Architectural Design and Drafting Services Australia

ASTCAD provides architectural design and drafting services to architects, building designers, developers, and builders across Australia. Our architectural drafters produce the full range of documentation required for development applications (DA), construction certificates (CC), building permits, and BIM-coordinated construction — using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, and SketchUp.

We deliver to clients in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and across regional Australia. All architectural drawings comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), AS 1428 (Design for Access and Mobility), and AS 1100.301 (Architectural Drawing Standard).

Architectural Drafting Services We Offer

Development Application (DA) Drawing Sets

DA documentation is submitted to local councils for planning approval before construction begins. ASTCAD produces complete DA drawing sets including:

• Site plans showing lot boundaries, setbacks, easements, and proposed works
• Floor plans at 1:100 or 1:200 showing room layout, dimensions, and areas
• Elevations (north, south, east, west) showing external materials, finishes, and heights
• Sections through key areas of the building
• Shadow diagrams (required by many councils for additions and multi-storey development)
• BASIX or NatHERS energy compliance diagrams (NSW and VIC)
• Accessibility notes and AS 1428 compliance for Class 5–9 buildings

Construction Certificate (CC) and Working Drawings

CC documentation is submitted after DA approval and must contain sufficient detail for a building certifier to issue a construction certificate and for a builder to price and construct the works. ASTCAD produces:

• Detailed floor plans with door and window schedules, wall construction notes
• Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) showing lighting, services penetrations, and bulkheads
• Wet area details — bathroom, laundry, and kitchen waterproofing to AS 3740
• Roof plans with fall directions, drainage, and penetration locations
• External and internal elevation details — cladding systems, joinery, tiling
• Stair, ramp, and balustrade details to NCC and AS 1657
• Specification notes referencing NCC performance requirements

Residential Drafting — Houses, Extensions, and Renovations

ASTCAD provides residential architectural drafting for new houses, granny flats, extensions, and major renovations. We work from architect’s sketches, owner briefs, or survey plans to produce complete drawing sets for council submission. Our residential drafting covers Class 1a and 1b buildings under the NCC, and we’re familiar with the residential codes and exempt development provisions in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Commercial and Mixed-Use Architectural Drafting

Class 5–9 buildings (offices, retail, industrial, schools, healthcare) require more complex documentation — accessibility compliance to AS 1428, fire-rated construction details, exit travel distance calculations, and mechanical and services coordination. ASTCAD produces commercial DA and CC drawing sets and works alongside structural engineers, fire engineers, and services consultants to produce coordinated documentation packages.

Revit Architectural BIM

For larger projects requiring BIM, ASTCAD provides Revit architectural modelling — from existing building survey to Revit, new design development in Revit, and full DA/CC sheet sets derived from the Revit model. Revit-based projects allow automatic quantity takeoffs, coordinated multi-discipline clash detection with structural and MEP consultants, and handover of a complete facility management model to the building owner.

Key Standards for Architectural Drafting in Australia

Standard / Code	Application
NCC (National Construction Code) 2022	Performance requirements for all building classes — structural adequacy, fire safety, energy efficiency, health and amenity
AS 1100.301	Architectural drawing standard — line types, dimensioning, scale, projection conventions
AS 1428.1 / 1428.2	Design for access and mobility — required for Class 5–9 buildings and public spaces
AS 3740	Waterproofing of domestic wet areas — bathroom, laundry, kitchen
AS 1657	Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders — handrail and barrier heights
BASIX (NSW)	Building Sustainability Index — energy and water compliance for NSW residential
NatHERS	Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme — thermal performance for residential buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a registered architect, or can a building designer produce DA drawings?

In Australia, the requirement for a registered architect vs a licensed building designer varies by state and building class. In Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia, licensed building designers can certify documentation for Class 1 and 10 buildings. In NSW, registered architects are required for Class 2–9 buildings above a certain value. ASTCAD produces the drafting documentation; the licensed professional (architect or building designer) reviews, certifies, and lodges. We work with your architect or designer, or can recommend one if you need a referral.

What is the difference between a DA drawing set and construction drawings?

DA (Development Application) drawings are submitted for planning approval — they show what you intend to build but not necessarily every construction detail. They focus on external appearance, setbacks, building height, and overall layout. Construction drawings (CC or working drawings) are more detailed — they show wall construction, waterproofing, structural connections, door and window specifications, and everything a builder needs to price and construct the works. Most projects require both sets in sequence.

How long does a DA drawing set take?

A straightforward residential DA set (single dwelling, extension, or granny flat) typically takes 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete brief and site survey. More complex commercial or multi-residential DA sets may take 2–4 weeks depending on the number of drawings and the level of detail required by the council. We provide a fixed-fee quote with a committed turnaround when we receive your project information.

Can you produce BASIX or NatHERS diagrams?

ASTCAD produces the architectural drawings (floor plan, orientation diagram, glazing schedule, insulation notes) that are required inputs for BASIX (NSW) and NatHERS assessments. The BASIX certificate and NatHERS star rating report are issued by an accredited assessor — we work alongside your assessor or can recommend one.

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Related services: Structural Design | Civil Works | Mechanical Drafting | CAD Conversion

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