Our Process
Step 1 — Initial Consultation
We begin with a complimentary consultation to understand your project goals, site constraints, budget, and development objectives.
To properly assess the project, we may request documentation such as:
- Planning Certificate (Section 10.7)
- Contract of Sale
- Survey Plan
- Existing Plans
- Title Documents
- Any available reports
Following our review, we provide preliminary advice regarding development potential, approval pathways, site constraints, and the most suitable next steps.
Step 2 — Feasibility Assessment
Our team undertakes a detailed review of the site’s planning controls, zoning requirements, development standards, and physical constraints.
This assessment helps determine:
- What can be built on the site
- Potential development yield
- Site opportunities and limitations
- Preliminary project viability
The objective is to establish a clear development strategy before commencing the design process.
Step 3 — Approval Strategy & Pathway
Once the design has been sufficiently developed, we determine the most appropriate approval pathway and identify the documentation required for the project.
Depending on the site and development type, this may involve:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
- Development Application (DA)
At this stage, we establish the approval requirements, consultant scope, and submission strategy to ensure the project progresses efficiently.
Step 4 — Concept Design
Based on the feasibility assessment and client brief, we prepare preliminary design concepts tailored to the site’s opportunities and constraints.
This stage may include:
- Initial floor plans
- Site planning
- Building layout
- Preliminary façade concepts
- Client review and feedback
The concept design establishes the overall vision and direction of the project.
Step 5 — Design Development
Following approval of the concept design, we refine the project into a coordinated architectural design that aligns with both client objectives and planning requirements.
This stage may include:
- Refined floor plans
- Elevations and sections
- Material considerations
- Design coordination
- Ongoing client consultation
The design is progressively developed to prepare for the selected approval pathway.
Step 6 — Engineering & Consultant Coordination
Based on the selected approval pathway, we coordinate the required consultants and technical documentation, which may include:
- Structural Engineering
- Stormwater Design
- BASIX & NatHERS
- Land Surveying
- Geotechnical Reports
- Arborist Reports
- Traffic Reports
- Town Planning Advice
- Sydney Water Coordination
Our integrated approach ensures all disciplines work together efficiently throughout the project.
Step 7 — Approvals
We prepare and manage the submission of the project to the relevant authority.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Development Applications (DA)
- Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
- Construction Certificates (CC)
- Section 68 Applications
- Driveway Crossing Approvals
- Section 73 Applications
- Other Authority Approvals
We liaise with councils, certifiers, Sydney Water, and other authorities on behalf of our clients throughout the approval process.
Step 8 —Construction & Certification Documentation (If Applicable)
Following approval, we prepare and coordinate the detailed documentation required for construction, certification, and project delivery.
Depending on the approval pathway and project requirements, this may include:
- Construction Certificate (CC) documentation
- Detailed architectural plans
- Structural engineering plans
- Stormwater plans
- Driveway and site works plans
- BASIX commitments and supporting documentation
- Specifications and schedules
- Consultant reports and certifications
- Authority requirements and supporting documentation
Our team coordinates all relevant drawings, reports, and certifications to ensure the project is ready for construction and complies with the applicable approval conditions.
Step 9 — Construction & Project Delivery (If Applicable)
For clients who engage RCO Engineering for construction services, we manage the delivery of the project from commencement through to completion.
This may include:
- Site management
- Contractor coordination
- Quality assurance
- Program management
- Progress reporting
- Client communication
- Defect management
Our goal is to deliver a high-quality outcome while maintaining transparency, efficiency, and attention to detail throughout the construction process.
Step 10 — Completion & Handover
Upon completion, we coordinate final inspections, certification requirements, and project handover.
This may include:
- Occupation Certificate requirements
- Final inspections
- Compliance documentation
- Warranty information
- Project handover
We remain available to assist our clients beyond project completion where required.
Ready to start your project?
Contact our team to discuss your site, goals, and the best pathway forward. Whether you’re looking for design, approvals, engineering, construction, or a complete end-to-end solution, we’re here to help guide you through every stage of the process.
