Expert Building Design in Annandale

Annandale is a vibrant Inner West suburb known for its heritage terraces, leafy streets, and village-like atmosphere. With its proximity to the Sydney CBD, excellent transport links, and thriving café culture, Annandale appeals to families, professionals, and long-term residents alike.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Annandale that respect its heritage charm while ensuring compliance with Inner West Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Annandale with designs that combine comfort, modern living, and respect for the suburb’s historic character.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Annandale?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed for practicality, comfort, and everyday flow.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that complement Annandale’s heritage streetscape and leafy environment.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled in navigating Inner West Council planning rules.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient, future-ready building solutions.

  • Adaptable Spaces: From heritage renovations to modern family homes, customised to your lifestyle.

Our Annandale designs deliver a balance of style, heritage sensitivity, and compliance tailored to this unique Inner West suburb.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Annandale

 

  • Zoning types

    • R1 General Residential

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks generally align with existing streetscape character

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Heritage terraces and detached homes: 180m² – 400m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 250m² – 600m²

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage conservation overlays in many streets

    • Height restrictions to maintain local character

    • Limited scope for major external alterations without approval

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN

Building in Annandale requires thoughtful designs that blend modern comfort with heritage integrity while meeting council standards.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Inner West Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Annandale Project?

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for projects in heritage conservation areas or where variations to planning rules are needed.

  • Common for multi-dwelling developments or significant alterations to existing heritage homes.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward renovations, extensions, or secondary dwellings that meet all council codes.

  • Allows faster approval where works comply with zoning and heritage restrictions.

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Annandale

  • Yes, but modifications must respect heritage guidelines. Council approval is usually required for external changes.

  • Heritage terrace restorations, contemporary rear extensions, and sustainable modern homes are all common.

  • Yes, depending on zoning and lot size, though heritage and character controls may apply.

  • While we know the Inner West area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Inner West Council area, including Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Inner West Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From terrace renovations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Inner West project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Annandale

We provide customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and terrace renovations that suit Annandale’s historic charm and Inner West planning requirements.
From initial concept to final approval, we deliver compliance, quality, and timeless design.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our Annandale portfolio to see how we bring together lifestyle, compliance, and respect for the suburb’s character.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Annandale requires expert planning and design—exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Annandale?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your INNER WEST home.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Annandale?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Inner West Council area. From Newtown and Marrickville to Leichhardt and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.