Expert Building Design in Frenchs Forest

Frenchs Forest is undergoing a transformation. With the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct, improved transport links, and rezoned areas for medium-density living, it’s a hotspot for new builds, dual occupancies, and large-scale renovations. Leafy streets, elevated blocks, and family-focused amenities make this a standout suburb for long-term living and smart investment.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Frenchs Forest. Whether you’re building a dream home, upgrading a family property, or preparing for future development, we tailor every design to suit your vision and Northern Beaches Council rules.

We proudly serve Frenchs Forest with high-performing, lifestyle-driven home designs built to grow with you.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Frenchs Forest?

  • Knockdown Rebuild & Duplex Ready: Perfect for R2 and rezoned areas

  • Designs That Maximize Space: Open layouts, outdoor living, and zoning smart floorplans

  • Future-Proof Planning: Ready for changing family needs or market trends

  • Sloped Block Specialists: Seamless, split-level solutions that reduce build cost

  • Complete Approval Handling: From concept to council sign-off—we’ve got you covered

Our Frenchs Forest building design services deliver comfort, compliance, and real market value.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Frenchs Forest

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with pockets of medium-density redevelopment zoning around the hospital precinct

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6m–8m

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on wall height

    • Rear: 3–6m based on block depth and slope

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 600–1,200+ sqm; larger blocks often allow dual occupancy or secondary dwellings

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL ratings from BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 in parts near bushland

    • Drainage and retaining wall requirements for sloped sites

    • Privacy and overshadowing rules for second-story additions

    • Infrastructure upgrades may affect driveway or stormwater planning

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced—water, sewer, power, NBN, and gas

Building in Frenchs Forest 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 Frenchs Forest Project?

Both options are viable depending on block, slope, and project scale. 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):

  • Required for duplexes, split-levels, or bushfire-prone areas

  • We manage all reports, council negotiations, and submissions

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Great for eligible knockdowns, extensions, or rebuilds on compliant sites

  • We confirm eligibility and fast-track where 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 Frenchs Forest

  • Possibly—many sites meet the criteria for dual occupancy or secondary dwellings. We assess zoning and design accordingly.

  • We specialize in split-level and stepped designs that work with your land, reduce excavation, and improve usability.

  • Yes—some areas are rezoned or have height/parking requirements. We guide you based on your address.

  • 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 Frenchs Forest

From sleek duplexes to growing-family rebuilds, our Frenchs Forest building design services are made for comfort, space, and compliance.

We design smarter homes—ready for now and for what’s next.

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 projects in similar growth suburbs—designed for modern life, smart use of space, and a streamlined approval process.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Frenchs Forest building designs bring out the best in your block.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Frenchs Forest?

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 Frenchs Forest?

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.