Architectural & Interior Design Services

TNA Architecture is a Melbourne architect practice specialising in town planning services (DA approvals) and building approvals in residential architecture, and commercial architecture services. We assist property owners, small developers, and builders from early feasibility to design, documentation, and council submission. Our approach is clear, and outcome-focused, ensuring efficient development approvals in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

Design Development

Design development is where the project vision is refined into a coordinated, build-ready architectural design. At this stage, we develop layouts, building form, materials, and key details to align planning requirements with client objectives and construction realities.

Our design development process focuses on clarity and coordination — working closely with consultants to resolve technical issues early, reduce risk, and avoid costly changes later. This service is ideal for clients seeking a calm, structured design process that supports both approvals and construction outcomes.

Melbourne Architect with affordable design outcome and great architecture service

Feasibility | Concept Design

Every successful project starts with clarity. Our feasibility and concept design service helps property owners, builders, and small developers understand what is realistically achievable on their site before committing significant time or cost.

As a Melbourne architect with strong planning knowledge, we assess zoning controls, overlays, site constraints, and council requirements to test development potential. We then translate these findings into clear concept designs that balance planning compliance, buildability, and commercial viability — helping you make confident, informed decisions early.

Melbourne Architect with good concept design and feasibility

Melbourne Architect, Construction documentation, Architecture, Building Approval, Building Permit

Construction Documentation | Building Approvals

TNA Architecture, Melbourne Architect, Construction Admin, Construction Administration, Site Visit

Town Planning | DA Approvals

Navigating council approvals can be complex and time-consuming without the right expertise. TNA Architecture provides planning-focused architectural services to support efficient Development Application (DA) and town planning approvals across Melbourne.

We prepare planning-responsive designs, coordinate consultant inputs, and liaise with town planners and councils to address policy requirements and minimise delays. Our experience with local planning controls helps streamline the approval process while protecting the intent and value of your project.

Clear and professional construction documentation is essential for pricing, approvals, and successful delivery on site. We produce detailed architectural drawings that support building permit approvals and provide builders with the information needed to construct efficiently and accurately.

Our documentation prioritises buildability, coordination, and compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australia Standards. This reduces ambiguity during construction and helps protect clients from variations, delays, and cost overruns.

Tendering | Selecting Builders

The tendering stage plays a critical role in controlling construction cost and project quality. We assist clients through the tender process by preparing tender documentation, responding to builder queries, and reviewing submissions to support informed builder selection.

Our structured tendering approach helps clients compare pricing on a like-for-like basis, identify risks early, and select builders aligned with the project scope, budget, and delivery expectations.

Construction Administration

During construction, architectural oversight helps ensure the project is delivered in accordance with the approved documentation and design intent. We provide construction administration services including site inspections, consultant coordination, and assessment of variations and progress claims.

Our role is to support clear communication between client, builder, and consultants — helping resolve issues calmly, reduce risk, and maintain quality throughout the build process.

Melbourne Architect, Town planning Approval, Development Approval, DA Approval

TNA Architecture, Melbourne Architect, Tender, Selecting Builder, Construction Cost, Negociate Cost

FAQs

1. How much does an architect cost in Melbourne?

Architectural fees in Melbourne vary depending on project type, complexity, and scope of services. Residential and small commercial projects are commonly priced as a lump sum or staged fee, rather than a percentage of construction cost.

At TNA Architecture, we provide clear, upfront pricing aligned with the level of service required — from feasibility and DA approvals to construction documentation and contract administration. This ensures clients understand costs early and can make informed decisions without unexpected surprises.

2. Do I need an architect for a Development Application (DA) in Melbourne?

While not always mandatory, engaging an architect for a Development Application (DA) in Melbourne significantly improves approval outcomes. An architect experienced in local planning controls can design a proposal that responds to zoning, overlays, neighbourhood character, and council policy.

We work closely with town planners and consultants to prepare planning-responsive designs that reduce objections, streamline council feedback, and support smoother DA approvals.

3. How does council approval work in Melbourne?

Council approval in Melbourne varies depending on zoning, planning overlays, site conditions, council policy, and the nature of the proposed development. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and approval pathways can differ between councils and project types.

A planning-focused architectural approach helps clarify requirements early, prepare responsive designs, and address council policies before submission. This reduces uncertainty and supports a more efficient approval process, even where planning controls are complex or restrictive.

4. What is included in an architectural feasibility study?

An architectural feasibility study assesses what is realistically achievable on a site before significant design or consultant costs are incurred. This typically includes a review of zoning, overlays, planning controls, site constraints, and development yield potential.

As a Melbourne architect, we translate these findings into clear concept options that consider planning compliance, buildability, and project objectives — helping clients decide whether to proceed with confidence.

5. Can you help with both design and council approvals?

Yes. We provide end-to-end architectural services, from early concept design and feasibility through to town planning approvals, construction documentation, and on-site construction administration.

This integrated approach ensures design intent, planning strategy, and technical documentation remain aligned throughout the project — reducing miscommunication, redesign, and approval risk.

6. When should I speak to an architect during a property or development project?

The best time to engage an architect is before purchasing a site or committing to a development strategy. Early architectural advice can identify planning constraints, approval risks, and design opportunities that may significantly impact feasibility and project value.

Many of our clients engage us at the earliest stage to assess development potential and guide informed decision-making before moving forward.

Contact us

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