Civil engineering design for developments in Brisbane and SEQ
Once your development is approved, the detailed civil design turns the conditions of approval into drawings a contractor can price and build. We design the earthworks, drainage, roads and services for subdivisions, multi-residential, mixed-use and commercial projects across South East Queensland.
Our designs are prepared to the relevant council standards and the SEQ Water Supply and Sewerage Design and Construction Code, and are certified by an RPEQ engineer.
What we design
- Bulk earthworks and site grading
- Stormwater drainage, detention and water quality treatment
- Water and sewer reticulation
- Road design, intersections and car parks
- Swept path analysis for service and emergency vehicles
- Pavement design
- Erosion and sediment control plans
- Operational works applications and approvals
Designing for cost as well as compliance
A compliant design is the minimum. We look for the earthworks balance, drainage layout and service routes that keep construction cost down, particularly on sloping, flood-affected or constrained sites. Small decisions at design stage, such as finished levels or where a pipe connects, often have the biggest effect on the contract price.
Operational works approval
We prepare and lodge the operational works application, respond to council's questions and update the drawings until they are approved for construction. Where water and sewer approvals are needed from Unitywater or Urban Utilities, we run those in parallel so one does not hold up the other.
Support through construction
We stay involved once construction starts: answering contractor questions, reviewing changes on site, carrying out inspections and preparing as-constructed information for handover to council and the water authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is an operational works application?
It is the approval needed under Queensland's Planning Act 2016 before civil works such as earthworks, roads and drainage can start. Council checks the detailed engineering drawings against its standards and the development approval conditions.
Can you design for sloping or flood-affected sites?
Yes. Difficult sites are where careful earthworks and drainage design make the most difference to cost and buildability.
Do you design water and sewer to the SEQ code?
Yes. Water and sewer reticulation is designed to the SEQ Water Supply and Sewerage Design and Construction Code for both Unitywater and Urban Utilities areas.
Do you provide services during construction?
Yes. We answer contractor questions, inspect works, review variations and prepare the as-constructed information needed for handover.
What do you need to start the detailed design?
The development approval and its conditions, a detail survey of the site, and the approved layout. A geotechnical report helps with pavement and earthworks design and we can advise on what testing is needed.
Related services
Development applications
Engineering reports and plans that get your development application through council.
Development applicationsWater and sewer certification
Unitywater Accredited Major Certifier for water and sewer design, approval and supervision.
Water and sewer certificationProject management
Briefing, design management and approvals, run by an engineer from concept to construction.
Project managementRequest a fee proposal
Tell us about your project, or call 07 3544 6934.