We focus on a small set of services at the early stages of development, where planning rules, design constraints and feasibility intersect. The aim is to give small to mid-scale residential and mixed-use projects in Sydney a realistic foundation before committing to design and full consultant teams.
Below is what we offer now. Other capabilities are being developed and are only taken on where we can deliver them to a consistent standard.
Current services
Early-stage development feasibility and planning strategy
For developers, builders and serious owner-developers who need to know, early, whether a site or concept is worth pursuing.
Before you buy a site or commission design work, you need a clear view of what the planning rules allow, how much you can realistically build, and whether the project has a chance of stacking up.
This service brings those pieces together in one upfront review for small to mid-scale residential and mixed-use projects in Sydney. It includes:
• A concise review of zoning, LEP/DCP controls, SEPPs and key overlays relevant to your site
• A realistic test of what can fit on the site – envelopes and massing, not just floor-space numbers
• A high-level feasibility check: indicative costs and value ranges to see if the idea is worth pursuing
• A recommended approval pathway (DA, CDC or other), with the main planning risks highlighted
The outcome is a go / pause / stop recommendation with clear next steps, rather than an open-ended report.
Boundaries
- Scope: small to mid-scale residential and mixed-use projects. This is planning-led feasibility, not full development management or lender-grade financial modelling.
DA / CDC approvals and planning reports
For projects that have a defined concept and need structured planning support through the approval process.
Once you decide to proceed, the next challenge is getting approval with as few surprises as possible.
This service covers the planning side of the approvals process for infill housing, small apartment buildings and small–mid mixed-use projects. It includes:
• Advice on whether a DA, a CDC or another pathway is the most realistic route
• Preparation of planning reports, including statements of environmental effects and variation justifications
• Integration of key impacts (amenity, character, overshadowing, basic social and environmental issues) into a coherent planning argument
• Coordination with your other consultants and structured responses to council questions and conditions
The focus is on accurate statutory advice, disciplined documentation and realistic negotiation, rather than promises of guaranteed outcomes.
Boundaries
- Scope: approvals under the NSW planning system for small to mid-scale residential and mixed-use projects. We do not currently act as lead consultant for major infrastructure, large EIS projects or complex court matters.
Pre-design planning briefs and envelope testing
For developers, builders and architects who want design to start from realistic planning parameters instead of guesswork.
Many projects run into trouble because design starts without a clear planning framework. This service sets that framework before the first concept is drawn.
For a given site, we provide:
• A site and neighbourhood review that highlights relevant planning controls, character and key constraints
• A planning brief in plain language that defines what the development should aim to achieve and what it must avoid
• Simple envelope and massing tests that translate planning rules into practical design parameters for your architect or designer
The goal is to reduce redesign and wasted consultant time by defining a realistic “box to play in” from day one.
Boundaries
- Scope: planning-driven briefs and envelopes. We do not provide full architectural design or documentation services.
There are a few areas being actively developed as the practice grows. These are only taken on where the scope and risk match our current experience.
1
Site selection and spatial opportunity analysis
Using mapping and data to scan and compare multiple sites or areas, helping small to mid‑scale developers focus on locations with better planning capacity and lower risk.
2
Design governance for larger projects
Continuing planning input beyond the initial brief at key design stages for more complex residential and mixed‑use projects.
3
Negotiated approvals and targeted engagement
More structured support for projects that are likely to be controversial, including targeted neighbour/stakeholder engagement and negotiated outcomes with Council.
4
Continuous expansion of our services
These are not presented as core services until there is a consistent track record behind each.
Testimonials
“Working with whatcani.build gave us a clear, early read on what our infill site could actually support before we spent money on design. Their planning advice and feasibility check meant we could move ahead with confidence, instead of guessing.”
James K., small-scale developer
“The pre-design brief and envelope testing turned a messy brief into something our architect could immediately work with. It saved us multiple redesign cycles and gave us a more realistic path through council from day one.”
Sarah L., residential builder