--- title: Registered Design Practitioner and Class 2 Apartment renovation expert description: Guiding NSW apartment owners to build-ready renovations. Specialist Class 2 apartment renovation design services by registered design practitioners. --- [Skip to content](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/home#main-content) ![tight\_knit\_buildingdesign](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tight_knit_buildingdesign.jpg?width=80&height=52&name=tight_knit_buildingdesign.jpg) - [Home](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/home) - [About Us](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/home) - [About Us](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/contact-us) - [Book a Discovery Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/scott-pearse) [Book a Discovery Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/scott-pearse) CLASS 2 REGISTERED DESIGN PRACTITIONER # For when you're required to engage a registered design practitioner Expert guidance from registered design practitioners for strata managers, owners committees, apartment owners and interior designers.  [Book a Discovery Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/scott-pearse) ![interior of an apartment after renovation](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hubfs/interior%20of%20an%20apartment%20after%20renovation.png "interior of an apartment after renovation") ## When is a project exempt from the design and build practitioners act? ### Knowing how to keep a building project within exempt development will save you time and $$$$. Enter your email address and phone number to receive our guide on how to make your project comply with exempt development. ![checking items off a digital checklist on a tablet](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/checking%20items%20off%20a%20digital%20checklist%20on%20a%20tablet.jpeg "checking items off a digital checklist on a tablet") As featured by ![fx-gs](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fx-gs.webp?width=200&height=200&name=fx-gs.webp) ![photo\_large](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo_large.jpg?width=160&height=160&name=photo_large.jpg) ![download](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/download.png?width=300&height=286&name=download.png) ![WebLogos\_Laminex-300x300-1-300x300](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WebLogos_Laminex-300x300-1-300x300.png?width=300&height=300&name=WebLogos_Laminex-300x300-1-300x300.png) ![BDAA\_logo\_@2x](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BDAA_logo_@2x.png?width=354&height=214&name=BDAA_logo_@2x.png) > ## "In what has become a confusing and unnecessarily complex process for Class 2 renovations, Scott was able to clearly explain the process and what’s required." > > > > ![hannahilbert](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hubfs/hannahilbert.png) > > Google Review - Hannah - Mosman, NSW ### Control costs by engaging an experienced registered design practitioner Our expertise in strata remedial works, including waterproofing, and whole of building renovations means we've seen the traps and can help you avoid them ### Connect with builders for a complete renovation experience We support you to - to find the registered building practitioner best suited to your apartment project. ### Get the result you want and live in a home you love Only by being involved in all decision making can you truly achieve the dream home you want. We put you in the drivers seat so you can control the outcome.   ## Let's chat, we'd love to hear what you've got going on. [Book a Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/scott-pearse) **Recent Blog Posts** ## News & Insights [![](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Line%20art%20hand%20drawn%20black%20and%20white%20style%20The%20image%20features%20a%20modern%20office%20desk%20neatly%20arranged%20with%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20document%20titled%20Renovation%20Application%20Checklist-1.jpeg?height=200&name=Line%20art%20hand%20drawn%20black%20and%20white%20style%20The%20image%20features%20a%20modern%20office%20desk%20neatly%20arranged%20with%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20document%20titled%20Renovation%20Application%20Checklist-1.jpeg)](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/a-guide-for-strata-managers-dealing-with-apartment-renovation-works) ### [A Guide for Strata Managers Dealing with Apartment Renovation Works](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/a-guide-for-strata-managers-dealing-with-apartment-renovation-works) [![](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9984.jpg?height=200&name=IMG_9984.jpg)](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/were-killing-our-fixed-price-cdc-wall-removal-service-and-what-you-should-know-before-taking-a-wall-down-in-an-apartment) ### [We’re killing our Fixed-Price CDC Wall Removal Service (And What You Should Know Before Taking a Wall Down in an