The NSW government plans to expedite the construction of high-quality buildings using pre-approved designs, aiming to simplify the process for homebuyers and renters. The government, led by NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin, is creating a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for low-rise and mid-rise buildings up to six stories. This initiative involves collaboration with private-sector architects and the community through consultations. An international competition will invite architects to design exemplary Sydney terraces and mid-rise apartments for inclusion in the pattern book.

Developers adopting these endorsed designs will benefit from accelerated approval pathways, expediting construction and enabling families to move into their new homes sooner. This move addresses NSW's housing supply crisis, aiming to increase construction rates to match or exceed those of Victoria and Queensland. The development of low-rise and mid-rise dwellings aims to support density in well-connected areas of Sydney, near transportation, green spaces, amenities, and job centers.

While the pattern book is optional for developers, the government encourages community involvement, inviting feedback on draft designs. Additionally, for high-rise apartments, a streamlined process will enable developers to choose a pre-approved designer, bypassing the usual design competition and reducing assessment times to six to 12 months. Details about the competition will be announced in early 2024, focusing on facilitating construction in well-located areas with robust transport infrastructure.

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