Expert Building Design in Rhodes

Rhodes is a thriving waterfront suburb known for its modern high-rise apartments, shopping centres, and excellent transport connections. With its mix of residential, retail, and recreational spaces, Rhodes offers a contemporary lifestyle suited to professionals, families, and investors.

DMR Designs delivers tailored building solutions in Rhodes, specialising in designs that align with City of Canada Bay planning requirements while maximising space and functionality.

We create innovative building designs in Rhodes, reflecting the suburb’s urban growth and waterside setting.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Rhodes?

  • Urban Expertise: Designs suited to high-density and mixed-use projects.

  • Waterfront Focus: Integrating views and lifestyle with functional layouts.

  • Compliance Knowledge: Skilled in City of Canada Bay’s development standards.

  • Innovative Solutions: Smart planning for apartments, townhouses, and mixed-use.

  • Community-Oriented: Designs that fit Rhodes’ vibrant urban character.

Our Rhodes projects prioritise compliance, innovation, and livability in a high-growth area.


Canada Bay Council Requirements for Building in Rhodes

 
  • Zoning types

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • R4 High Density Residential

    • B4 Mixed Use

  • Setbacks

    • Vary based on height, street width, and zoning

    • Typically 6m+ for larger developments

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Apartments and high-density sites range widely (500m² and larger)

  • Key constraints

    • Height limits and FSR controls in high-rise zones

    • Traffic and parking requirements near Rhodes Station

    • Overshadowing and view sharing along the waterfront

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Rhodes requires a balance of density, design quality, and compliance with waterfront and urban planning guidelines.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Rhodes 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 apartments, mixed-use, and projects that exceed CDC standards.

  • Necessary for developments along the waterfront and large-scale residential sites.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for smaller projects like compliant townhouses or fit-outs in mixed-use areas.

  • Provides faster approval if standards are met and no exceptions apply.

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 Rhodes

  • Yes, but you’ll need a DA and must comply with zoning, height, and FSR controls.

  • Yes, but mainly for smaller projects or alterations that meet strict standards.

  • High-rise apartments, mixed-use developments, and modern medium-density housing dominate the suburb.

  • 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 Rhodes

We provide expert building design services in Rhodes, from mixed-use developments and high-rise apartments to custom housing solutions.
Our approach ensures compliance with council standards while meeting the needs of modern urban living.

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 Rhodes designs highlight innovation, functionality, and waterfront integration.

Portfolio

Home Designs

When building in Rhodes, we deliver solutions that complement the suburb’s dynamic growth and lifestyle.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Rhodes?

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 Rhodes?

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.