Apartment)](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/were-killing-our-fixed-price-cdc-wall-removal-service-and-what-you-should-know-before-taking-a-wall-down-in-an-apartment) [![](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Im%20trying%20to%20compare%20roof%20types%20on%20apartment%20buildings%20I%20need%20to%20show%20one%20apartment%20building%20with%20a%20flat%20roof%20or%20roof%20top%20garden%20and%20then%20another%20apartment%20building%20that%20has%20a%20traditional%20pitch%20roof.jpeg?height=200&name=Im%20trying%20to%20compare%20roof%20types%20on%20apartment%20buildings%20I%20need%20to%20show%20one%20apartment%20building%20with%20a%20flat%20roof%20or%20roof%20top%20garden%20and%20then%20another%20apartment%20building%20that%20has%20a%20traditional%20pitch%20roof.jpeg)](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/is-making-a-roof-exempt-from-apartment-building-height-a-good-idea) ### [Is making a roof exempt from apartment building height a good idea?](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/is-making-a-roof-exempt-from-apartment-building-height-a-good-idea) [![](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Sketch%20hand%20drawn%20black%20and%20white%20image%20of%20interior%20of%20heritage%20apartment%20with%20a%20focus%20on%20a%20decorative%20arch-1.jpeg?height=200&name=Sketch%20hand%20drawn%20black%20and%20white%20image%20of%20interior%20of%20heritage%20apartment%20with%20a%20focus%20on%20a%20decorative%20arch-1.jpeg)](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/arches-in-apartment-renovations-keep-them) ### [Arches in apartment renovations - keep them?](https://tightknitbuildingdesign.com/blog/arches-in-apartment-renovations-keep-them)   ## Registered Design Practitioners ready to help you  [Start now](https://meetings.hubspot.com/scott-pearse) Does my renovation need a Class 2 Design Practitioner? --- #### Well, that depends Apartment renovations that require a registered class 2 design practitioner typically include: - **Structural changes** (e.g., altering load-bearing walls) - **Fire safety system modifications** (e.g., sprinklers, fire-rated walls) - **Waterproofing** in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries - **Façade changes** (e.g., windows, balconies, cladding) - **Building services modifications** (e.g., electrical, plumbing) - **Major interior reconfigurations** impacting safety or compliance #### We can help TightKnit’s expertise in strata renovations ensures homeowners understand if their project requires a Class 2 Design Practitioner in Architectural or Building Design.  We guide you through compliance and approval processes with clarity, drawing on our deep knowledge of NSW regulations and previous strata apartment renovation projects Can I remove or change internal walls in my strata apartment? Yes, but you’ll need to follow steps we outline below. You'll need to find registered design and building practitioners who can produce regulated designs to ensure compliance with strata laws and building regulations in NSW. So, yes, you can make structural changes to walls in your apartment renovation. The process is.... #### **1. Determine if the Wall is Structural** - Some internal walls are **load-bearing** and form part of the building’s structure. Removing or altering them can affect the building’s integrity. - You may need an engineer’s assessment to confirm whether a wall is structural. #### **2. Check Your Strata By-Laws** - Internal walls are often considered part of the **lot** (your apartment), but structural walls may be classed as **common property**, which means strata approval is required. - Review your building’s by-laws or consult your strata manager to understand what approvals are needed. #### **3. Get Strata Approval** - If the wall is structural or affects common property (e.g., shared plumbing or electrical services), you’ll likely need to submit a **renovation proposal** to your owners corporation. - Major works, such as structural changes, usually require a **special resolution** at a general meeting and a **by-law** registered with NSW Land Registry Services. #### **4. Comply with NSW Building Regulations** - Under the **Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020**, structural work in Class 2 buildings (apartments) must be designed by a **registered design practitioner** and built by a **registered building practitioner**. - The work must meet **National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards** requirements. How long does a typical apartment renovation take? | **Renovation Type** | **Estimated Timeframe** | | --- | --- | | **Cosmetic Updates** (paint, flooring, fixtures) | 2–4 weeks | | --- | --- | | **Bathroom Renovation** | 3–6 weeks | | --- | --- | | **Kitchen Renovation** | 4–8 weeks | | --- | --- | | **Full Apartment Renovation** | 8–16 weeks | | --- | --- | Let's connect [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/tightknitbuildingdesign/) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/tightknitbuildingdesign/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tightknit-building-design/) Copyright © 2026, TightKnit PTY LTD