Design-first mindset
We respect your vision and help make it approvable without unnecessary compromise.
Building Designers
Practical certification that supports bold design.
Turning great ideas into buildable projects doesn't just take creativity, it takes certification you can trust to get it right early.
When design is everything, compliance shouldn't be a compromise. Buildcert partners with architects, building designers, and draftspeople to help bring great ideas to life, without last-minute issues or unnecessary redesigns.
We’re early collaborators. Our team gives clear, timely guidance on the best approval pathways, helps you avoid costly compliance issues, and works with you to make your vision approvable.
From high-end homes to smart urban infills, we understand that every detail matters. And we’re here to help you get it right, early.
[ Our approach ]
How we work with architects, draftspeople and designers.
01
Early clarity for better design freedomEngage us during concept development and we’ll help map out the smartest approval pathway. We’ll let you know upfront what’s feasible via Complying Development in NSW or which route fits your project in QLD. The earlier we’re involved, the more freedom you have to design with confidence.
02
Design review with compliance in mindWe’ll review your plans and flag any likely issues (things like building code requirements, boundary setbacks, height limits, bushfire requirements or site access constraints). We don’t just point out problems, we’ll help you solve them. Our role is to keep your project moving forward without diluting your design intent.
03
Get the paperwork right upfrontWe advise exactly on what documentation you’ll need for approvals, from site plans and engineering reports to planning certificates. We stay across code updates, so you don’t have to. It means fewer surprises, better prep, and less back-and-forth later.
04
Ongoing support through build and handoverOur role continues beyond the design stage. We carry out the required inspections, manage amendments where needed, and provide final sign-off so your project is delivered as designed and fully compliant.
05
Fit for one job or the whole yearNeed help on a single project? We’ll jump in and get it sorted. Want a long-term partner across your workflow? We can set up an agreement for consistent advice, dedicated contacts and easier approvals across all your jobs.
[ Why Buildcert ]
The certifier that gets building design.
Proactive, not reactive
Early input helps you avoid issues, protect your design, and get approvals sorted faster.
Specialists in complex projects
We’ve certified everything from sloping blocks to heritage homes, BASIX challenges to tricky setbacks.
Clear, open communication
You’ll never be left wondering. We keep you informed and are accessible from start to finish.
Trusted by designers across NSW & QLD
We work with studios, independents, and larger firms alike who want a certification partner, not a blocker.
[ Services ]
We’ve got your next project sorted.
No matter how big or small your project, or what challenges you face, with Buildcert you can rest easy knowing your certification is sorted.
Residential
Commercial
Subdivision
[ Team ]
The experience to keep your project moving.
Kaine Tarlinton
Certification
Dan Chapman
Certification
Troy Williams
Certification
Jessie Nasif
Certification
Paul Koen
Certification
Tristan Fahey
Certification
James McHale
Certification
Trust Australia’s certification experts to get it sorted.
- +47000Approvals issued
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved
- +275000Inspections completed
"The Buildcert team are approachable, knowledgeable and always willing to tailor their advice to suit each project. Their friendly, practical approach makes the certification process straightforward for our customers and team."
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
What’s the difference between a Construction Certificate and a Complying Development Certificate; and which one do I need?
Both are types of building approval, but they apply in different situations:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a fast-tracked approval that combines both planning and building approval in one. If your project meets specific rules under the State’s Housing Code (like height limits, setbacks and site coverage), you can skip council and get approved by a private certifier, often much faster.
- Construction Certificate (CC): This is used when your project has already been through the full Development Application (DA) process with council. A DA gives planning approval, and the CC is the building approval that follows. You’ll need both before work can start.
How long does approval usually take?
Complying Development Certificates (CDC) approvals are often ready in around 20 days when all documentation is in and compliant.
If you’re going down the Development Application (DA) + Construction Certificate (CC) route, this tends to take longer. Approval may stretch from weeks to several months, depending on the Council.
What documentation is needed for a certification quote?
To do a quote for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) we just need your site plans that include front, side and rear setbacks as well as elevations (if you have any supporting property documents like a Title Search send that through as well). For a Construction Certificate (CC), all we’ll need is your development consent from Council and your Development Application (DA) stamped plans.
How do I arrange a mandatory inspection?
It’s easy. Just use our online booking form, call us on 1300 457 400, or email us at inspect@buildcert.com.au.
Before booking, make sure the work is ready to be inspected, this helps us complete the check without delays. After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, written report from one of our registered certifiers, confirming what’s compliant and outlining anything that still needs to be sorted.
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Sorted.
