Expert Building Design in Davidson

Nestled next to Garigal National Park, Davidson offers leafy streets, large blocks, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for growing families. Many homes here are older and ready for modern upgrades, while bushland surroundings and sloped sites present unique challenges that demand thoughtful design and compliance.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Davidson. Whether you’re planning a knockdown rebuild, an extension, or a custom new home, we deliver designs that enhance your land and meet all Northern Beaches Council regulations.

We proudly serve Davidson with smart, stylish, and functional home designs tailored to suburban bushland living.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Davidson?

  • Sloped-Site Design Experts: Ideal for downhill, uphill, or split-level homes

  • Bushfire-Compliant Planning: Full BAL assessments and vegetation management plans

  • Family-Friendly Layouts: Designed for growing families and entertaining

  • Heritage & Character Respect: Sensitive upgrades that maintain street appeal

  • End-to-End Council Support: We manage every approval stage for peace of mind

Our Davidson building design services combine lifestyle goals with careful land and bushland planning.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Davidson

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with environmental overlays and bushfire protection zones

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–8m, depending on streetscape

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m based on height and topography

    • Rear: 3–6m, adjusted for slope and site depth

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 700–1,200 sqm, often irregular and sloped near the bush

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 depending on proximity to bushland

    • Site-specific drainage design needed for sloped lots

    • Native vegetation protection may restrict clearing

    • Stormwater and access solutions must be engineered on steep blocks

  • Utilities:

    • Fully connected to mains water, sewer, electricity, and NBN

Building in Davidson requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, 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 Davidson Project?

Most Davidson projects go through the DA pathway due to slope, bushfire risk, or design complexity. 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):

  • Suitable for new builds, major renovations, or BAL-affected lots

  • We manage the entire process, including reports and council communication

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for internal works or compliant extensions on unaffected lots

  • We’ll advise you if your site qualifies

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 Davidson

  • Yes, if you're near bushland. We organize a BAL assessment and design your home to meet fire safety regulations.

  • Absolutely. We specialize in structural upgrades and second-level additions with minimal disruption to your living space.

  • Yes—we prioritize cross-ventilation, window placement, and shading to reduce reliance on air conditioning.

  • 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 Davidson

From practical family homes to sophisticated rebuilds and upgrades, our Davidson building design services focus on maximizing your site while minimizing construction complexity.

We design homes made for modern living—comfortable, compliant, and long-lasting.

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

Check out our work on similar leafy, bushland-adjacent properties—each designed to balance privacy, access, and style.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Davidson building designs help you feel right at home—surrounded by nature, and built for everyday living.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Davidson?

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 Davidson?

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.