Expert Building Design in Bella Vista

Bella Vista is one of The Hills District’s most prestigious suburbs, known for its luxury homes, waterfront lots, and proximity to Norwest Business Park. With scenic views, lakefront walking trails, and high-end estates, Bella Vista offers a refined lifestyle for professionals and families alike—just minutes from the Sydney Metro and Norwest Boulevard.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Bella Vista—delivering custom home designs, premium renovations, and development-ready documentation. Whether you’re creating a luxury residence or reimagining an existing home, we tailor our designs to Bella Vista’s modern, high-end aesthetic and strict council requirements.

We proudly serve Bella Vista and surrounding areas with designs that are elegant, compliant, and built to impress. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Bella Vista area.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Bella Vista?

  • Luxury-Focused Design Expertise: We specialize in modern homes, large voids, integrated alfresco zones, and premium finishes—perfect for Bella Vista’s high-end streetscapes.

  • Council and Estate Compliance: Designs are tailored to both The Hills Shire Council and any local covenant or estate guidelines, such as those within Bella Vista Waters.

  • Site Maximization: We work with sloped blocks, narrow lots, or water-adjacent sites to optimize views and functionality.

  • End-to-End Design Services: From the first concept to council-ready documentation, we manage the whole process.

  • Elegant Renovations & Extensions: We help clients elevate existing homes with luxurious finishes, extra living zones, or architectural facelifts.

 

Our Bella Vista building design projects reflect architectural sophistication while meeting every planning requirement—so your design is as practical as it is beautiful.

The Hills Shire Council Requirements for Building in Bella Vista

  • General Setbacks:
    Front: 6m–8m | Side: 1.2m–3m depending on lot size and zoning

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):
    Up to 0.5:1, although estate covenants may require lower ratios

  • Average Block Size:
    Typically 600–900 sqm, though Bella Vista Waters lots may vary

  • Zoning:
    R2 Low Density Residential and RE1 Public Recreation (adjacent lots)

  • Local Considerations:
    Some properties are subject to design covenants or proximity to the lakefront, requiring additional reports or specific materials

Building in bella vista requires designs that balance style with council compliance.

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

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

Before starting your project, it’s crucial to understand whether you need a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Common for designs with architectural complexity or unique site constraints

  • Required for homes in Bella Vista Waters or where estate design guidelines apply

  • Assessed by The Hills Shire Council

  • Allows custom designs, but requires more time and reports

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for standard R2 blocks with compliant design

  • Approved by a private certifier

  • Fast-tracked, but must meet strict planning criteria with no variances

Still need help? We’ll assess your site and advise you on the most efficient and compliant pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Bella vista

  • Yes. Most projects—especially in Bella Vista Waters—require DA approval and must meet strict estate design controls. We’ll guide you through the process.

  • On average, 8–12 weeks, depending on whether you’re submitting a DA or CDC and the scope of the project.

  • Absolutely. We specialize in high-end architectural homes with contemporary design elements, large windows, open voids, and integrated indoor-outdoor living.

  • Not at all—we also design homes throughout The Hills and beyond, including Norwest, Castle Hill, and Box Hill. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hill 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?

Whether you’re building your forever home or redesigning your current space, we’re here to help you plan it with clarity and purpose.
Let’s chat about your Bella Vista project.

Our Building Design Services in Bella Vista

We design new builds, duplexes, renovations, outdoor entertainment zones, and luxury extensions tailored to the Bella Vista lifestyle. From sloping blocks to estate-controlled lots, we’re equipped to deliver high-end designs that work seamlessly with your land and council expectations.

Whether you're aiming for lakefront luxury or upgrading an older home, our team brings both creativity and compliance to your project.

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 portfolio to see how we’ve helped homeowners in Bella Vista and surrounding suburbs build elegant, functional homes that truly stand out.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From statement facades to carefully curated interiors, our Bella Vista building design services are crafted to suit your vision and your land.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Bella Vista?

We’re here to help you make it happen—whether it’s a

knockdown rebuild or a modern second-storey addition.

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 Bella Vista?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across The Hills Shire Council area. From Baulkham Hills and Kellyville to Norwest and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—wherever you call home.