.png){kind=small}
About Us
Founded in 2022, our mission is simple: to make the land division and construction projects process easier, more efficient, and less overwhelming, especially for part-time or one-off developers. We partner with our clients from concept to completion, offering a full-service approach that includes planning, civil design, approvals, and construction oversight. We work closely with councils, surveyors, and contractors to create practical, fit-for-purpose designs while keeping the process clear and collaborative. Whether it's a small residential subdivision or a large commercial project, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
What sets TGSA apart is we work closely with landowners from concept to completion. From the early planning stages, TGSA collaborates with surveyors, councils, and clients to shape a design that suits the project’s unique goals. Once planning approval is secured, TGSA manages detailed civil design, liaising with council engineers to ensure plans are compliant, practical, and ready for construction. TGSA also performs the role of Superintendent during construction ensuring quality assurance, inspections, and council approvals are smoothly coordinated.
Since launching, the business has grown in both complexity and scope. While its core focus remains land division, TGSA also delivers civil and building design services for both residential and commercial projects, including site layouts, car park design, and access infrastructure. This broader offering reflects our strong industry knowledge and allows us to support a range of development needs.
The business name, Tiers Group SA, is inspired by the founder James' family farm at Hindmarsh Tiers in the Fleurieu Peninsula. A place of deep personal significance, the farm has been in the Clarke family for generations and represents the values of honesty, hard work, and strong community roots principles that continue to guide the business today.
Today, TGSA proudly operates within the civil construction and building sectors, helping transform vacant land into thriving residential and commercial communities. The business is built on values of reliability, balance, and practical solutions. Above all, TGSA is committed to building long-term partnerships with clients based on transparency, collaboration, and shared success.
.png)
Meet James,
James Clarke is the founder of Tiers Group SA, bringing a wealth of experience from his diverse background in civil engineering and construction. Growing up on a dairy farm in the Fleurieu Peninsula and later on a cropping and cattle farm in Bordertown, James has strong connections to country life. After moving to the Murray Bridge region with his family nearly 20 years ago to pursue a business venture in real estate, James has made this area his home.
James graduated with First Class honors in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of South Australia in 2016. Early in his studies, he worked with a residential builder, gaining hands-on experience in construction, which sparked his passion for the building industry. After securing an engineering role in his final year of university, James worked part-time and, upon graduation, began full-time employment as a Project Engineer in the private civil construction sector. His work on a major land division project in Adelaide provided invaluable insight into the construction process, further developing his understanding of engineering design in practice.
James later returned to the Murray Bridge region while commuting to Adelaide for work, managing a project in Meningie for the Coorong District Council. Following this, he was offered the role of leading the Council's infrastructure engineering department. In this role, James delivered major capital projects and provided infrastructure input to the Council’s planning department. It was here that he gained a clear understanding of the challenges faced by land developers, recognising the need for expert guidance through the land division process leading to the founding of Tiers Group SA.
Our Services
Tiers Group SA specialises in land division projects, particularly for once-off or non-professional developers. We understand that navigating the design and construction process can be overwhelming, especially without prior experience. That’s why we offer end-to-end support working alongside our clients to ensure they’re represented fairly and their project is delivered with accuracy and transparency.
Civil Design
Civil design is the core service offered by Tiers Group SA. We specialise in designing all civil-related infrastructure, including stormwater systems, road infrastructure, site access, and parking layouts. Typically, this includes road and stormwater networks for land division projects, site access, car parking, and drainage systems for commercial developments and retaining wall and earthworks design for residential and commercial building projects.
Superintendent
Tiers Group SA aims to be actively involved in the construction phase of its own designs and other civil designs by taking on the role of Engineering Superintendent. We develop project-specific Inspection and Test Plans, lead the coordination of inspections, manage documentation, and ensure all onsite testing and certifications are completed. This role ensures that, when Council is accepting the infrastructure built by the developer, they are satisfied in its quality and willing to take ownership.
Building Design
Tiers Group SA can provide basic building designs for residential and commercial projects. These entry-level designs cover essential requirements however, are not full architectural drawings. They are intended for construction, with the builder and client working closely together to make necessary selections before construction begins. For more complex commercial buildings, Tiers Group SA partners with specialised subcontractors to provide architectural plans, engineering services designs, and structural designs.
Site Design
Tiers Group SA provides site civil designs for commercial projects, including property accesses, car parking, and drainage systems. These designs are typically accompanied by TGSA’s basic building design, along with full architectural, services, and structural designs provided by subcontractors, offering a comprehensive set of plans for commercial projects.
Our Process
Conceptual Design and Development Approval
02
TGSA provides conceptual civil design plans for Development Approval. These designs are not for construction but help obtain planning approval before committing to full construction plans. Once the conceptual design is approved, Council typically requires full "For Construction" drawings before construction begins.
Construction Drawings
03
After Planning Approval, TGSA prepares the full "For Construction" plans, which are submitted to the client and Council for approval. Upon approval, these plans are handed to the civil contractor for construction.
01
Engagement and Initial Meeting
TGSA is engaged early in the project by the landowner or surveyor. We meet with the client to discuss their requirements, infrastructure needs, and collaborate on the design.
Engineering Superintendent and Construction Oversight
04
TGSA undertakes the role of Engineering Superintendent during construction, working closely with the civil contractor and Council to ensure agreed-upon testing and quality assurance processes are followed. TGSA coordinates inspections, manages quality assurance documentation, and ensures the civil contractor submits the required material certifications and test results.
Practical Completion and Council Acceptance
05
After construction, TGSA coordinates a Practical Completion inspection with the Council and civil contractor. TGSA issues the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) to Council, who then executes the CPC and issues it to TGSA, which is then provided to the landowner and civil contractor.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Reach out to us for inquiries or to discuss your civil engineering and design consultancy needs.
