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We maximise land use by integrating architectuwith  town planning strategy and building solutions to unlock more equity in your property.

AuArchitecture Founder-Registered Planne
PIA-Registered Planner
  • Our Journey with Mr Swarup Dutta began  upon receiving a letter from the planning minister stating that the environs overlay prohibiting development over our property was going to be lifted. Our excitement could not be contained at this news. This meant our late father's wish of having my brother and myself develop and live on the land adjoining my mother's house , could now be fulfilled. After extensive research about firms which offer subdivision and planning services, I found that Au architecture stood out amongst the crowd. The firm's track record  is impressive. I made the call to Mr Dutta and in retrospect what a great decision that was. Mr Dutta was extremely accommodating and was excited to take on the job despite the substantial obstacles which had to be overcome on the road to gaining council approval. He got to work right away and worked tirelessly to gain council approval. His dedication is unprecedented . One particular example which stands out is a time in which he forwarded an important planning response,which he had waited up for until the early hours of the morning, as soon as he received it. He was able to optimise the cramped site to accommodate semi basement  living in a very contemporary design. This was an amazing achievement in a neighbourhood  consisting predominantly of 70's style single story dwellings. On a personal level Swarup cares, he understands the stress on the developer in this process and takes the time to check up on the client and offer support. He is extremely accommodating and always responds to queries in a timely manner. Swarup,  we can't thank you enough.Our common interests have reinforced our friendship and  we hope to be life long friends. You were always there through the trials and tribulations and always the consummate professional.- DA

  • We are a town planning and design practice located in Melbourne, Victoria.

  • We specialise in residential and subdivision projects across all Melbourne Councils and  regional Victoria.

  • We have designed and achieved planning approvals for commercial projects like Medical and childcare facilities, offices and industrial parks.

  • We maximise land use in Victoria by integrating design with  town planning strategy and building solutions to unlock more equity in your property.

Meet Swarup: 

Background: Swarup brings a unique blend of roles to the table. A former property developer and owner-builder he is a Registered Planner; Swarup has hands-on experience in every facet of the property development landscape.

Professional Affiliations: He is a building designer and Associate of the Royal  Australian Institute of Architects and a Member of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association, and the Planning Institute of Australia. He is not a registered Architect.

Extensive Project Portfolio: Swarup's expertise is not limited to a specific region. While consulting with architects and developers, he successfully managed over 250 Property Subdivision approvals across Melbourne and regional Victoria. His projects range from residential to commercial, spanning Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, and India.

Author and Educator: Beyond his practical experience, Swarup is an author and has shared his knowledge as a lecturer in design at a Victorian University. This commitment to education and sharing insights sets him apart.

Property Subdivision Specialist: Swarup specialises in property subdivision, with a focus on medium-density housing, including dual occupancy, townhouses, and various unit developments.

Hands-On Approach: Swarup personally oversees each application, from site analysis to design, town planning, building permit documentation, and council negotiations. His grit, determination, and vast knowledge have led to the successful management of 250+ Planning Permits, overcoming challenges in both Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Real Estate Development Achievements: Swarup's achievements extend beyond consultancy; he has walked the talk, developing profitable dual occupancy subdivisions, rezoning his prestige home for higher density, and transforming "undevelopable" land into a stunning waterfront property through owner-built construction.

Passionate About Education: With a strong interest in affordable housing and biophilic design, Swarup lectured at the university, sharing his expertise and passion for architecture and construction with aspiring students.

The  Competitive Edge: The collective synergy of Swarup's design and town planning knowledge gives him a competitive edge. While competitors may focus on singular aspects, Swarup efficiently manages both design, drawing  and town planning in-house, delivering significant efficiencies and advantages for every project.

  • We will have three houses on our block all with spectacular views of the bay. The service given by Swarup has been faultless with both process and the design of both houses. Swarup after many briefings created a spectacular home to be sited at the front of our existing home.  We received objections and a hearing was called by our council City of Greater Geelong. Swarup attended the hearing and not only overcame the objections he was complimented by the panel on creating an iconic design. This project was approved and will be completed in 2016. The second design was even more challenging as the remaining triangular block was 280 sq meters. Swarup created a two storey two bedroom unit with views across the bay to Melbourne. The council approved the design however following a panel meeting withdrew support. Swarup immediately recommended that we go to VCAT and with the assistance from his suggested legal team our submission was upheld by VCAT who complimented the design. We are absolutely delighted with the dealings over three years and are happy for any of his clients to contact us for a reference which will be fantastic..    E and J Rae

Dual Occupancy behind heritage house

DESIGN

We design permit winning projects inhouse. Registered professionals document the Permit Applications.

