Our Design & Approval Process
Every project begins with a clear understanding of the site, the applicable planning controls, and the client’s objectives. At Yaz Design, we follow a structured and transparent methodology that guides projects from initial feasibility through to final approval. This staged approach ensures decisions are informed, risks are identified early, and each milestone is delivered with clarity and purpose. Residential development in NSW is governed by layered planning instruments that vary between councils, zoning classifications, overlays, and site-specific constraints.
Before meaningful design work can commence, these controls must be reviewed and interpreted correctly. We assess the Planning Certificate (Section 10.7), title details, survey information, and available site documentation to establish a compliant and strategic project direction from the outset.
Our role is to simplify what can otherwise be a complex regulatory environment. We coordinate the architectural design, required consultants, and submission process while keeping clients informed at each stage. Whether the project proceeds via Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), our process provides structure, transparency, and confidence from commencement to determination.
01.
Initial Consultation & Feasibility Review
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your objectives, site conditions, and project scope. This stage focuses on due diligence.
We review the Planning Certificate (Section 10.7), zoning controls, relevant LEP and DCP provisions, title constraints, and available site documentation to identify key planning considerations and potential limitations.
Where required, we advise on the most suitable approval pathway, including DA or CDC. The outcome of this stage is clarity — an informed understanding of what is achievable and a defined direction before formal design work begins.
02.
Proposal & Project Engagement
Following the feasibility review, we prepare a detailed fee proposal outlining the agreed scope of works, deliverables, staging, and associated costs. Once the proposal is accepted, the project is formally engaged and we proceed into structured design development.
03.
Design Development & Client Approval
The design stage commences with concept plans responding to the site constraints and project brief. Layout efficiency, built form articulation, setbacks, height controls, and compliance considerations are addressed from the outset.
Through structured review meetings, the design is refined into a resolved architectural proposal including developed floor plans, elevations, site planning, and key documentation required for submission.
04.
Documentation & Consultation Coordination
Once the architectural design is confirmed, we coordinate the required consultants and prepare the supporting documentation necessary for submission.
Depending on project requirements, this may include structural engineering, stormwater design, BASIX or energy assessment, geotechnical input, arborist reporting, town planning advice, and other specialist documentation.
All consultant information is integrated into a coordinated submission package.
05.
Approval & Certification
The final stage involves lodging the project for approval.
Where applicable, this may proceed via Development Application (DA) with Council or through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) pathway with a private certifier.
We manage the submission process and assist through to determination, resulting in an approved set of documents ready to proceed to construction.