Expert Building Design in Redfern

Redfern is a vibrant inner-city suburb that has seen significant renewal, blending historic terrace homes with modern apartments and creative spaces. Known for its cultural diversity, thriving café scene, and proximity to the CBD, it attracts professionals, students, and families seeking an urban lifestyle. The demand for tailored building design in Redfern reflects its mix of heritage streetscapes and new developments.

At DMR Designs, we specialise in delivering Redfern building design solutions that respect the suburb’s history while introducing contemporary functionality. From terrace renovations to multi-residential developments, our team ensures every project complies with City of Sydney Council planning controls.

Our expertise in building design in Redfern means we create designs that merge modern comforts with sustainability, all while enhancing the unique local character. Every project is thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of residents and investors alike.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Redfern?

  • Heritage Integration: Sensitive upgrades for terraces and period homes.

  • Urban Efficiency: Smart layouts for apartments and compact sites.

  • Cultural Character: Designs that reflect Redfern’s creative and diverse identity.

  • Council Compliance: Expert knowledge of City of Sydney Council rules and approvals.

  • Future-Ready Living: Sustainable, adaptable homes for modern lifestyles.

Your Redfern building design will be a balance of heritage preservation, innovation, and urban practicality.

Sydney Council Requirements for Building in Redfern

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R1 General Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 1–4m depending on heritage context

    • Side and rear setbacks vary with dwelling type and block size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Terraces: 120–250 sqm

    • Apartments and mixed-use sites: 300–1000 sqm

  • Key constraints:

    • Strong heritage overlays on terrace rows and historic precincts

    • Height controls for streetscape consistency

    • Noise management near transport corridors

  • Utilities available:

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

Designing in Redfern requires balancing heritage character with the demand for modern urban housing.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Redfern 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 terrace extensions, apartment redevelopments, and mixed-use projects.

  • Necessary for works on heritage-listed or conservation properties.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for minor internal renovations and compliant new dwellings on standard lots.

  • Often restricted due to heritage overlays across much of Redfern.

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 Redfern

  • Heritage terraces dominate, alongside modern apartment complexes and student housing.

  • Yes, many streets are part of heritage conservation areas, meaning external works often require DA approval.

  • Yes, we create smart solutions for narrow terraces and compact urban lots to maximise usable space.

  • While we know the Sydney area well, we also work across many suburbs within the City of Sydney, including Redfern, Surry Hills, Ultimo, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the City of 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 inner-city terrace renovations to modern apartment designs, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Sydney project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Redfern

We provide tailored building design in Redfern, from heritage terrace restorations to apartment redevelopments and boutique mixed-use projects. Each design is crafted to suit the suburb’s evolving urban lifestyle.

Our Redfern building design services deliver compliant, sustainable, and innovative solutions that enhance both homes and neighbourhoods.

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

Our Redfern projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can revitalise terraces, enhance apartments, and respect heritage while embracing urban renewal.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Redfern building design will capture the suburb’s creative spirit while meeting modern living needs and council standards.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Redfern?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your 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 Redfern?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire City of Sydney. From Redfern and Surry Hills to Ultimo and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.