What is a Heritage Consultant or Architect (Heritage Impact Statement)?

A Heritage Consultant or Architect is a qualified professional who assesses how your proposed development may impact a heritage-listed item, a site within a heritage conservation area, or land subject to local heritage controls. They prepare a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) to support your development application and ensure your design aligns with relevant planning instruments.

What does a Heritage Consultant or Architect do?

Your Heritage Consultant or Architect will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Review your site’s heritage listing, zoning, and development proposal
  • Assess the significance of any affected heritage elements or surroundings
  • Evaluate potential impacts of your design on the heritage item or streetscape
  • Recommend design modifications or mitigation strategies, where needed
  • Prepare a formal Heritage Impact Statement compliant with local council or state government requirements


They help ensure your application is assessed favourably by council and aligns with planning law.

Barry's Toolbox

If your property is in a Heritage Conservation Area, you may need an HIS even for minor external works — like changing roofing, windows, or fencing.

What to look for in a Heritage Consultant or Architect

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Qualifications: Membership in Australia ICOMOS or equivalent heritage bodies is a strong indicator of expertise
  • Local experience: Choose someone familiar with your council’s heritage DCP or guidelines
  • Report quality: Should include clear analysis, justifications, and photographic records
  • DA coordination: They should be comfortable working with your architect or planning consultant to align messaging
  • Timeliness: Check delivery timelines to avoid holding up your DA or CDC lodgement

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Heritage Consultants or Architects for a Heritage Impact Statement, you’ll need:

  • Site address and zoning certificate (Section 10.7)
  • Proposed development plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations)
  • Photographs of the site and surrounding buildings
  • Any known history or prior statements (if applicable)
  • Your DA submission timeline

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3-5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Heritage Impact Statement?

    An HIS is a formal document assessing how a development may affect the heritage values of a site or precinct. It’s required for council to determine whether your design is appropriate.

  • Can the consultant recommend design changes?

    Yes. A good consultant will suggest modifications that reduce impact without compromising your design intent — helping your project gain faster approval.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.