Be Shaw Drafting provides architectural drafting services across Newcastle. the Hunter Region, Central Coast and Port Stephens for residential projects of all sizes.
New custom homes, additions, renovations, dual occupancies, we produce accurate, detailed plans that meet council requirements.
With two decades of experience in the construction industry and a background as a qualified carpenter, Patrick brings a practical understanding of how buildings go together, not just how they look on paper. Every set of plans is documented with the build in mind.
Every project starts with a conversation. A new build, an addition, a dual occupancy. Understanding what you want to achieve is the first step. From there, your property address lets us run a compliance check before anything else happens. We look at what the planning rules allow and identify the reports and documents needed to move forward.
Depending on the site and project type, that can include statutory documents, contour surveys, bushfire reports, flood certificates, and more. Every job is different, so the requirements vary. Getting this sorted upfront means no unexpected costs or delays down the track.
Once that groundwork is done, we produce a comprehensive set of preliminary concept plans tailored to your site and goals. With concepts finalised, we can move into the lodgement phase, preparing and submitting the documentation and reports identified earlier.
Once we have a clear picture of your project and what’s required, we prepare a fee proposal for the concept stage. Fixed and in writing before anything proceeds.
On acceptance, we schedule an on-site meeting to refine the brief. For alterations and additions, this is where we measure up the existing dwelling. From there we work through floor plan and elevation options with you until the design is right. We also confirm the most appropriate approval pathway at this stage, DA, CDC, or CC.
From the first conversation we’re thinking about budget, your preferred style, how you live day to day, and the difference between what you want and what you need. Getting that clear early makes for a better design and a smoother process from concept through to construction.
Once the concept is signed off, a second fee proposal covers the permit plan stage. For DA projects, plans are drawn to a level of detail early so the path to a Construction Certificate is as straightforward as possible when the time comes.
Be Shaw Drafting can manage the entire lodgement process, sourcing and coordinating all consultant plans and reports required for approval, or we can work alongside consultants you’ve already engaged. The choice is yours.
Once approval is issued, this stage becomes the final step before your project can break ground. We complete a thorough review of all documentation to ensure accuracy and cohesion across every supporting report and plan. Any additional detailing required on the architectural drawings is also finalised at this stage.
We remain available throughout construction to liaise with your chosen builder, answer queries, and ensure the design intent is carried through on site.
When it comes to lodgement, we can package up the entire process. That means sourcing and coordinating all consultant plans and reports required for approval, structural engineers, surveyors, bushfire consultants, flood certificates, and more. Alternatively, if you already have consultants involved, we’re happy to work together with them. The choice is yours.
Required for projects that don't meet complying development standards or where the site has specific planning constraints. We prepare the full documentation package and manage lodgement with your local council. Plans are detailed early so once DA determination is received, the transition to obtaining a Construction Certificate (CC) is smooth and efficient. At the CC stage, additional documentation is typically required, including Structural Engineering and certification reports as outlined in the DA conditions. We coordinate with the relevant consultants and ensure all architectural plans are updated to meet CC requirements, with any certifier requested amendments addressed promptly to support a streamlined approval process.
CDC is a fast-tracked approval pathway assessed by a private certifier rather than council. It applies to a range of residential projects including alterations and additions, new primary dwellings, secondary dwellings (granny flats), dual occupancies, pools, garages, and carports. To qualify, the proposal must meet all prescriptive requirements including setbacks, height, landscaping, lot size, and bushfire rating. If any single standard is not met, the project cannot proceed under CDC.
Certain minor works can be carried out without any formal approval, provided they meet every requirement of the relevant clause under the Exempt Development Codes SEPP. If a single standard is not met, the work is not exempt. Exempt development typically applies to small-scale, low impact works such as minor decks, sheds, fencing, and repairs.
We work with homeowners, builders, and developers across Newcastle, Hunter Region, Central Coast and Port Stephens who need accurate, detailed documentation they can rely on. Every project is different, and we take the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve before anything gets drawn.
Depending on your project services typically cover:
No two builds are the same, which is why we start by listening. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your first place, a builder lining up the next job, or a developer weighing up a site’s potential, we get clear on the goal before a single line goes on the page. From there, we produce documentation that’s precise, thorough, and ready to stand up to scrutiny.
We cover clients right across Newcastle, the Hunter Region, Port Stephens, and the Central Coast, and depending on what you’re building, that documentation might include:
Ready to get your project moving? Homeowners and investors across Newcastle, the Hunter Region, Central Coast and Port Stephens trust us to get it right the first time. From the first sketch to council lodgement, we manage every stage. Let’s talk through your project.