Building Design & Drafting Services in Melbourne
- Homes designed for the Peninsula lifestyle.
- Faster approvals, fewer headaches.
- Clear plans that bring visions to life.
- Working with Trusted Builders
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From First Concept to Final Drawings — Managed Seamlessly
At TDM Design, we help Melbourne homeowners navigate every stage of the residential design journey.
Whether you’re renovating, extending, or building new, Trent personally oversees your project — from the first on-site meeting to final documentation — ensuring the design looks great, meets regulations, and is practical for construction.
Our services cover every step required to move from concept to construction:
Concept Design Plans
Design Development & Drafting
Town Planning Applications
3D Visualisation
Project Coordination
Building Plans / Working Drawings
Concept Design Plans
Exploring ideas and creating layouts that work for your lifestyle
Every successful project starts with a well-considered concept.
In this stage, we meet on site to discuss your design brief, review site conditions, and establish project goals. Using your ideas and our experience, we prepare concept layouts that balance form, function, and compliance requirements.
This is where big-picture thinking happens — optimising natural light, flow, and orientation.
We focus on developing a strong spatial concept that becomes the foundation for all following stages.
What’s included:
- On-site briefing and site measure
- Review of existing plans and overlays
- 1–2 layout options with recommendations
- Discussion of materials, budget, and next steps
Design Development & Drafting
Refining your concept into detailed, compliant design documentation
Once a preferred layout is chosen, we move into detailed design development.
Here we resolve technical elements — setbacks, height limits, energy performance, and structural logic — while refining the look and feel of the home.
This is also where 3D visualisations may be introduced, helping you clearly see proportions, facades, and finishes before anything is finalised.
What’s included:
- Updated plans, elevations, and key sections
- Neighbourhood and character assessment
Town Planning & Council Approval Assistance
Getting approvals through council with less stress
Town planning can feel like a maze, we handle the details so you don’t have to.
TDM Design prepares all required documentation and liaises with council officers to progress your application efficiently.
We also manage consultants and coordinate any required amendments or reports, ensuring communication stays streamlined from submission to permit.
What’s included:
- Full set of planning drawings
- Supporting documentation and planning reports
- Lodgement and correspondence with council
- Coordination of consultants and response to RFI (Requests for Information)
Working Drawings
Detailed, accurate documentation ready for builders and surveyors
Working drawings turn design intent into precise construction documentation.
Every detail — from wall sections to window schedules — is clearly documented to reduce site queries, control costs, and simplify approvals with your building surveyor.
What’s included:
- Fully dimensioned plans, elevations, sections, and details
- Schedules for doors, windows, and finishes
- Consultant coordination (structural, energy, building surveyor)
- Builder-ready documentation package
Working Drawings
01
Initial Consultation
Discuss your project goals and brief.
02
Site Meeting
Trent visits your property to understand its opportunities and constraints.
03
Concept Design
We prepare early layout options and gather your feedback.
04
Design Development & Drafting
Your preferred layout becomes a detailed, compliant design.
05
Town Planning
Where required, we manage the entire submission process.
06
Working Drawings
Complete documentation for tender, quoting, and construction.
Why Choose TDM Design
Owner-led service
Every client works directly with Trent from start to finish.
Council-ready expertise
Drawings prepared with local planning policies in mind.
Builder-friendly plans
Practical designs that make construction smoother.
Transparent communication
Consistent updates and full visibility at every stage.
Complete coordination
Consultants and approvals managed on your behalf.
Clients Who Trust Us
We’re proud to have worked with homeowners and developers across Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs, including Caulfield South, Hampton, Sandringham, Ormond, Beaumaris, Black Rock and Mornington Peninsula.
Our projects range from contemporary extensions to bespoke new builds—each one a reflection of the trust our clients place in us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my design idea is possible?
Do you meet clients in person?
How long does the process take?
Can you help with council communication?
What’s the difference between TDM Design and an architect?
