Expert Building Design in Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Macquarie, offering a unique blend of waterside living, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. Known for its marina, cafes, shops, and foreshore parks, it is a hub for both locals and visitors. Housing here ranges from waterfront luxury homes and modern townhouses to older cottages and apartments, making it one of the most diverse areas in the region.

At DMR Designs, we provide building design in Toronto that enhances the lakeside lifestyle while meeting Lake Macquarie Council standards. Whether it’s a luxury waterfront residence, a contemporary duplex, or a stylish townhouse, we create designs that capture the essence of Toronto’s character and maximise liveability.

Our Toronto designs combine lifestyle, compliance, and creativity, ensuring every home contributes to the suburb’s growing appeal.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Toronto?

  • Waterfront Living Expertise: Designs that make the most of lake views and breezes.

  • Mixed Housing Solutions: From luxury homes to compact townhouses, tailored to local demand.

  • Energy Efficiency: Sustainable features suited to Toronto’s climate and lakeside setting.

  • Council Navigation: Expertise in meeting Lake Macquarie Council planning requirements.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Homes that suit families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Our building design in Toronto brings together functionality, lifestyle, and compliance for every project.

Lake Macquarie Council Requirements for Building in Toronto

 

  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

    • B2 Local Centre (for commercial and mixed-use)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 4.5m typical, with reduced setbacks possible near commercial zones

    • Side and rear: 0.9m–1.5m depending on lot width and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 450m² – 800m²

    • Townhouses/duplexes: 250m² – 450m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Flood and foreshore building controls

    • Slope and retaining requirements in elevated areas

    • Heritage and character streetscape near central Toronto

  • Utilities available:

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

Building in Toronto requires designs that respect its foreshore location while complying with Council’s standards.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Toronto 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):

  • Needed for multi-dwelling projects, waterfront sites, or any design seeking setback or height variations.

  • Required for properties in flood-prone or heritage areas.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant single dwellings, duplexes, and alterations on standard lots.

  • Provides faster approvals where the site fully meets CDC 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 Toronto

  • Luxury waterfront residences, townhouses, and modern family homes are most sought after.

  • Yes, strict controls apply to setbacks, building height, and environmental protection along the lakefront.

  • Yes, we create designs that maximise block potential while complying with zoning and council controls.

  • While we know the Lake Macquarie area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Lake Macquarie City Council area, including Warners Bay, Belmont, Morisset, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Lake Macquarie 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 lakeside retreats to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Lake Macquarie project and how we can assist.

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Our Building Design Services in Toronto

We deliver building design in Toronto for homes, duplexes, townhouses, and mixed-use developments. Our tailored designs make the most of the suburb’s lakeside setting while ensuring full compliance with planning controls.

From initial design to council approval, our services balance style, compliance, and lifestyle.

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 Toronto projects showcase how thoughtful design can integrate modern living with the suburb’s vibrant lakeside charm. From family homes to commercial-residential builds, we design with both practicality and appeal in mind.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With DMR Designs, your Toronto project will reflect the best of lakeside living..

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Toronto?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Lake Macquarie 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.

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Not based in Toronto?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Lake Macquarie City Council area. From Warners Bay and Belmont to Morisset and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.

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