Frequently asked questions
The Approval Maze (DA & BA)
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It depends on the size and location. In the ACT, many small decks and pergolas are considered "Exempt Developments" if they meet strict criteria (e.g., under a certain height, specific distance from the boundary).
However, the rules are black and white. If you miss even one rule (e.g., your deck is 10cm too high), you will need approval.
A good starting point for the rules is the ACT Government 'Check if you need a BA' page.
Warning: The government guidelines can be complex. We can assess your property to see if you qualify for an exemption or if a DA/BA is required.
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A: Development Application (DA)
An easy way to think of a Development Application is as an "additional planning step" for projects which do not meet the strict requirements to be considered exempt.
Many clients' first instinct is that smaller projects won't require DA approval, but this is a common misconception. The requirement for a DA has more to do with setbacks, height, and overshadowing than it does with the size or complexity of a project. For example, it is common for a large home addition or knockdown-rebuild to be DA Exempt, whereas a large shed or second-floor deck may require full Development Approval because of how it impacts neighbours.
A DA is submitted directly to the planning authority (ACTPLA). During the process, your neighbours will be notified and given a chance to comment. ACTPLA then assesses the application against the relevant planning rules, looking mainly at factors like privacy and solar access.
Building Approval (BA)
In the ACT, a Building Approval is obtained via a Private Certifier and is the "Construction" check.
The Certifier will first confirm if your design is DA Exempt or if it matches your DA plans. Then, they assess the design for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and safety standards. Further documents, such as energy ratings and engineering plans, are generally required at this step to ensure the structure is safe and compliant.
How we help: Draftup can prepare all required plans and obtain the additional documents for both Building and Development Approvals, making the process as simple as possible for you.
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A: Yes. Whether you are selling your house or have received a notice from the Access Canberra Rapid Response Team, we can help you obtain retrospective approval for your structure or alterations.
We will document the existing structure and guide you through the process of making it compliant.
[Click here to learn more about our Retrospective Approval services]
Our Design Process
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For most residential projects—like new homes, extensions, and renovations—a Building Designer (like Draftup) provides the same design and documentation outcome as an architect, often at a more accessible price point. We focus on practical, buildable designs that look great and get approved.
The key difference is Project Management. While many architects charge fees to manage the construction site and administer the contract, we specialize in the design and approval phase.
We deliver a complete set of drawings and liaise with engineers, energy assessors, surveyors, and certifiers to ensure your project is approved and ready for you and your builder to take over. This approach keeps your overall costs down.
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A: We follow a structured 4-step process to ensure your design is practical, beautiful, and within budget:
1. Initial Meeting & Quote We meet (on-site or online) to discuss your project goals, timelines, and options. Following this, we provide a full fixed-fee quote so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Concept Design & 3D Visualization We create a detailed initial concept including floor plans, elevations, and 3D Line / Form perspectives. Unlike simple sketches, our concepts are detailed enough to help you fully visualize the design from the start.
3. Refinement & Budget Check We work together to refine the design to suit your needs. At this stage, the plans are detailed enough for you to get indicative pricing from builders. If the price is too high, we can adjust the design before moving to the expensive technical stage.
4. Plans for Approval Once the design is finalized, we produce the comprehensive construction drawings. We also coordinate with necessary consultants (like engineers and energy assessors) to provide a complete plan set ready for approval and your builder
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We handle the full architectural design and council submissions. Depending on your project, you will likely also need:
Surveyor: To survey the block boundaries and levels.
Structural Engineer: To design the beams, footings, and structural elements
Energy Assessor: To calculate the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).
Private Certifier: Arguably the most important consultant for the construction phase. They issue the final Building Approval (BA) and conduct critical site inspections during the build.
We have a network of trusted local consultants that we engage and coordinate for you as part of our service.
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A: Every project is unique. A simple deck or carport design might take 2-4 weeks to document. A full new home design usually takes 2-4 months to refine the design, seek inital pricing from builders and prepare full working drawings. Approval times (DA/BA) are on top of this.
Other
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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