Expert Building Design in North Sydney

North Sydney is a dynamic hub that blends high-rise commercial towers with leafy residential pockets, heritage homes, and modern apartments. With premier schools, efficient transport links, and close proximity to Sydney Harbour and the CBD, it’s a thriving suburb for professionals, families, and investors.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in North Sydney that balance urban density with liveable design, while ensuring compliance with North Sydney Council planning controls.

We proudly design for North Sydney, delivering projects that merge lifestyle, practicality, and future-ready living.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in North Sydney?

  • Smart Urban Design: Homes and apartments that maximise space and natural light.

  • Heritage Sensitivity: Designs that respect North Sydney’s conservation areas.

  • Planning Knowledge: Expertise in navigating council zoning, FSR, and height restrictions.

  • Energy Efficiency: Sustainable practices tailored to dense, urban living.

  • Versatile Solutions: From compact urban apartments to multi-storey residences.

Our North Sydney designs provide innovative, compliant solutions that enhance urban living.

North Sydney Council Requirements for Building in North Sydney

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use

    • B3 Commercial Core

  • Setbacks

    • Residential front setbacks generally 4–6 m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by building type and lot width

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 250–500 m²

    • Mixed-use/commercial-residential lots: variable

  • Key constraints

    • Significant heritage overlays and conservation precincts

    • Strict height limits to protect harbour views and skyline character

    • Overshadowing and solar access controls in residential zones

  • Utilities available

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

Designing in North Sydney requires striking a balance between high-density growth and maintaining residential amenity.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your North Sydney 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):

  • Essential for large-scale developments, heritage-listed sites, or projects outside CDC parameters.

  • Required for multi-dwelling and mixed-use projects impacting local amenity.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for minor renovations, extensions, or compliant single dwellings.

  • Provides faster approval for straightforward, low-impact projects.

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 Sydney

  • Yes, in appropriate residential zones, provided minimum lot sizes and setbacks are met.

  • Yes, strict height controls protect harbour views and preserve neighbourhood character.

  • A mix of restored heritage homes, contemporary apartments, and sustainable urban housing.

  • 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 North Sydney

We specialise in tailored building designs for homes, duplexes, and multi-residential developments that reflect North Sydney’s unique planning requirements.
From concept through approval, we ensure your project achieves both compliance and lifestyle goals.

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 North Sydney portfolio showcasing designs that enhance urban living while respecting heritage and council requirements.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in North Sydney demands expertise in planning and design—expertise we provide.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in North Sydney?

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 North Sydney?

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.