
A building project can involve many moving parts — design decisions, planning controls, consultants, approvals, documentation and construction questions.
Our role is to help make this process clearer and easier to understand. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through each stage and bring the required information together in a practical and organised way.
This is not just a service we offer — it is how we work.
