Expert Building Design in Tamarama

Tamarama is a small but vibrant coastal suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, renowned for its iconic beach, clifftop walks, and contemporary architecture. With its trendy lifestyle and premium location between Bondi and Bronte, Tamarama attracts families, professionals, and investors seeking modern homes in a beachside setting.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Tamarama that embrace its coastal identity while ensuring compliance with Waverley Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Tamarama with designs that combine functionality, sustainability, and style.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tamarama?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed for comfort and liveability with open coastal spaces.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that respect Tamarama’s beachfront and cliffside setting.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled in navigating Waverley Council’s planning regulations.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient designs ideal for Tamarama’s sunny and breezy climate.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Customised for modern families, downsizers, and professionals.

Our Tamarama designs reflect the perfect balance of lifestyle, practicality, and compliance for this sought-after beachside suburb.

Waverley Council Requirements for Building in Tamarama

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • R4 High Density Residential

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 4.5m–6m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by dwelling type and lot size

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 400m²–600m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 250m²–400m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Coastal erosion and foreshore building restrictions

    • Height controls to preserve ocean views and character

    • Potential heritage and environmental overlays

  • Utilities available:

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

Building in Tamarama requires designs that maximise views, light, and airflow while meeting council standards.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tamarama 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 projects, larger renovations, or designs seeking variations.

  • Needed for properties within foreshore or environmental zones.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, duplexes, and compliant extensions.

  • Enables faster approval for straightforward, regulation-compliant 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 Tamarama

  • Building near the beach is possible but subject to stricter controls, especially regarding setbacks, coastal protection, and view corridors.

  • Yes, height limits apply to protect ocean views and maintain the suburb’s low-rise character, varying based on zoning.

  • Duplexes are permitted in certain zones, provided the lot size, frontage, and design comply with Waverley Council’s standards.

  • While we know the Waverley area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Waverley Council area, including Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Waverley 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 coastal renovations to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Waverley project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Tamarama

We provide customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and townhouses tailored to Tamarama’s coastal environment and planning requirements.
From concept through approval, we ensure your project delivers both lifestyle and compliance.

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 Tamarama portfolio showcasing beachside homes designed for modern living, compliance, and architectural appeal.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Tamarama requires expert knowledge of coastal planning—expertise we bring to every project.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tamarama?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your WAVERLEY 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 Tamarama?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Waverley Council area. From Bondi and Bronte to Tamarama and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.