When you’re assembling a project team, the obvious first question is usually about experience. Has this person worked on similar projects? Do they understand the planning process? But over thousands of development applications (DA), one thing becomes clear: the most successful projects don’t just rely on technical skill. They’re driven by trust, clarity, and collaboration.
So instead of choosing between experience or rapport, smart developers look for both, and understand why each plays a distinct role.
Experience builds confidence and foresight
A consultant with real-world experience brings more than qualifications. They’ve seen how different Councils assess applications. They’ve worked through constraints like flooding, noise, or heritage overlays. And they’ve helped fix problems before they became expensive.
This kind of experience helps you:
- anticipate what information council will expect
- avoid common pitfalls that delay approvals
- interpret local planning policy more strategically
- move through pre-lodgement and RFI phases more smoothly
Whether it’s a planner, engineer, surveyor, or specialist consultant, a strong track record in your project type and location gives your application a better chance of success.
A reliable process helps you find both
So how do you find consultants who bring the right mix of performance and partnership?
Start with the facts. Look at who has delivered approvals on projects similar to yours. Then go deeper, ask questions, review their work style, and get a feel for how they collaborate.
It’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding people who know how to work with your team, your timeline, and your priorities.
Choose based on outcomes and fit
Choosing consultants is one of the most important decisions in any development. It’s not just about cost or availability. It’s about whether the people behind your application can deliver and whether they’ll help you do it without unnecessary friction.
DApro helps developers explore consultant performance based on real DA outcomes, so you can start with data and shortlist those who fit how you work.
Because in the end, it’s not a question of experience or rapport. It’s about building the right team for your project, one that delivers on both.
