Navigating the Path of Least Resistance for Your Development.
Swarup Dutta |Expert Town Planning and Design Specialists in Melbourne,Victoria
With 250+ permits managed across Victoria, Swarup Dutta provides planning intelligence for dual occupancy, townhouse development, childcare, and medical centre projects using Ai powered feasibility for residential projects.
Clarity in Design. Confidence in Planning.
At the heart of every successful development isn’t just a beautiful drawing—it’s Planning Intelligence. I’m Swarup Dutta, and I help landowners, builders, and investors across Victoria navigate the complex roadmap of town planning. Whether you are looking to unlock a dual occupancy subdivision or design a state-of-the-art medical centre, my mission is to ensure your investment is never left to chance.
Your Project, Protected by Experience
Most people see a block of land; I see the legal and financial strategy required to maximise its value. With over 250 permits managed in Victoria, I provide more than just design services—I provide a foundation of certainty in an unpredictable market.
Why Partner With Me?
Developing land is a significant milestone, and you deserve a partner who values your capital as much as you do.
My approach is built on four pillars:
Guided by Experience: I know what Council is looking for before we even submit, saving you months of back-and-forth.
Data-Backed Decisions: We benchmark your project against real-world industry sentiment, providing a realistic view of costs and timing from day one.
A Planning-Led Advantage: By solving the "hidden" puzzles of compliance early, we lead with strategy rather than just aesthetics.
Strategic Peace of Mind: My framework is designed to de-risk your journey, providing a steady hand for everyone from first-time homeowners to government agencies.
A Reputation Built on Grit
My expertise wasn't just learned in a classroom; it was forged in the trenches. I’ve lived the struggle of navigating fierce neighbour resistance and stubborn planning departments with my own developments.
I know how to break the deadlock. I’ve stood my ground in VCAT for four grueling days against top-tier planning lawyers—not only winning the permit but forcing a change to the Planning Scheme itself. From turning "unusable" waterfront lot into high-value asset to overturning flat refusals by escalating to management boards, I bring that same relentless determination to your project. I navigate the red tape so you don’t have to.
"I don’t just offer design—I offer a path of least resistance."
Meet Swarup Dutta
Registered Planner | Building Designer | Former Developer
AuArchitecture is led by Swarup Dutta, a professional with a 360-degree perspective of the Victorian property market. As a former developer and owner-builder, Swarup understands the financial stakes of your project because he has lived them.
Professional Affiliations:
Associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Building Designer),
Member of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), and
Member of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA).
Expertise: Over 250 permits managed across Melbourne and regional Victoria, spanning residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Innovation: A former University Lecturer in Design, Swarup integrates biophilic principles and AI-driven data to ensure every project is at the cutting edge of modern construction.
At AuArchitecture, we don’t just design buildings; we unlock latent equity through a Planning-Led Design Strategy. Based in Melbourne, we are a boutique practice specialising in high-yield childcare and health design, property subdivisions, dual occupancy, and complex unit developments. In 2026, navigating the Victorian planning landscape requires more than just a pencil—it requires a marriage of data-driven precision and statutory grit.
The AuArchitecture Edge: AI-Driven Intelligence
We have integrated design with Planning controls and redefined the "Feasibility Study" for the modern developer. By leveraging proprietary AI-driven residential feasibility tools integrated with 2026 real-time building costs, we provide our clients with a forensic look at their project’s viability before a single brick is laid or drawing completed. This ensures your project factors in 2026 trade rates and the latest 7-Star NCC requirements from day one.
