Expert Building Design in Lavender Bay

Lavender Bay is a harbourside gem on Sydney’s lower north shore, admired for its panoramic harbour views, artistic culture, and village-like charm. Known for its mix of elegant heritage homes, art deco apartments, and modern residences, the suburb offers a prestigious yet relaxed lifestyle. Its peaceful streets are complemented by the iconic foreshore walkways and lush greenery, creating a serene environment minutes from the city.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Lavender Bay that reflect the suburb’s sought-after character while ensuring compliance with North Sydney Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Lavender Bay with designs that enhance liveability, style, and compliance.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Lavender Bay?

  • Prestige Design Solutions: Homes crafted to showcase harbourfront views and natural light.

  • Heritage Awareness: Respect for the suburb’s art deco and Federation-era charm.

  • Compliance Mastery: In-depth knowledge of North Sydney Council controls and zoning rules.

  • Sustainable Living: Energy-efficient features designed for modern families.

  • Lifestyle-Centric Layouts: Homes customised for professionals, families, and downsizers seeking convenience and elegance.

Our Lavender Bay designs balance heritage, comfort, and practicality for long-lasting appeal.

North Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Lavender Bay

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 4–6 m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on heritage and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 350–750 m²

    • Duplex/townhouse sites: 400–850 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Many sites fall within heritage conservation areas

    • Height restrictions to preserve harbour views

    • Strict foreshore protection requirements

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Lavender Bay requires careful planning to align with council rules while maximising the suburb’s unique lifestyle.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Lavender Bay Project?

North Sydney projects may follow either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) process depending on site factors and project scale.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for heritage sites, foreshore development, or projects outside CDC standards.

  • Essential when works may impact views, neighbouring amenity, or conservation areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for straightforward new homes, duplexes, or renovations within compliant zoning.

  • Provides faster approval for low-impact, regulation-compliant designs.

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 Cremorne

  • Yes—strict foreshore development controls apply to protect natural views and public access.

  • Yes—many properties are within conservation zones, meaning DAs are required for most works.

  • Yes, if designed sensitively and in compliance with North Sydney Council’s heritage guidelines.

  • While we know the North Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the North Sydney Council area, including Crows Nest, Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the North Sydney 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 modern 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 North Sydney project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Lavender Bay

We create customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and townhouses that align with Lavender Bay’s harbourside lifestyle and council requirements.
From concept to council approval, we ensure stylish, compliant, and functional outcomes.

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 Lavender Bay portfolio to see designs that bring together heritage, lifestyle, and modern convenience.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Lavender Bay demands expertise in planning, heritage sensitivity, and creative design—exactly what we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Lavender Bay?

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

starting fresh or upgrading YOUR NORTH SYDNEY 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 Lavender Bay?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire North Sydney Council area. From Crows Nest and Kirribilli to Neutral Bay and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.