Expert Building Design in Kensington

Kensington is a lively suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, known for its mix of modern apartments, townhouses, and heritage homes. Close to UNSW, Maroubra, and Coogee, it offers convenient access to transport, shopping, and education, making it popular with students, professionals, and families. The suburb features a blend of urban living and leafy streetscapes, providing a balanced and dynamic community.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Kensington, creating homes that reflect the suburb’s character while fully complying with Randwick City Council planning regulations.

We design properties in Kensington that combine practical layouts, modern aesthetics, and council compliance, suitable for a variety of lifestyles.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Kensington?

  • Urban-Friendly Layouts: Efficient designs that maximise space and functionality.

  • Family-Focused Homes: Comfortable, flowing spaces for modern living.

  • Council Expertise: Skilled navigation of Randwick Council’s zoning, setbacks, and heritage controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient solutions tailored to urban living.

  • Flexible Solutions: Custom designs for single dwellings, duplexes, and townhouses.

Our Kensington designs deliver a balance of style, practicality, and regulatory compliance.

Randwick Council Requirements for Building in Kensington

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 5–7m, matching streetscape alignment

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot width and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 250m² – 600m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 200m² – 500m²

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage overlays in selected streets

    • Height and bulk limitations to maintain streetscape character

    • Street alignment and neighbourhood consistency required

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Kensington requires designs that respond to urban density, heritage character, and council planning controls.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Kensington 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 heritage sites, multi-dwelling developments, or projects seeking variations to standards.

  • Necessary for sites near sensitive overlays or irregular lots.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, small extensions, or duplexes meeting all zoning and planning requirements.

  • Provides faster approvals for compliant projects.

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 Kensington

  • Yes, duplexes are possible on appropriately zoned lots that meet Randwick Council standards.

  • Certain streets have heritage overlays, requiring designs that preserve original character.

  • A mix of modern apartments, townhouses, and renovated heritage homes are prevalent.

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

Our Building Design Services in Kensington

We offer custom home designs, duplexes, townhouses, and renovations tailored to Kensington’s urban character and Randwick Council requirements.
From concept through to council approval, we ensure all designs are practical, compliant, and stylish.

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

Our Kensington portfolio showcases projects that blend modern living, urban practicality, and council compliance.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Kensington home will achieve functionality, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Kensington?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Randwick 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 Kensington?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Randwick City Council area. From Coogee and Kensington to Maroubra and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.