About

Design Review is a pre-lodgement service that supports high-quality design outcomes, improves access to independent design expertise and assists with informed decision-making during development assessment.

Design Review is an independent evaluation process where a panel of built environment experts review the design quality of a development proposal before it is lodged for assessment. The role of Design Review is not to redesign proposals, but rather to identify and discuss opportunities to encourage high-quality design with the proponent.

Design Review provides the opportunity for proponents to obtain independent design advice from the panel. The design advice is a summary of the Design Review session and is provided to the proponent to assist with design development. The design advice is also provided to the relevant authority for consideration during development assessment.

The benefits of Design Review include:

supporting high-quality design
improving access to independent and expert design advice early in the planning and design process
supporting consistent and informed planning decisions
facilitating collaboration between allied professionals that can positively contribute to professional development

Design Review is most effective when undertaken early in the planning and design process, prior to a development application being lodged, where the opportunities to effect positive change are greatest.

Design Review in South Australia is guided by the Principles of Good Design. These Principles help us recognise, discuss and support the role that design plays in making our buildings and places better for people, the environment and economy.

South Australia’s Principles of Good Design are:

Context
Good design is contextual because it responds to the surrounding environment, and contributes to the existing quality and future character of a place.
Inclusive
Good design is inclusive and universal because it creates places for everyone to use and enjoy, by optimising social opportunity and equitable access.
Durable
Good design is durable because it creates buildings and places that are fit-for-purpose, adaptable and long-lasting.
Value
Good design adds value by creating desirable places that promote community and local investment, as well as enhancing social and cultural value.
Performance
Good design performs well because it realises the project potential for the benefit of all users and the broader community.
Sustainable
Good design is sustainable because it is environmentally responsible and supports long-term economic productivity, health and wellbeing.

State Design Review

State Design Review has operated successfully in South Australia since 2011 and is currently available to larger-scale development proposals assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) and referred to the South Australian Government Architect, including:

developments with a value of $10 million or more within the City of Adelaide
developments with a value of $3 million or more in Port Adelaide Regional Centre Zone (City of Port Adelaide Enfield)
developments of five storeys or more in the:
- Inner Metropolitan Adelaide Urban Corridor Zones
- District Centre (Norwood) Zone (City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters)
- District Centre (Jetty Road) Zone and Residential High Density Zone (City of Holdfast Bay)
developments located within the Design Overlay of the Planning and Design Code

We are delighted to announce the appointment of four State Design Review Chairs to support the Government Architect and ODASA in promoting good design and further contributing to the success and growth of the State Design Review program.

The new State Design Review Chairs are Mariano De Duonni, Stuart Harrison, Mark Haycox and Simon McPherson.