Expert Building Design in Gore Hill

Gore Hill is a small but strategically located area known for its mix of commercial facilities, media studios, and nearby residential pockets. Positioned just minutes from St Leonards and the Sydney CBD, it offers easy access to major transport links and a growing range of amenities. While largely commercial, it is surrounded by leafy residential suburbs, making it attractive for both work and living.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Gore Hill that respect its mixed-use nature while ensuring compliance with City of Willoughby Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Gore Hill with designs that balance functionality, style, and regulatory requirements.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Gore Hill?

  • Functional Layouts: Designs optimised for space, usability, and long-term comfort.

  • Mixed-Use Harmony: Plans that integrate seamlessly with Gore Hill’s unique urban landscape.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of City of Willoughby’s planning framework.

  • Sustainable Practices: Environmentally conscious building approaches.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Solutions for residential, commercial, or dual-purpose developments.

Our Gore Hill designs deliver a balance of style, practicality, and compliance tailored to this distinct location.

City of Willoughby Council Requirements for Building in Gore Hill

 

  • Zoning types

    • B4 Mixed Use

    • IN2 Light Industrial (some sections)

  • Setbacks

    • Commercial/mixed-use front setbacks vary—generally 0–4 m

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on lot use and adjacent zoning

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Commercial/mixed-use: 300–1,200 m²+

    • Residential: 400–800 m² (adjacent pockets)

  • Key constraints

    • Height limits to protect neighbouring residential amenity

    • Traffic and access requirements for commercial sites

    • Noise management for developments near main roads or industry

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Gore Hill demands designs that reflect its commercial-residential mix while meeting all council guidelines.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the City of Willoughby Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Gore Hill 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 mixed-use projects, multi-dwelling residential, or developments seeking height/Floor Space Ratio variations.

  • Needed for sites within noise or environmental overlay areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant commercial fit-outs or straightforward residential builds outside restricted zones.

  • Allows faster approvals for standard developments.

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 Gore Hill

  • Yes, but generally in designated mixed-use areas or nearby residential zones.

  • Yes—properties near main roads or commercial sites often require acoustic treatments.

  • Possible if zoning permits and council requirements for amenity and parking are met.

  • While we know the Willoughby area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Willoughby, including Chatswood, Castlecrag, Willoughby East, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Willoughby 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 contemporary urban designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

We’d love to hear about your Willoughby project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Gore Hill

We offer customised building designs for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments that fit Gore Hill’s planning requirements.
From concept to council approval, we ensure compliance, style, and functionality.

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 Gore Hill portfolio showcasing projects designed for modern needs, compliance, and local character.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Gore Hill requires expertise in both urban and residential design—exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Gore Hill?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Willoughby 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 Gore Hill?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Willoughby area. From Chatswood and Castlecrag to Willoughby East and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.