Expert Building Design in Double Bay

Double Bay is one of Sydney’s most exclusive harbourside suburbs, renowned for its designer shopping precincts, luxury homes, and vibrant café culture. With leafy streets, waterfront parks, and close proximity to the CBD, it is a sought-after address for professionals, families, and downsizers looking for a blend of sophistication and convenience.

DMR Designs provides bespoke building solutions in Double Bay, reflecting the suburb’s prestige and character while ensuring compliance with Woollahra Municipal Council planning standards.

We proudly create designs in Double Bay that balance luxury, lifestyle, and functionality.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Double Bay?

  • Prestige Homes: Designs that match Double Bay’s exclusive reputation.

  • Community Fit: Developments that harmonise with leafy streets and harbourside settings.

  • Planning Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Woollahra Council’s zoning and heritage rules.

  • Eco-Friendly Luxury: Energy-efficient solutions without compromising elegance.

  • Tailored Spaces: Designs suited for modern families, professionals, and high-end living.

Our Double Bay projects deliver the perfect mix of style, functionality, and compliance.

Wooollahra Council Requirements for Building in Double Bay

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • B2 Local Centre (for commercial/residential mix in the retail precinct)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks generally 4.5m – 6m, in line with existing streetscape

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on building height and lot width

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 450m² – 900m²

    • Townhouse/apartment sites: 700m² – 1,500m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Height restrictions to protect harbour views and streetscape

    • Strict controls for developments within heritage and conservation areas

    • Overshadowing and privacy impacts must be carefully managed

  • Utilities available:

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

Designing in Double Bay requires a balance of luxury features and council compliance to protect the suburb’s unique character.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Double Bay 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 apartments, major redevelopments, or projects within heritage conservation zones.

  • Needed where variations from standard setbacks, height, or site coverage are proposed.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller extensions, compliant new homes, and internal renovations.

  • Offers faster approval for straightforward residential builds.

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 Double Bay

  • Double Bay features a mix of luxury waterfront homes, boutique apartment buildings, and townhouses.

  • Yes, several streets and buildings fall within conservation areas, meaning new designs must respect heritage character.

  • Duplex developments are permitted in certain zones but must meet minimum lot size and setback controls.

  • While we know the Woollahra area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Woollahra Municipal Council area, including Double Bay, Paddington, Vaucluse, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Woollahra 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 luxury coastal homes to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Woollahra project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Double Bay

We deliver customised designs for luxury homes, duplexes, and apartments that reflect Double Bay’s prestigious lifestyle.
From concept to council approval, we ensure your project blends style, compliance, and practicality.

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 Double Bay portfolio, showcasing homes designed for prestige living, compliance, and harbourside charm.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

Building in Double Bay requires expert planning and design knowledge—and that’s exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Double Bay?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your woollahra 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 Double Bay?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Woollahra Municipal Council area. From Double Bay and Paddington to Vaucluse and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.