Expert Building Design in Tempe

Tempe is a well-connected Inner West suburb, celebrated for its affordable housing, family-friendly parks, and convenient access to the CBD. With a variety of Federation homes, modern townhouses, and apartment complexes, Tempe offers a balanced lifestyle for both families and young professionals. The suburb is known for Tempe Reserve, Cooks River walkways, and its strong community feel.

DMR Designs delivers professional building design services in Tempe, offering tailored solutions that blend heritage charm with modern practicality, all in line with Inner West Council guidelines.

Our designs ensure your Tempe property achieves style, efficiency, and long-term value.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Tempe?

  • Family-Friendly Designs: Ideal for extensions, open-plan living, and functional layouts.

  • Heritage Experience: Skilled in renovating and extending older homes while preserving character.

  • Council Knowledge: Thorough understanding of Inner West Council’s rules and zoning.

  • Smart Planning: Designs that optimise compact lots and irregular land shapes.

  • Eco-Friendly Focus: Energy-efficient homes that reduce costs and environmental impact.

With us, your Tempe project will be designed for comfort, practicality, and compliance.

Inner West Council Requirements for Building in Tempe

 

  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • R4 High Density Residential (in select precincts)

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks align with the existing streetscape

    • Side and rear setbacks depend on zoning and lot width

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Terraces and cottages: 150m² – 300m²

    • Detached homes: 350m² – 600m²

    • Medium density or apartments: 600m²+

  • Key constraints

    • Aircraft noise zones due to Sydney Airport proximity

    • Flood-prone areas near Cooks River

    • Heritage overlays in certain streets

  • Utilities available

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

Designing in Tempe requires smart, council-compliant solutions that consider local environmental factors.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Tempe 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 heritage works, multi-dwelling housing, and projects in flood-affected areas.

  • Necessary for homes under aircraft noise overlays.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for smaller works like internal renovations, compliant extensions, or granny flats.

  • Limited by aircraft noise and flooding restrictions.

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 Tempe

  • Yes, on suitably zoned and sized lots with council approval.

  • Yes, but with expert design and engineering, compliant solutions can be achieved.

  • Its affordable homes, transport access, and riverside recreation areas make it popular with families and professionals.

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

Our Building Design Services in Tempe

We offer extensions, new homes, duplexes, and apartment designs, as well as heritage and flood-conscious projects tailored to Tempe.
Our service covers everything from concept design to council approvals and project guidance.

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 Tempe projects showcase how thoughtful design can maximise lifestyle, meet council rules, and enhance property value.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, you get a trusted partner in delivering homes that work beautifully for your family and future.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Tempe?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Inner West 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 Tempe?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Inner West Council area. From Newtown and Marrickville to Leichhardt and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.