We prioritise finding the right fit for your project, which is why we offer a no-obligation consultation at our office in Mornington, Tasmania, or online if you’re located elsewhere. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your brief and scope of work before providing a customised fee proposal. Should you wish to further explore feasibility options for a project or would like us to come to site we offer additional consultations at a fixed rate.

The more detail you can provide upfront, the better. Useful starting points include:

• A copy of your Certificate of Title

• Any existing drawings or surveys of the property

• Your project brief - what you're hoping to achieve

• A realistic budget range

• Any known site constraints (slope, access, services, overlays)

• Your preferred timeline

Don't worry if you don't have everything - we'll guide you through what's needed as we go.

Every project is unique, and we will meet with you to discuss the specific scope of your project before providing a comprehensive fee proposal.

Our proposal will outline our design fees, as well as any additional costs you may incur throughout the process. These may include (but are not limited to):

• Title documentation purchases

• Land surveyor fees

• Soil testing

• Wastewater reports

• Council planning fees

• Additional consultants that must be engaged - engineering, energy assessments, building surveyor

• Approximate fees for external consultant reports required for council submission (such as BAL reports, natural values reports, flood reports, biodiversity reports, landslide hazard reports)

• Council building, plumbing, and engineering fees for your Certificate of Likely Compliance (CLC)

Yes, we oversee the entire process from concept to completion. Our comprehensive project management services ensure that every aspect of your project is handled seamlessly, from initial design through to obtaining your Building and Plumbing Permits. We work closely with you and relevant authorities, guiding you at every stage to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

At this early stage, before the design process has begun, it’s challenging to accurately estimate costs and determine if your budget can fully accommodate your brief.

While we can provide our insights on potential costs, we recommend consulting with a quantity surveyor or builder at key points throughout the design development to obtain professional costing advice.

The timeline for a project can vary significantly based on its complexity, size, and specific requirements. After our initial consultation, we will provide an estimated timeline tailored to your project. We prioritise clear communication throughout the process to keep you updated on progress and any changes to the timeline.

We maintain strong relationships with a number of trusted builders across Tasmania and would be happy to suggest builders that we believe are the best fit for your project. However, please note that this list is intended for informational purposes only. While our suggestions are based on positive past experiences, we encourage you to conduct your own research to determine if a builder meets your specific needs.

It’s important to assess their credentials, experience, and relevant licenses before making any decisions. Matt Kennedy Drafting & Design cannot be held responsible for the outcomes of any work performed by these builders, so we advise obtaining quotes, reviewing their previous work, and checking references to ensure they align with your expectations.

We understand that situations like this can arise, and that building works may have been conducted on your property without the necessary permits. However, we are not equipped to handle cases of this nature.

There are several complexities involved with unpermitted construction, and resolving the issue may require more than just submitting a set of plans to the council; it could involve obtaining engineering certification and engaging a building surveyor.

We recommend reaching out to a building surveyor first, as they can provide you with a detailed explanation of the process and the steps you need to take moving forward.

Not all projects require a Development Application. Whether planning approval is needed depends on the type of work, your zoning, and any applicable overlays on your property (e.g. bushfire, flooding, heritage, coastal). Some works are exempt or discretionary under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme - we assess this as part of your initial consultation and confirm the correct pathway before any work begins.

These are two separate processes. Planning approval (DA) is assessed by your local council and determines whether the use and development of land is acceptable. A building permit (CLC + BA) is issued by a Building Surveyor and confirms the construction complies with the National Construction Code. Many projects require both, in sequence. We manage both pathways.

No. Construction cannot legally commence before the building permit is issued. Planning approval (if required) must come first, followed by construction documentation, then the building permit. We understand builders have lead times and schedules - we'll work to manage the process as efficiently as possible, but we won't sign off on documentation or approvals before they're ready to be issued.

It depends on the scope. Minor works like replacing fixtures or internal cosmetic changes generally don't require a designer. Structural changes, extensions, changes to the building envelope, or anything that affects the building's classification or fire separation will require documentation and permits - and that's where we come in. If you're unsure, book a consultation and we'll give you an honest assessment of what's actually required.

Yes - we work across Tasmania. Most of our design and coordination work is done remotely, with site visits scheduled as needed. We have experience with councils across the state and understand that regional and rural projects often come with different site conditions, overlay requirements, and infrastructure limitations.