Expert Building Design in McMahons Point

McMahons Point is a highly desirable harbourside suburb offering stunning water views, leafy streets, and a mix of heritage terraces, apartments, and modern homes. Known for its boutique atmosphere and proximity to Sydney’s CBD, the suburb appeals to professionals, families, and downsizers who value convenience with a relaxed, village-style lifestyle.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in McMahons Point that respect the suburb’s architectural character while ensuring full compliance with North Sydney Council planning controls.

We proudly serve McMahons Point with designs that prioritise liveability, style, and sustainability.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in McMahons Point?

  • Harbourside Expertise: Designs maximising views, breezes, and natural light.

  • Heritage Integration: Sensitive designs that complement traditional terrace housing.

  • Planning Knowledge: Skilled navigation of North Sydney Council’s zoning and heritage rules.

  • Smart Sustainability: Energy-efficient and space-optimised solutions for urban sites.

  • Tailored Living: Homes designed for professionals, families, and multi-generational households.

Our McMahons Point designs balance heritage sensitivity, modern needs, and compliance.

North Sydney Council Requirements for Building in McMahons Point

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks generally 4–6 m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary depending on lot width and heritage constraints

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Terraces and detached homes: 250–600 m²

    • Duplex/townhouse lots: 350–700 m²

  • Key constraints

    • Significant heritage conservation overlays

    • Strict height and bulk controls to protect harbour views

    • Limited on-street parking, requiring design integration of garages/carports

  • Utilities available

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

Designing in McMahons Point requires careful planning to enhance lifestyle while meeting council expectations.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your McMahons Point 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 properties, waterfront works, or designs exceeding CDC standards.

  • Often necessary for projects impacting views, streetscape, or conservation areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for minor renovations, extensions, or new dwellings that meet strict standards.

  • Provides quicker approval where compliance is straightforward.

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 McMahons Point

  • Yes, but you will need a DA with a design that respects conservation area guidelines.

  • Yes, height controls are in place to preserve harbour views and local character.

  • In many cases, yes—garages or carports may need to be integrated due to limited street parking.

  • 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 McMahons Point

We deliver customised designs for terraces, homes, and townhouses that suit McMahons Point’s harbourside setting and planning requirements.
From initial sketches to approvals, we ensure quality, compliance, and lifestyle-focused design.

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

Browse our McMahons Point portfolio to discover homes that combine modern convenience with heritage charm.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in McMahons Point requires precision, creativity, and regulatory expertise—exactly what we deliver.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in McMahons Point?

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 McMahons Point?

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.