Our Pre-Design & Feasibility services provide a comprehensive assessment of your project’s potential, focusing on site conditions, cost factors, and Tasmanian-specific building regulations. We evaluate factors like site orientation, availability of services, and solar requirements to ensure the site aligns with your vision and budget. By carefully selecting the site and assessing design constraints, we help reduce project costs and create a practical pathway to success. Our team can also advise on the costs of construction, finishes, landscaping, and external consultant and council fees, giving you clarity from the very start.

During the Pre-Design phase, we will:

• Confirm the brief and budget with you;

• Assess site and building constraints;

• Conduct a preliminary review of local council regulations;

• Identify required consultants to streamline the design process.

The Conceptual/Sketch Design phase is crucial in shaping the most effective design for your project. Using our local expertise and award-nominated design skills, we produce sketches that respond to your needs, budget, and site-specific factors such as light, wind, and views. Once the preferred concept is approved, it serves as a foundation for the final design.

During this phase, we will:

• Engage a land surveyor for a contour survey;

• Obtain existing site drawings from the client or local authorities;

• Secure a current Title copy;

• Assess council regulations and site-specific constraints;

• Conduct site analysis to consider placement, slope, light, and views;

• Prepare concept sketches, with development using the latest 3D design software.

Navigating Tasmanian planning regulations is complex, but our local knowledge ensures a smooth application process. We act on your behalf to submit and manage planning applications, responding promptly to any council queries. Our team coordinates with all necessary consultants and prepares detailed, regulation-compliant drawings.

During the Development Application phase, we will:

• Coordinate with consultants to provide necessary input;

• Prepare required drawings, including Site Plans, Floor Plans, and Elevations;

• Walk you through your plans in 3D

• Coordinate any external consultants for required reports for council submission based on the planning scheme

• Conduct sun studies or overshadowing models if needed;

• Engage with local council through pre-application meetings if required;

• Submit applications and handle any Requests for Information (RFI).

Once planning approval is obtained, we prepare detailed construction documentation that meet Tasmanian regulations and Australian standards, forming the foundation for building permits and your contract with the builder. Our documents cover all essential aspects, from plumbing and electrical to energy efficiency, ensuring your project aligns with current codes.

During the construction documentation phase, we will:

• Prepare construction drawings, including plumbing and electrical plans;

• Liaise with engineers and consultants to integrate requirements into architectural drawings;

• Create detailed site and floor plans, framing plans, drainage plans, sections, elevations, and landscaping plans (if applicable);

• Ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards;

• Complete calculations for glazing, lighting, and ventilation;

• Issue a Form 35 Certificate of Responsible Designer for permit submission.

With construction documents in hand, we engage a Building Surveyor to secure the Certificate of Likely Compliance. Acting as your agent, we liaise with all required authorities to secure building and plumbing permits, responding to RFIs promptly to maintain project momentum.

We will:

• Submit all necessary documents to the Building Surveyor;

• Act as your representative with authorities to obtain permits;

• Address any RFIs during the permit approval process.

If you need ongoing support during construction, Matt Kennedy Drafting & Design offers Contract Administration and site inspection services. We ensure quality control, provide detailing advice, and make certain that all work aligns with the approved plans, safeguarding your project’s integrity from start to finish.