Support & Information
Everything you need to know about working with JS Architects — from our services and process to compliance, certifications, and getting started.
JS Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm with over 30 years of experience. Our core services include:
We work across residential, commercial, civic, religious, industrial, and childcare sectors throughout NSW and beyond.
Yes. JS Architects has an extensive portfolio spanning single residences, mansions, multi-residential apartments, townhouses, duplexes, senior living, childcare centres, churches, commercial buildings, industrial developments, and master-planned communities.
Whether you're building a dream home or developing a mixed-use precinct, we bring the same rigour, creativity, and professionalism to every commission.
Our primary offices are in Bella Vista (Sydney West) and Barangaroo (Sydney CBD). We service all of Greater Sydney, from the Hills District and Western Sydney to the Northern Beaches, South Sydney, and beyond.
We also have a registered presence in VIC, QLD, and WA, allowing us to take on interstate commissions when the project warrants it.
Yes. JS Architects is a fully registered architectural practice. Our Nominated Architect is Simon Ochudzawa, registered across multiple Australian states:
All architectural work is signed off by a registered architect in full compliance with the Architects Act.
These three international certifications reflect our commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and workplace health and safety:
Very few architecture firms carry all three certifications — it reflects our commitment to world-class practice standards.
JS Architects was founded in 1995 by Simon Ochudzawa, beginning with a focus on residential design in the Sydney region. Over the past 30 years, the practice has grown to deliver landmark projects across residential, commercial, civic, and urban sectors throughout Australia.
Our first project was completed at 218 The Esplanade, Umina Beach, NSW — a project that set the tone for our design philosophy: precise, enduring, and client-focused.
In most cases, yes. While not always legally required for minor works, engaging a registered architect for your DA significantly improves approval outcomes. Council assesses design quality, neighbourhood character, SEPP compliance, and planning controls — all areas where professional architectural input is critical.
At JS Architects, we prepare comprehensive DA packages including architectural drawings, shadow diagrams, BASIX certificates, and design statement documentation, giving your application the best possible chance of approval — often first time.
JS Architects manages both stages and can coordinate with certifiers on your behalf to streamline the process.
Yes. We have specific experience in heritage building surveys, conservation management plans, and design work that sensitively integrates modern requirements with heritage fabric.
Heritage projects require additional layers of assessment — including State Heritage Register consultation, local heritage schedule compliance, and Heritage Impact Statements. Our team is experienced in navigating these requirements for both residential and civic heritage properties.
Yes. Our Project Management and Contract Administration services cover the full construction phase, including:
Having your architect involved during construction protects your design intent and gives you independent oversight of the builder's work.
Aerial drone photography and videography is an invaluable tool across several project stages:
Yes. Our team produces high-quality 3D models, photorealistic CGI renders, and fly-through animations for a range of purposes:
Visualisations help all parties understand the design clearly before construction begins, reducing the risk of costly changes down the track.
Our standard project process runs through five key phases:
Timelines vary significantly depending on project type and complexity. As a rough guide:
Council DA timeframes are the most variable factor, often influenced by the project's complexity and the assessment workload of the relevant council.
We offer both fixed-fee and percentage-of-construction-cost fee structures, depending on the project type and client preference. All fees are clearly outlined in our Letter of Engagement before any work commences.
We are transparent about costs at every stage — if scope changes, we discuss fee implications before proceeding. There are no hidden charges.
As involved as you want to be. We believe the best outcomes come from close collaboration with our clients. You will be consulted at every key milestone — concept review, design refinement, material selection, and construction inspections.
We use clear visual tools — drawings, 3D models, and material boards — so you always understand exactly what is being proposed before decisions are made.
Yes. We can recommend builders from our established network of trusted contractors, or assist you in running a competitive tender process. We prepare tender documentation, evaluate submissions, and help you select the builder best suited to your project — on quality, experience, and price.
Yes. We have acted as expert architectural witnesses in NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) proceedings. This involves preparing independent expert reports, attending conciliation conferences, and providing testimony on matters of design quality, planning compliance, and neighbourhood impact.
Our LEC experience spans both applicant and respondent roles across DA appeals, merit reviews, and Class 1 and Class 4 proceedings. If you are involved in a development dispute, we can provide expert architectural support.
A State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) is a planning instrument issued by the NSW Government that applies across all local government areas. Key SEPPs relevant to residential and commercial development include:
We assess all relevant SEPPs during the feasibility stage and factor them into the design strategy from the outset.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW Government tool that assesses the sustainability performance of proposed residential development. A BASIX certificate is required for:
We prepare and lodge BASIX assessments as part of our standard DA service. We design to meet BASIX commitments efficiently, minimising cost impact to the build.
State Significant Development (SSD) refers to large-scale development assessed by the NSW Department of Planning (not local council) because of its scale, economic significance, or sensitive location. SSD applications are assessed against the Infrastructure SEPP and require additional studies including:
JS Architects has experience in SSDA pathways, particularly for large residential and mixed-use developments in Western Sydney growth areas.
Yes. We prepare strata subdivision plans and coordinate with surveyors and solicitors to facilitate title creation for multi-unit and dual occupancy developments. We understand the specific documentation required by councils and NSW Land Registry Services (LRS) for both strata and Torrens title subdivision.
Getting started is straightforward. Simply reach out via our contact form, email, or phone. From there, we'll arrange an initial consultation — typically at our Bella Vista office or on-site — to discuss your project, timeline, and budget.
After the initial meeting, we provide a detailed fee proposal and Letter of Engagement. Once signed, we begin immediately.
The more context you can provide, the more productive our first conversation will be. Ideally, bring or share:
Don't worry if you don't have all of this — we can help you develop a brief from scratch.
We offer a complimentary initial consultation for most residential projects. For larger commercial or development projects, we may propose a paid feasibility study as the first engagement, which we would discuss with you upfront. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Yes. We can take over a project at any stage — whether you have early concept plans, an approved DA, or are mid-way through construction documentation. We'll review the existing material, advise on what can be retained, and take the project forward from where it is.
Outside of business hours, you can always reach us via email at info@jsarchitects.com.au and we will respond on the next business day.
Still have questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is always happy to have a conversation about your project and answer any questions you have.