Our Approach

At CKA Studio, town planning is a cornerstone of our integrated project delivery. Led by our experienced and dynamic Town Planning Director, Sue Sukkar, and supported by her capable team. We bring clarity, strategy, and expertise to every planning challenge.

Our approach combines deep local knowledge with strong council relationships to produce high-quality planning applications that support both client goals and community needs. Whether offered as a standalone service or as part of a broader architectural or interior design project, our in-house town planning team ensures consistency, efficiency, and a streamlined experience.

By keeping town planning under one roof, we eliminate the need for external consultants, allowing our clients to work with a single, aligned team from concept to completion. The result is a more cohesive process and better project outcomes.

TOWN PLANNING Services

Town Planning Reports
Our expertly prepared reports form the backbone of planning applications, supporting your project with clarity and strength.
VCAT Representation
If your project faces challenges, we can guide and represent you through the VCAT process with confidence.
Pre-Application Consultations
We organise and attend early meetings with councils to identify potential issues and set your project on the right track.
Integrated Design Collaboration
Our planners work closely with our architects and interior designers to ensure every design is both creative and compliant.
Strategic Site Assessments
We evaluate planning controls, constraints, and opportunities to determine what’s possible—before you commit.
Planning Permit Management
From preparing documentation to liaising with councils, we handle the entire permit process with precision.
Council Liaison & Advocacy
We represent your project’s best interests in discussions with local councils, fostering smoother approvals and stronger outcomes.
Development Feasibility Reports
We provide planning advice on yield potential and development scope to guide smart, informed decisions early on.

What our clients say

Matteo Marucci
"I have had the pleasure of working with Sue, a highly skilled and dedicated Town Planner at CKA Studio, and I can confidently say that her expertise, professionalism, and collaborative spirit make her an outstanding asset to any project team.

Sue and her team bring a rare combination of strategic foresight and practical problem-solving to the planning process. Their ability to navigate complex planning schemes, liaise effectively with councils and stakeholders, and develop innovative solutions to challenging constraints consistently leads to successful project outcomes. Sue possesses a deep understanding of urban planning principles, statutory frameworks, and architectural integration, which allows her to bridge the gap between design intent and regulatory compliance seamlessly.

What sets Sue apart is her proactive communication style and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for both clients and communities. Sue is meticulous in her research, articulate in her advice, and unfailingly professional under pressure. Whether coordinating multi-disciplinary teams or preparing detailed planning reports, Sue approaches every task with clarity, insight, and integrity.

Her contribution has been invaluable — helping to shape projects that are not only compliant and feasible but also contextually sensitive and forward-thinking. I have no hesitation in recommending Sue to any organization or client seeking a town planner who delivers exceptional results with a genuine passion for great design and sustainable urban outcomes."

"Town planning is important because it shapes the way we live and experience the places around us. It’s about more than policies or permissions, it’s about creating communities that work well for people, both now and in the future. "

SUE SUKKAR
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING

Who we are

The Town Planning team at CKA Studio operates as both an independent consultancy and a fully integrated part of our broader architecture and interior design studio.

As a standalone service, we provide expert town planning advice and permit management to external clients, developers, and property owners across Melbourne and Geelong seeking strategic guidance and strong outcomes. We’re adept at navigating the complexities of local planning schemes, engaging with councils, and managing approvals from concept to VCAT if required.

As a collaborative team, we work closely with our in-house architects and interior designers to embed planning insight from the very beginning of a project. This ensures a seamless, end-to-end service where creative design and planning compliance go hand in hand, minimising delays, reducing risk, and delivering cohesive results.

Whether you’re after independent town planning support or a unified, full-service experience, our team is equipped to guide your project from the ground up.

Sue Sukkar

Director of Planning

As Director of Planning at CKA Studio, Sue Sukkar leads our in-house town planning team with strategic insight and a passion for clarity in the statutory planning process. With extensive experience across residential and commercial projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, Sue is instrumental in shaping our planning outcomes from early-stage feasibility through to final approvals.

Her strength lies in mapping out the highest and best use of land, managing risk, and providing a sense of certainty for clients navigating the often complex and discretionary planning system. Sue’s approach is grounded in open communication, ensuring alignment between client expectations and council requirements.

Recently having completed the Property Council’s prestigious 500 Women in Property program, Sue is not only a leader within our studio but also an advocate for empowering women in the property and planning industries. She sees this opportunity as a platform to champion the next generation of female leaders at CKA, while expanding her own networks and leadership skills.

Sam O'Sullivan

Town Planner

Sam is a Town Planner with nearly seven years of experience across complex and diverse projects. Known for his strong communication skills and collaborative approach, he works closely with project teams to navigate planning processes and deliver high-quality outcomes. Committed to both client success and broader community benefit, Sam brings clarity and care to every stage of the planning process.

Jonny Koura

Town Planner

Johnathan Koura is a Town Planner at CKA Studio, supporting the team across a range of planning and project delivery tasks. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours, Class of 2024), Johnathan brings a practical collaborative approach to his work. In his role, he assists with liaison between clients, consultants, and authorities, prepares and supports planning submissions, and contributes to ensuring a smooth process across projects.

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

PLANNING WINS

Permit Approved

Planning process from inception through several amendment stages and supported the project into its construction
Current

Permit Approved

Managed the complex interplay of zoning, heritage and land-use considerations to produce a commercially viable and architecturally coherent outcome.
2023

Permit Approved

Navigated the sensitive heritage and policy context to ensure the works respected the site’s character while improving housing diversity and functionality
Current

Permit Approved

Station St
Childcare Centre
Full town planning process, ensuring the development aligned with local policy and delivered a well-considered community use for the area
Current

VCAT Win

Full town planning process—from preparing the application to representing the project through mediation and ultimately VCAT—resulting in a planning permit and a successful outcome for the client
Oct 2023

Ready to get your project moving?

Whether you’re after strategic advice or end-to-end support, our Town Planning team is here to help.
Get in touch to discuss your vision and find out how we can make it a reality.

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