Expert Building Design in Brookvale

Brookvale is fast becoming a creative and residential hub in the Northern Beaches. Known for its mix of industrial, commercial, and increasingly residential zoning, Brookvale offers exciting opportunities for infill development, granny flats, dual occupancies, and modern family homes close to transport and amenities.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Brookvale. Whether you're planning a compact custom home, a dual-living investment, or upgrading an older fibro cottage, we design with practicality, compliance, and lifestyle at the core.

We proudly serve Brookvale with smart, flexible building designs that respond to the suburb’s evolving character and council vision.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Brookvale?

  • Urban-Smart Layouts: Ideal for compact blocks and future development

  • Dual Occupancy Specialists: Live in one, rent the other—designed for council approval

  • Affordable Renovation Plans: Practical designs for older home upgrades

  • Full DA or CDC Support: Approvals made simple, even for mixed-zoned areas

  • Maximizing Every Square Meter: We design for light, function, and flexibility

Our Brookvale building design services turn challenging lots and older dwellings into compliant, high-performing homes.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Brookvale

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with some industrial and mixed-use pockets

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Typically 5–7.5m

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m

    • Rear: Often 3–6m, depending on lot depth and adjoining use

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 350–700 sqm, many rectangular or narrow, with level topography

  • Key Constraints:

    • Proximity to commercial zones may trigger noise or overshadowing guidelines

    • Stormwater and infrastructure upgrades may be needed

    • Dual occupancy and secondary dwellings must meet minimum site area

    • Building height limits and floor space ratio must be carefully balanced

  • Utilities:

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

Building in Brookvale requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, mixed-use adjacency, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

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

Many smaller-scale upgrades are CDC-friendly, but larger or dual-occupancy projects often require DA. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Best for duplexes, second-storey additions, or developments near mixed-use zones

  • We handle the reports, documents, and full council coordination

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Ideal for renovations, granny flats, or minor compliant extensions

  • We’ll evaluate eligibility and fast-track approval when possible

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 Brookvale

  • Absolutely. We modernize older structures with smart layouts, new facades, and upgraded planning for approval.

  • You may be eligible, depending on your block size and zoning. We’ll check site area, frontage, and access to guide your next step.

  • Most sites require at least one off-street space per dwelling. We design to meet council access and driveway rules.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Brookvale

From new home designs and duplex plans to renovations, granny flats, and studio builds, our Brookvale building design services cover every need.

We balance budget, compliance, and creative thinking to bring your ideas to life.

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 work in urban renewal areas—designed for practicality, flexibility, and future growth potential.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Brookvale building designs are ideal for forward-thinking homeowners, investors, and families.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Brookvale?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

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 Brookvale?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.