Apartment Design Advisory Service

Applications are now welcome!

Councils, designers and developers involved in the early stages of an apartment design can apply to have a free collaborative workshop with the ADAS design advisory team. The ADAS advice is non-statutory and completely voluntary.

ADAS is available for developments located in inner areas, established suburbs or regional areas. The ADAS will help make planning approvals easier and is part of the Better Apartment Project to make housing better for all Victorians

ADAS is a service offered by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to councils, developers and designers involved in the early stages of an apartment design process. The service provides an opportunity to have a conversation about the design direction with a pair of experienced architects and/or designers.

The ADAS design advisory team will provide free advice on how to improve the design so that it complies with the Better Apartment Design Standards (or, clause 58 of the Victoria Planning Provisions).

This service is available for developments of five or more storeys in inner areas, established suburbs or regional areas. This service complements the Victorian Design Review Panel offered by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

Developers, designers and councils can apply to DELWP to have a workshop session with the ADAS design advisory team. Workshops should occur early in the design process, well before the planning permit application is settled.

Workshops will focus on 10 key elements of the Better Apartment Design Standards.

As part of the workshop, the relevant council will provide a brief overview of the planning controls, and the project designer will give a presentation on how the proposal responds to the 10 key elements. The ADAS design advisory team will collaborate with the designer and advise on how to improve the apartment development while maintaining its feasibility.

The workshop will generate a brief list of options to improve the design which will be confirmed in writing within 24 hours.

• Developers and designers will get to hear the council planner explain the relevant planning controls
• Designers will have access to the latest thinking and design tips for apartment developments
• Developers will receive a custom design approach to meet the Standards, reducing risks or delays in the planning permit process
• Councils will get to work with building and urban design experts, and develop their capacity and knowledge
• Councils will be able to facilitate better building outcomes in their municipality.

The advice of the ADAS design advisory team does not have statutory weight.

Read more below about how to get involved or get in touch with the service coordinator at adas@delwp.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 9412 4057.