Expert Building Design in North Strathfield

North Strathfield is a vibrant suburb known for its family-friendly streets, proximity to transport, and the popular Bakehouse Quarter dining precinct. With a mix of heritage homes, modern apartments, and new developments, North Strathfield offers diverse living options for families, professionals, and investors.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in North Strathfield, delivering designs that respect the area’s heritage while embracing modern lifestyles, all in line with City of Canada Bay planning requirements.

We specialise in creating innovative and compliant building designs in North Strathfield, blending community character with future-focused living.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Strathfield?

  • Heritage Sensitivity: Designs that respect character homes and conservation areas.

  • Smart Solutions: Maximising space on small to medium lots.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Canada Bay’s zoning and planning controls.

  • Family Focus: Practical layouts for modern households.

  • Modern Lifestyle: Designs suited for urban professionals and growing families.

Our North Strathfield projects focus on style, compliance, and functionality to create homes that truly fit the suburb’s character.

Canada Bay Council Requirements for Building in North Strathfield

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use (along Parramatta Road corridor)

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks generally 4m–6m

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

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached houses: 400m²–600m²

    • Townhouses and apartments: variable within redevelopment areas

  • Key constraints

    • Heritage and conservation controls in older streets

    • Height restrictions near transport corridors

    • Parking requirements for mixed-use and multi-dwelling sites

  • Utilities available

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

Building in North Strathfield requires careful integration of heritage, density, and community character.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your North Strathfield 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 multi-dwelling, mixed-use, and heritage-related projects.

  • Needed for developments exceeding CDC standards or located in conservation areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller-scale works like compliant new homes, renovations, and extensions.

  • Allows faster approval if the design meets planning controls and avoids heritage restrictions.

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 North Strathfield

  • Yes, but you’ll need a DA and must comply with council’s heritage conservation controls.

  • Yes, but only in appropriately zoned areas (R3, B4) and subject to council approval.

  • The suburb features a mix of Californian bungalows, contemporary houses, and apartment complexes near transport hubs.

  • While we know the Canada Bay area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Canada Bay, including Concord, Five Dock, Rhodes, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Canada Bay 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 contemporary waterfront designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Canada Bay project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in North Strathfield

We offer end-to-end building design services in North Strathfield, covering renovations, duplexes, multi-dwellings, and custom homes.
Our designs balance innovation with compliance, ensuring they reflect both lifestyle needs and council standards.

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

Discover our North Strathfield design projects that combine heritage charm with modern convenience.

Portfolio

⇨

Home Designs

⇨

When building in North Strathfield, we create homes that suit the suburb’s unique identity and future growth.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North Strathfield?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Canada Bay 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 North Strathfield?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Canada Bay area. From Concord and Five Dock to Rhodes and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.