Get in Touch with Andrew Novak
Have a property design in mind, need council permit documentation, or looking for expert architectural advice? Reach out directly to discuss your goals.
Melbourne Studio & Consultations
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Pascoe Vale South, Victoria
26 Turner Street, Pascoe Vale South
VIC 3044, Melbourne Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about architectural drafting, building permits, council planning, and our Victorian design process.
In Victoria, both architectural designers/draftspersons and architects produce design and construction documentation. An experienced building designer and architectural draftsperson like Andrew Novak (25+ years experience) specializes in practical, buildable, cost-effective residential and commercial working drawings that meet Victorian building regulations, Australian Standards (BCA/NCC), and council requirements, often delivering equal or superior technical clarity at more accessible fee structures.
Yes. Most structural alterations, new residential homes, multi-unit developments, major extensions, and commercial fitouts in Victoria require a formal Building Permit issued by a registered private or municipal building surveyor. To obtain a permit, you need detailed architectural working drawings including existing conditions, site plans, floor plans, elevations, building cross-sections, and construction specifications.
A typical residential concept and working drawing package takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks depending on project scale, complexity, and client feedback turnaround. If your project also requires a Town Planning Permit from your local municipal council (e.g. Merri-bek, Whittlesea, Darebin, Moonee Valley), the council statutory review process may take an additional 3 to 6 months.
Yes. StarsDesign prepares complete Town Planning application packages (including Clause 54/55 ResCode assessments, shadow diagrams, and site analysis) and directly coordinates with private building surveyors, structural engineers, energy raters, and land surveyors to ensure your documentation meets all statutory criteria.