Expert Building Design in Como

Como is a peaceful riverside suburb in the Sutherland Shire, known for its leafy streets, family-friendly parks, and scenic Georges River views. With a mix of heritage homes, post-war cottages, and contemporary rebuilds, Como attracts families and professionals seeking a quiet lifestyle with convenient access to transport links and schools.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in building design in Como that captures the relaxed, riverside lifestyle while complying with Sutherland Shire Council guidelines. Our projects reflect the character of the suburb, whether it’s a family-friendly renovation, a modern duplex, or a brand-new home designed for water views.

We focus on delivering practical yet stylish designs that enhance Como’s unique setting, making the most of its elevated lots, leafy surrounds, and suburban charm.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Como?

  • Riverside Living: Designs that take advantage of natural light and river views.

  • Heritage Awareness: Sensitive designs that respect Como’s older homes and streetscapes.

  • Family Focus: Practical layouts for families near schools and parks.

  • Sustainable Homes: Energy-efficient solutions to suit the local climate.

  • Compliance Confidence: Expert knowledge of Sutherland Shire Council planning controls.

Our Como designs bring together lifestyle, comfort, and compliance in every project.

Sutherland Shire Council Requirements for Building in Como

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • E4 Environmental Living (near bushland or foreshore)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 5–7.5m

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on lot width and zoning

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 500–750 sqm

    • Duplex (where permitted): 400–600 sqm

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land near reserves

    • Flooding risks in lower-lying riverfront areas

    • Height restrictions of generally 8.5m

  • Utilities available:

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

Designing in Como requires careful planning to balance lifestyle goals with bushfire, flooding, and foreshore considerations.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Como 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 duplexes, larger rebuilds, or homes on bushfire-prone or flood-affected sites.

  • Needed for any design that seeks variations from setback or height requirements.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single homes and renovations that comply with all codes.

  • Limited for riverfront sites due to flooding and foreshore restrictions.

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 Como

  • The suburb has a mix of heritage cottages, post-war brick homes, and modern rebuilds with river views.

  • Yes, properties near the foreshore often require additional setbacks, flood protection measures, and landscape controls.

  • Absolutely — we create designs that make the most of sloping sites, ensuring natural light, accessibility, and functional layouts.

  • While we know the Sutherland Shire area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Sutherland Shire Council area, including Cronulla, Caringbah, Engadine, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Sutherland 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?

From beachside homes to bushland retreats and specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sutherland Shire project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Como

We offer building design services in Como for custom homes, duplexes, and family renovations. Our designs enhance the natural beauty of the suburb while ensuring compliance with Sutherland Shire Council standards.

From concept to approval, we craft homes that reflect Como’s riverside character and the needs of modern families.

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 Como projects, where thoughtful design meets riverside living. Each home showcases our ability to create spaces that suit family life while embracing the suburb’s leafy, waterside appeal.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Como is an opportunity to combine lifestyle, comfort, and compliance — and that’s what we deliver.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Como?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Sutherland Shire 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 Como?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Sutherland Shire Council area. From Cronulla and Caringbah to Engadine and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.