Town Planning Report

REPORTS

Our  Registered Planner will write compelling planning reports to garner Council support for your project

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BUILDING

Registered Professionals will document your Building Permit with high level of details

Custom Designed Solutions

Town Planning and design  for:

  • Dual Occupancy or multi unit developments

  • Property Subdivision specialist- 2 lots or more

  • Commercial, Industrial and 

  • Custom designed Residential home across Victoria

  • Complimentary Site Assessment. What will Council allow to be built on your land?

 

Ready to start your project? Please complete the form below and we will respond within 48 hours  or Call Swarup on 0448 170 132 - 7 days -9am to 6pm

CONTACT

Success! Message received.

Swarup has quickly responded to our requested and in a very short brief really understood exactly what we wanted and delivered mock up sketch drawings in a matter of days. He is very professional ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Just a quick note to say thank you for your support, advice and efforts.

It has been a pleasure working with and learning from you."

They are really good. Very professional. They are really professional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for designing a lovely new home for us.

"...Swarup after many briefings created a spectacular home to be sited at the front of our existing home. 

 

Read more

 

 

 

 

 

 

Docs

Planning Permit winning design and planning Application documents by Registered Building Practitioner

Planning Permit winning Planning report by Registered Planner

Building Permit drawings by Registered Architect.

We provide additional documents  for certification- from engineers, energy reports, Land and Building Surveyors.

Existing site before duplex approval
Classic Duplex

$250,000 GAIN

Our client bought a difficult site at Murumbeena for $1.3 million which unknown to them had a storm water drain bisecting the property. We secured planning approval for two large duplex units. They sold the property with planning permits  for $1,550,000.00.The neighbour next door applied for a duplex through a different firm and got refused.

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LAND REZONED FROM CAN'T BUILD ON TO OK TO BUILD

Swarup negotiated with the local council to allow a home to be built on a water front block which was ecologically sensitive, had serious geotechnical problems and zoned as never to be built on. After 2 years of negotiations with council including that with the General Manager and all engineers, he had the land rezoned and owner built on the 3000 sqm block.

The value of the land increased ten fold!

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HERITAGE PROPERTY

Swarup applied for the demolition of the rear of a heritage cottage and secured planning approval for a large 6 bedroom home with swimming pool.

The wonderful owners are overjoyed they could renovate and extend on a heritage property. The value of the  renovated house stands around $2.4 million.

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Tandem Dual Occupancy

LUXURY DUAL OCCUPANCY

Banyule council approved the future construction of two very large dual occupancy houses on a street undergoing change. There were large trees which council required retention due to the planing overlay.

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PARENTS HELP OUT DAUGHTER

The wonderful parents helped their daughter buy- or more like build- her first home.

We secured approval for a dual occupancy subdivision in a small backyard.

The daughter bought the  subdivided rear yard and is building her first home there. She can now live close to her  elderly parents and  in an area she is accustomed to and close to her work.

The parents cashed in the equity from their backyard-that's what a dual occupancy subdivision provides.

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Dual Occupancy Development by AuArchitec

CHALLENGING DUAL OCCUPANCY

Swarup had the whole Council and a street full of objecting neighbours up in arms as they  did not want to see their prestige properties carved out for dual occupancy type developments. Persistence, good design and knowledge secured a permit which unlocked huge equity from this heavily vegetated site

Site under consideration at the VCAT
Swarup acted at VCAT

82 OBJECTIONS

Swarup acted for the property owner and after 3 days of hearing at the VCAT, won a permit on a site burdened by difficult planning overlays and the whole community against subdivision

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MALVERN DUAL OCCUPANCY

Swarup negotiated with Stonnington Council and secured a contemporary dual occupancy behind a heritage listed home in Malvern.

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MEDICAL CENTRE REFUSED! THEN APPROVED

" I just wanted to wish you and your family a merry Christmas. The Mount Waverley clinic is going very well and we could not have done it without you."

Surgeon client and Lawyer wife.

 

They contacted Swarup from the UK where they were then living. Their application for a medical centre (applied through a different firm) was refused by Monash Council. 

Swarup applied for a new planning application and.secured them a permit.

Clients and patients (including me)  are thrilled with the outcome.

Case studies
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