Expert Building Design in Ashfield

Ashfield is a dynamic Inner West suburb known for its cultural diversity, thriving food scene, and mix of apartments, townhouses, and heritage homes. Its excellent transport links, quality schools, and lively shopping precinct make it highly attractive for families, students, and professionals.

DMR Designs delivers building solutions in Ashfield that balance modern living with the suburb’s rich character while ensuring full compliance with Inner West Council planning controls.

We proudly serve Ashfield with designs that combine function, comfort, and architectural appeal.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Ashfield?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Thoughtfully planned homes that enhance daily living.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that complement Ashfield’s mix of heritage and modern streetscapes.

  • Compliance Expertise: Expert knowledge of Inner West Council’s planning requirements.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient solutions designed for long-term living.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Ideal for families, students, and professionals in a busy urban setting.

Our Ashfield designs achieve the right blend of practicality, modern style, and compliance suited to this vibrant Inner West suburb.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Ashfield

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • B2 Local Centre (near Ashfield Mall and transport corridors)

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks generally consistent with existing street pattern

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on lot width and residential type

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes and semis: 250m² – 500m²

    • Townhouses/duplexes: 300m² – 700m²

    • Apartment redevelopment sites: larger amalgamated lots above 800m²

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage conservation in selected streets

    • Building height limits in residential zones

    • Increased density controls around transport hubs

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Ashfield requires a careful approach that balances higher-density living with heritage character.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Ashfield 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):

  • Common for apartment blocks, mixed-use projects, or any proposal outside standard codes.

  • Often required for works in heritage conservation zones.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller-scale builds like single dwellings, duplexes, or compliant extensions.

  • Offers faster approval when projects fit within zoning and building standards.

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 Ashfield

  • Yes, duplexes are permitted on suitable lot sizes in R2 and R3 zones, subject to Inner West Council standards.

  • Yes, due to its transport links and central location, Ashfield has many apartment developments, especially near the town centre.

  • Internal works that don’t impact structure or heritage features may not need approval, but major changes usually require consent.

  • 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 Ashfield

We specialise in customised building designs for homes, duplexes, townhouses, and apartments that align with Ashfield’s zoning and character.
From initial drawings to council approval, we deliver quality, compliance, and functional 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

View our Ashfield portfolio to see modern, sustainable homes and developments that enhance the suburb’s urban character.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With our expertise, building in Ashfield is both streamlined and inspiring.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Ashfield?

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 Ashfield?

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.