Industry Updates
Latest news and industry updates.
Planning policy changes, design process and construction guidance from the PD Studio team — for homeowners and developers building across Victoria.
Featured
Dual Occupancy in Victoria: The Complete Planning Guide
Dual occupancy developments are one of the most popular ways to maximise land value in Victoria. Whether you are building a second dwelling at the rear of your block or subdividing an existing property, understanding the planning rules is essential before investing in design and documentation.
Multi-Residential Development in Melbourne: What Developers Need to Know
Melbourne's population growth continues to drive demand for medium and high-density housing. For developers and investors, underst…
Childcare Centre Design & Planning in Victoria: A Complete Overview
Opening a childcare centre in Victoria is a complex process involving multiple regulatory frameworks. PD Studio has extensive expe…
NDIS SDA Housing: Design Requirements and Planning Considerations
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is an NDIS-funded housing type for people with extreme functional impairment. Delivering…
The Custom Home Design Process: From Brief to Building Permit
Building a custom home is one of the most significant investments you will make. Understanding the design and approval process fro…
ResCode Explained: Understanding Victoria's Residential Design Standards
ResCode — short for Residential Code — is the set of design standards that applies to almost all residential development in Victor…
Planning Permit vs Building Permit in Victoria: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions we receive is: "Do I need a planning permit or a building permit?" The answer is often both — but…
Rear Dwelling Development in Melbourne: Rules, Costs and Design Ideas
Building a second dwelling at the rear of an existing property is one of the most popular development strategies in Melbourne. It …
10 Townhouse Design Tips for Better Planning Outcomes in Melbourne
Getting a townhouse development through the planning permit process in Melbourne requires more than technical compliance with ResC…
Subdivision in Victoria: The Step-by-Step Process Explained
Subdivision allows land to be divided into two or more parcels, each with its own certificate of title. In Victoria, the process i…
Developing in a Heritage Overlay in Victoria: What You Need to Know
If your property is in a Heritage Overlay, any works that affect the heritage significance of the building or place require a plan…
Commercial Development Planning in Victoria: Zones, Permits and Process
Commercial development in Victoria is governed by a different set of planning rules to residential development. Understanding whic…
Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings: NCC 2022 Requirements
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code introduced the most significant changes to residential energy efficiency requir…
Accessible Design in Australia: Standards, Requirements and Best Practice
Accessible design ensures that buildings can be used by people of all abilities. In Australia, accessibility requirements are set …
Site Analysis in Architecture: What to Assess Before You Design
A thorough site analysis is the foundation of good architecture. Without understanding the physical, environmental, and regulatory…
Knockdown Rebuild in Melbourne: Planning Rules and Design Considerations
A knockdown rebuild is often the most practical way to get a new custom home on an established block without the uncertainties of …
VCAT Planning Appeals in Victoria: How the Process Works
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is the independent body that reviews planning decisions in Victoria. Whethe…
Victoria's Small Lot Housing Code: Design Standards for Lots Under 300m²
As Melbourne's urban footprint intensifies, small lots under 300m² are becoming increasingly common in new estates and urban infil…
Working Drawings and Construction Documentation: What Your Builder Needs
Working drawings are the technical bridge between an architectural design and a built building. Their quality directly affects the…