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Our Journey with Mr Swarup Dutta began upon receiving a letter from the planning minister stating that the environs overlay prohibiting development over our property was going to be lifted. Our excitement could not be contained at this news. This meant our late father's wish of having my brother and myself develop and live on the land adjoining my mother's house , could now be fulfilled. After extensive research about firms which offer subdivision and planning services, I found that Au architecture stood out amongst the crowd. The firm's track record is impressive. I made the call to Mr Dutta and in retrospect what a great decision that was. Mr Dutta was extremely accommodating and was excited to take on the job despite the substantial obstacles which had to be overcome on the road to gaining council approval. He got to work right away and worked tirelessly to gain council approval. His dedication is unprecedented . One particular example which stands out is a time in which he forwarded an important planning response,which he had waited up for until the early hours of the morning, as soon as he received it. He was able to optimise the cramped site to accommodate semi basement living in a very contemporary design. This was an amazing achievement in a neighbourhood consisting predominantly of 70's style single story dwellings. On a personal level Swarup cares, he understands the stress on the developer in this process and takes the time to check up on the client and offer support. He is extremely accommodating and always responds to queries in a timely manner. Swarup, we can't thank you enough.Our common interests have reinforced our friendship and we hope to be life long friends. You were always there through the trials and tribulations and always the consummate professional.- DA
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We will have three houses on our block all with spectacular views of the bay. The service given by Swarup has been faultless with both process and the design of both houses. Swarup after many briefings created a spectacular home to be sited at the front of our existing home. We received objections and a hearing was called by our council City of Greater Geelong. Swarup attended the hearing and not only overcame the objections he was complimented by the panel on creating an iconic design. This project was approved and will be completed in 2016. The second design was even more challenging as the remaining triangular block was 280 sq meters. Swarup created a two storey two bedroom unit with views across the bay to Melbourne. The council approved the design however following a panel meeting withdrew support. Swarup immediately recommended that we go to VCAT and with the assistance from his suggested legal team our submission was upheld by VCAT who complimented the design. We are absolutely delighted with the dealings over three years and are happy for any of his clients to contact us for a reference which will be fantastic.. E and J Rae
Custom Designed Solutions
Unlock Your Land’s Maximum Potential
Don't navigate the complexities of the Victorian Planning Provisions alone. From high-yield commercial hubs to intricate residential subdivisions, we provide the design intelligence and planning grit required for success.
Specialising in:
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Dual Occupancy & Multi-Unit Developments: Optimised for yield and liveability.
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Property Subdivision: Specialist strategy for 2-lot backyard splits to large-scale multi-lot projects.
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Commercial & Industrial: Childcare centres, medical clinics, and business parks.
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Custom Residential: Bespoke architectural homes tailored to the Victorian landscape.
Free 2026 Site Feasibility Assessment
What will Council actually allow on your land?
Stop guessing and start planning. Our complimentary assessment uses real-time 2026 data to determine your property's commercial viability and development constraints.
Swarup has quickly responded to our requested and in a very short brief really understood exactly what we wanted and delivered mock up sketch drawings in a matter of days. He is very professional ....
"Just a quick note to say thank you for your support, advice and efforts.
It has been a pleasure working with and learning from you."
They are really good. Very professional. They are really professional
Thank you so much for designing a lovely new home for us.
"...Swarup after many briefings created a spectacular home to be sited at the front of our existing home.
Planning Permit winning design and planning Application documents by Registered Building Practitioner
Planning Permit winning Planning report by Registered Planner
Building Permit drawings by Registered Architect.
We provide additional documents for certification- from engineers, energy reports, Land and Building Surveyors.
$250,000 GAIN
Our client bought a difficult site at Murumbeena for $1.3 million which unknown to them had a storm water drain bisecting the property. We secured planning approval for two large duplex units. They sold the property with planning permits for $1,550,000.00.The neighbour next door applied for a duplex through a different firm and got refused.
LAND REZONED FROM CAN'T BUILD ON TO OK TO BUILD
Swarup negotiated with the local council to allow a home to be built on a water front block which was ecologically sensitive, had serious geotechnical problems and zoned as never to be built on. After 2 years of negotiations with council including that with the General Manager and all engineers, he had the land rezoned and owner built on the 3000 sqm block.
The value of the land increased ten fold!
HERITAGE PROPERTY
Swarup applied for the demolition of the rear of a heritage cottage and secured planning approval for a large 6 bedroom home with swimming pool.
The wonderful owners are overjoyed they could renovate and extend on a heritage property. The value of the renovated house stands around $2.4 million.
PARENTS HELP OUT DAUGHTER
The wonderful parents helped their daughter buy- or more like build- her first home.
We secured approval for a dual occupancy subdivision in a small backyard.
The daughter bought the subdivided rear yard and is building her first home there. She can now live close to her elderly parents and in an area she is accustomed to and close to her work.
The parents cashed in the equity from their backyard-that's what a dual occupancy subdivision provides.
CHALLENGING DUAL OCCUPANCY
Swarup had the whole Council and a street full of objecting neighbours up in arms as they did not want to see their prestige properties carved out for dual occupancy type developments. Persistence, good design and knowledge secured a permit which unlocked huge equity from this heavily vegetated site
MEDICAL CENTRE REFUSED! THEN APPROVED
" I just wanted to wish you and your family a merry Christmas. The Mount Waverley clinic is going very well and we could not have done it without you."
Surgeon client and Lawyer wife.
They contacted Swarup from the UK where they were then living. Their application for a medical centre (applied through a different firm) was refused by Monash Council.
Swarup applied for a new planning application and.secured them a permit.
Clients and patients (including me) are thrilled with the outcome.