Expert Building Design in Burwood

Burwood is a vibrant inner-west Sydney suburb, known for its diverse community, heritage architecture, bustling shopping precincts, and excellent transport links. The suburb features a mix of heritage homes, modern apartments, and commercial hubs, making it one of the most dynamic centres in the Inner West. Its combination of heritage preservation and high-rise development makes it a unique and evolving suburb.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Burwood, delivering designs that respect the suburb’s heritage character while embracing modern development opportunities, in line with Burwood Council’s planning regulations.

We proudly create Burwood building designs that blend tradition with innovation.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Burwood?

  • Heritage-Respectful Designs: Sensitivity to conservation areas and heritage-listed properties.

  • Urban Growth Expertise: Experience in mixed-use and apartment developments.

  • Compliance Leadership: Deep knowledge of Burwood Council regulations.

  • Eco-Smart Options: Energy-efficient solutions for modern urban living.

  • Flexible Services: From family homes to high-density apartments.

Our Burwood building designs bring together heritage charm and contemporary appeal.

Burwood Council Requirements for Building in Burwood

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 (Low Density Residential)

    • R3 (Medium Density Residential)

    • R4 (High Density Residential)

    • B4 (Mixed Use, particularly in Burwood CBD precincts)

  • Setbacks

    • Front: 4.5–6 m for residential, greater for apartments

    • Side: 0.9–1.5 m residential, variable for multi-dwellings

    • Rear: 3–8 m residential

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Heritage homes: 400–600 m²

    • Townhouses/duplexes: 300–450 m²

    • Apartment sites: often 1,000 m²+ consolidated lots

  • Key constraints

    • Strict heritage and conservation controls in certain streets

    • Height limits: 8.5 m for residential, 20–40 m+ in CBD high-rise zones

    • Parking/access requirements for apartments and townhouses

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Burwood requires careful balancing of heritage preservation and urban development.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Burwood 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 heritage-listed homes, apartments, and mixed-use projects.

  • Needed where variations to council controls are proposed.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward new homes, alterations, and compliant dual occupancies.

  • Provides a faster approval process for standard projects.

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 Burwood

  • Yes, but all works must comply with heritage conservation requirements and often require a DA approval.

  • Yes, Burwood is a high-density hub, with significant growth in apartments and mixed-use towers.

  • Yes, for compliant residential builds, but heritage and zoning restrictions may require a DA instead.

  • While we know the Burwood area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Burwood Council area, including Burwood Heights, Enfield, Croydon, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Burwood 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 heritage restorations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Burwood project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Burwood

We design heritage renovations, new homes, duplexes, and apartments that align with Burwood’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Our expertise ensures both compliance and creativity.

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

Discover our Burwood project portfolio, showcasing designs that reflect the suburb’s heritage charm and urban lifestyle.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Burwood requires expert guidance to navigate compliance and design—DMR Designs delivers just that.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Burwood?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Burwood 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 Burwood?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Burwood Council area. From Burwood Heights and Enfield to Croydon and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.