Expert Building Design in Leichhardt

Leichhardt is a vibrant Inner West suburb, often referred to as Sydney’s “Little Italy.” Known for its European-style cafes, lively Norton Street, and a mix of heritage terraces and modern homes, it is a hub for families and professionals seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle close to the CBD.

DMR Designs delivers tailored building solutions in Leichhardt that reflect the suburb’s unique cultural character and heritage streetscapes, while ensuring full compliance with Inner West Council planning regulations.

We proudly design for Leichhardt, creating spaces that combine style, heritage sensitivity, and functionality.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Leichhardt?

  • Family-Friendly Designs: Practical layouts perfect for urban family living.

  • Heritage Awareness: Respecting the historical terrace houses and Federation homes.

  • Local Knowledge: Skilled in navigating Inner West Council’s detailed planning rules.

  • Modern Comforts: Integrating energy-efficient solutions into traditional and new homes.

  • Tailored Flexibility: Homes designed for professionals, growing families, and multi-generational living.

Our Leichhardt designs create a harmonious balance of heritage charm and contemporary lifestyle.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Leichhardt

 

  • Zoning types

    • R1 General Residential

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically align with existing heritage streetscape

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on lot size and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Terraces and small homes: 150m² – 300m²

    • Detached dwellings: 300m² – 500m²

    • Duplex/townhouse sites: 250m² – 450m²

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage conservation areas across large parts of the suburb

    • Limited street parking may affect development approvals

    • Building height restrictions to preserve character

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Leichhardt demands design solutions that balance heritage preservation with modern living needs.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Leichhardt 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 developments in heritage areas, multi-dwelling housing, or projects that vary from CDC standards.

  • Needed for significant renovations to terraces and heritage-listed homes.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for new single dwellings, extensions, and duplexes that comply fully with zoning rules.

  • Provides a quicker route to approval for compliant projects outside heritage zones.

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 Leichhardt

  • Yes, but renovations to heritage-listed properties require a DA, and designs must preserve original character while upgrading functionality.

  • Yes, on appropriately zoned and sized lots, provided they meet Inner West Council’s planning controls.

  • A blend of restored heritage terraces with modern interiors, sustainable upgrades, and extensions that maximize light and space.

  • While we know the Inner West area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Inner West Council area, including Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Inner West 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 terrace renovations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Inner West project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Leichhardt

We offer customised building designs for terraces, duplexes, and townhouses suited to Leichhardt’s planning framework and vibrant lifestyle.
From concept to approval, we ensure homes that are practical, compliant, and architecturally refined.

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

View our Leichhardt design portfolio featuring homes that capture the suburb’s cultural heart and modern living standards.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Leichhardt requires heritage sensitivity and expert design—exactly what we deliver.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Leichhardt?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your INNER WEST 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 Leichhardt?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Inner West Council area. From Newtown and Marrickville to Leichhardt and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.