Expert Building Design in Asquith

Asquith, nestled on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, offers leafy streets, easy transport access, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With Asquith Boys and Girls High Schools, local shops, and the nearby Hornsby CBD just minutes away, it’s a prime suburb for growing families and those seeking convenience without sacrificing peace and quiet.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Asquith—crafting custom home designs, extensions, and renovations that reflect the suburb’s charm and meet Hornsby Shire Council’s regulations. Whether you’re building your dream home or refreshing an older property, we ensure every detail is thoughtfully planned and professionally delivered.

DMR Designs proudly serves Asquith and the broader Hornsby region with high-quality, functional, and fully compliant designs. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Hornsby Shire Council area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Asquith?

  • Designed for North Shore Living: We tailor homes to fit Asquith’s mix of classic cottages and modern upgrades.

  • Hornsby Shire Council Compliance: Our plans meet council requirements, including local zoning, setbacks, and tree preservation controls.

  • Local Site Knowledge: Familiar with Asquith’s sloped blocks, bushland buffers, and proximity to transport corridors.

  • End-to-End Services: From concepts to approval, we handle every part of the process.

  • Ideal for Knockdowns & Renovations: We help transform dated homes into spacious, modern residences suited to today’s lifestyles.

Our Asquith building design projects reflect smart planning and timeless design—built with local needs and council guidelines in mind.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Asquith

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6m | Side: 900mm–1.5m (depending on height and block width)

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Up to 0.4:1 for R2 zoned properties

  • Average Block Size:

    • 600–800 sqm for most Asquith residential sites

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with areas of environmental protection near bushland

  • Local Considerations:

    • Tree preservation is strictly enforced. Some sites may require arborist reports or bushfire assessments.

Building in Asquith requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and tree preservation controls, especially near sensitive bushland interfaces

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Depending on your site and design goals, you’ll need either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Needed for complex or non-standard builds

  • Assessed by Hornsby Shire Council

  • Suitable for designs with vegetation removal, slope challenges, or custom features

  • Allows more design flexibility

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Fast-tracked approval through a private certifier

  • Suitable for straightforward builds or renovations that meet all planning controls

  • Must avoid environmentally sensitive land or bushfire-prone overlays

We’ll help you determine the best path forward for your Asquith project.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Asquith

  • In most cases, yes. We’ll determine if your project qualifies for CDC or requires a DA through Hornsby Shire Council.

  • Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on project complexity and council or certifier response time.

  • Absolutely—we specialize in new builds and upgrades for character areas and streetscape-sensitive zones.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you bring your Asquith property vision to life—from planning to council approval.

Our Building Design Services in Asquith

We design new homes, renovations, duplexes, extensions, and secondary dwellings that align with Hornsby Shire Council requirements and Asquith’s unique neighborhood character. Whether you’re upgrading a post-war cottage or starting fresh, we’ll help you create something that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re expanding your family home or designing something brand new, we’ll guide you through every stage.

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

Take a look at how we’ve helped homeowners in Asquith and nearby suburbs design homes that blend beautifully with their surroundings and meet every requirement.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Asquith building design services help your ideas become reality—stress free.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Asquith?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a

brand-new build or modernizing a classic 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 Asquith?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.