Expert Building Design in Parramatta

Parramatta is a vibrant urban centre blending rich history with a rapidly evolving skyline of apartments, commercial developments, and mixed-use projects. As a major transport hub and business district, it attracts professionals, families, and investors seeking city convenience with cultural amenities.

DMR Designs provides bespoke building solutions in Parramatta, focusing on innovative, compliant designs that suit the suburb’s dynamic urban environment.

We proudly serve Parramatta with designs that combine modern aesthetics, functionality, and compliance.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Parramatta?

  • Urban-Focused Layouts: Innovative designs that maximise city living comfort and efficiency.

  • Modern Aesthetic: Sleek, functional layouts for apartments, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

  • Compliance Expertise: Expert navigation of City of Parramatta’s complex planning controls.

  • Sustainable Solutions: Energy-efficient designs for high-density urban projects.

  • Flexible Spaces: Customised interiors for residential, retail, and office uses.

Our Parramatta designs deliver a blend of style, practicality, and compliance tailored to an evolving urban precinct.


The City of Parramatta Council Requirements for Building in Parramatta

 
  • Zoning types

    • B4 Mixed Use

    • R4 High Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Minimal front setbacks reflecting urban streetscapes

    • Side and rear setbacks dependent on building height and site

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Apartment and commercial lots vary widely, often compact and mixed-use

  • Key constraints

    • Height limits and overshadowing controls

    • Heritage and flood overlays in parts

    • Parking requirements and access restrictions

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Parramatta demands precise design solutions balancing density, heritage, and modern urban needs.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the City of Parramatta Council website.


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Parramatta Project?

Wether its a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll help you determine the fastest and most compliant approval pathway.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for large-scale multi-residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.

  • Needed when seeking variations or working within heritage/flood overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller apartment buildings, fit-outs, and compliant renovations.

  • Enables faster approval for straightforward projects meeting all controls.

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 Parramatta

  • Yes, parts of Parramatta have heritage overlays that influence design.

  • Absolutely, we specialise in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.

  • Yes, energy efficiency and green building practices are integral to our approach.

  • While we know the Parramatta area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Parramatta, including Epping, Carlingford, Dundas, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of Parramatta 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 Parramatta project and how we can assist.


Our Building Design Services in Parramatta

We deliver tailored designs for high-density apartments, commercial spaces, and mixed-use developments suited to Parramatta’s urban fabric.

From initial design through council approval, we ensure compliant, innovative solutions.

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 Parramatta portfolio showcasing contemporary buildings that meet city living demands while respecting local context.

Portfolio

Home Designs

Explore our Parramatta portfolio showcasing contemporary buildings that meet city living demands while respecting local context.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Parramatta?

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

starting fresh or upgrading an existing 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 Parramatta?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Parramatta area. From Epping and Carlingford to Dundas and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.