Expert Building Design in Lewisham

Lewisham is a well-connected Inner West suburb known for its heritage cottages, Federation-style homes, and proximity to schools, transport, and vibrant neighbouring hubs like Petersham and Leichhardt. With leafy streets and a family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a blend of history and urban convenience.

DMR Designs provides expert building design in Lewisham, creating homes that respect the suburb’s heritage streetscapes while maximising modern comfort and liveability. We ensure every design complies with Inner West Council planning controls.

We proudly design for Lewisham, delivering innovative and heritage-sensitive solutions for homeowners and developers.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Lewisham?

  • Heritage Integration: Designs that enhance existing character streetscapes.

  • Functional Layouts: Homes tailored for family life and urban professionals.

  • Council Expertise: Skilled at navigating Inner West Council requirements.

  • Sustainable Homes: Incorporating energy-efficient and environmentally responsible features.

  • Future-Ready Designs: Scalable solutions for extensions, duplexes, and multi-dwelling projects.

Our Lewisham designs strike the perfect balance between heritage charm and modern living.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Lewisham

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks to align with existing streetscape patterns

    • Side and rear setbacks vary with block size and orientation

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Small cottages: 200m² – 300m²

    • Detached homes: 300m² – 500m²

    • Medium density sites: 400m² – 700m²

  • Key constraints

    • Large portions fall within heritage conservation areas

    • Limited lot widths affect design flexibility

    • Height restrictions to preserve character streetscapes

  • Utilities available

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

Designing in Lewisham requires careful planning that balances conservation with lifestyle upgrades.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Lewisham 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 properties or projects that fall outside CDC standards.

  • Needed for multi-dwelling housing or significant renovations.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for extensions, single dwellings, and duplexes on compliant lots.

  • Provides a faster approval route if 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 Lewisham

  • Yes, but heritage-listed properties require a DA, with designs that maintain the original character.

  • Yes, subject to zoning, lot size, and compliance with Inner West Council standards.

  • Federation homes, heritage cottages, and sympathetically designed modern infill housing.

  • 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 Lewisham

We offer bespoke building designs for cottages, duplexes, and modern homes that respect Lewisham’s heritage character.
From concept to council approval, we deliver designs that are functional, compliant, and tailored to your needs.

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 Lewisham design projects, showcasing homes that blend heritage preservation with modern comfort.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Lewisham requires experienced planning and thoughtful design—and that’s our specialty.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Lewisham?

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 Lewisham?

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.