Avoiding Costly Delays: The Role of Class 2 Architects in Sydney’s Commercial and Residential Projects

Developers working on multi-residential or commercial buildings in Sydney are navigating some of the most significant compliance changes in decades. The introduction of the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act¹ means projects classified as Class 2 buildings² must follow a strict set of documentation, approval, and design requirements.

Without early planning and the right expertise, even experienced developers can face approval delays, certification issues, or costly redesigns. Working with a qualified Class 2 architect in Sydney can significantly reduce those risks and keep your project moving forward.

Compliance first.

Class 2 developments in NSW require regulated designs to be lodged by registered practitioners. Getting a qualified Class 2 architect involved early helps avoid approval delays, reduce documentation risks, and streamline the delivery of mixed-use and commercial projects that include residential components.

Why Delays Are Increasing in Class 2 Projects

Many project hold-ups today are linked to compliance, not construction. In particular:

• Design documentation fails to meet DBP Act requirements¹

• Consultant inputs are poorly coordinated

• Documentation lodgement is rejected via the NSW Planning Portal⁴

• Last-minute redesigns are triggered by non-compliant layouts or NCC issues³

These delays are particularly common in mixed-use or commercial developments that include residential dwellings above.

How a Class 2 Architect Solves the Problem

Engaging a Class 2 architect early in the project ensures your design is:

• Fully compliant with DBP and NCC requirements

• Properly coordinated with structural and services consultants

• Prepared for faster DA or CDC approvals

• Lodged correctly through the NSW Planning Portal⁴

This saves time and reduces risk, especially on projects with tight delivery schedules.

What This Means for Commercial Developments

A growing number of commercial architects in Sydney are now designing buildings that fall under Class 2 compliance due to residential components above retail, office, or hospitality spaces.

Unless your architect is also a registered Class 2 design practitioner, your project could face delays, rejected applications, or last-minute documentation changes that impact your program and budget.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls Developers Face

The most common issues we see across Class 2 and commercial projects include:

• Incorrect or incomplete documentation lodgement

• Misalignment between architectural and engineering drawings

• Missed waterproofing and fire safety detailing

• Delays in obtaining construction certificates

A qualified architect who works across both Class 2 and commercial sectors helps you avoid these issues from the start.

Why Developers Choose Eoin Architects

At Eoin Architects, we provide commercial and Class 2 architectural services that are practical, compliant, and ready for real-world delivery.

We are:

• Registered under the DBP Act

• Experienced in coordinating consultant teams

• Focused on DA, CDC, and NCC-compliant documentation

• Trusted by developers delivering residential and mixed-use projects across Sydney

Our team has helped clients reduce approval timeframes and avoid major design rework by identifying risk areas early and preparing lodgement-ready documentation.

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Email us at info@eoinarchitects.com
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FAQs: Class 2 and Commercial Architects in Sydney

• 1. What is a Class 2 building under the NCC?

  A Class 2 building is a multi-residential structure where dwellings are located above or beside one another, typically in an apartment or mixed-use format².

• 2. Why does my commercial development need a Class 2 architect?

  If your project includes any residential units, even above retail or office spaces, it may fall under Class 2. You’ll need a registered design practitioner to lodge regulated designs via the NSW Planning Portal⁴.

• 3. Can Eoin Architects handle commercial and residential components?

  Yes. We are registered for Class 2 compliance and also design pure commercial projects, allowing us to deliver integrated, compliant designs for mixed-use sites.

• 4. What causes the biggest approval delays?

  Common issues include missing documentation, inconsistent consultant inputs, and late engagement of a registered Class 2 architect. Early coordination avoids these pitfalls.

• 5. When should a developer engage a Class 2 architect?

  As early as possible. Early-stage input helps with feasibility, planning strategy, risk mitigation, and accurate documentation before lodgement.

References

¹ NSW Government. Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW). Accessed via: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2020-007
² Australian Building Codes Board. National Construction Code – Building Classifications. Accessed via: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au
³ Australian Building Codes Board. NCC 2022 Volume One – Class 2 Buildings. Accessed via: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022-volume-one
⁴ NSW Planning Portal. Lodging Regulated Designs for Class 2 Buildings. Accessed via: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/dbp