Expert Building Design in Warrawee

Warrawee is one of the North Shore’s most exclusive and tightly held suburbs, known for its grand homes, wide blocks, and heritage-listed streetscapes. With large leafy lots, prestigious schools nearby, and a strong focus on architectural character, designing in Warrawee requires precision, discretion, and council-savvy planning.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Warrawee. Whether you’re planning a sensitive renovation, building a luxurious family home, or subdividing a large estate, we create plans that elevate value while staying compliant with Ku-ring-gai Council regulations.

We proudly serve Warrawee with high-end, heritage-aware building designs that match the suburb’s prestige and planning requirements.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Warrawee?

  • Designs for Prestige Properties: Suited to executive homes, entertainers’ layouts, and private estates

  • Heritage-Aware Planning: Retain elegance while updating functionality

  • Council-Smart Compliance: All documentation, BAL reports, and heritage controls managed

  • Flexible Luxury Spaces: Guest suites, home offices, pool cabanas, and more

  • Confidential & Professional: High-quality service for discerning homeowners

Our Warrawee building design services are crafted for high expectations, strict regulations, and standout outcomes.

Ku-ring-gai Council Requirements for Building in Warrawee

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with conservation and heritage controls across many streets

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Generally 9m or consistent with adjoining properties

    • Side: 1–1.5m depending on wall height and length

    • Rear: Varies with lot size, slope, and constraints

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 1,000–2,500+ sqm; wide frontages and well-treed blocks are common

  • Key Constraints:

    • Heritage streetscape guidelines restrict façade changes, roof shapes, and material choices

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 zones in bush-adjacent pockets

    • Tree Preservation Orders and significant tree retention required

    • Drainage management often necessary due to lot size and mature landscaping

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced by town water, power, sewer, gas, and NBN

Building in Warrawee requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Ku-ring-gai Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Warrawee Project?

Due to heritage controls and lot conditions, most developments require a DA. Most residential developments fall under either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Ideal for large homes, additions, and works within heritage zones

  • We prepare all necessary reports and manage the entire council process

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Rarely applicable due to overlays, but possible on select blocks

  • We assess feasibility and fast-track approvals when applicable

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 Warrawee

  • Possibly, depending on the street context and visual impact. We conduct a heritage impact assessment and design solutions that align with council controls.

  • We frequently incorporate wine cellars, private studies, outdoor kitchens, guest suites, and large indoor-outdoor living areas tailored to Warrawee’s lifestyle.

  • We use strategic setbacks, window placement, and landscaping design to maximize privacy between properties without compromising views or light.

  • Nope! While we're familiar with Ku-ring-gai and its suburbs—like Turramurra, Wahroonga, and Pymble—we also work across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, and beyond. We’re open to select projects up to 4 hours from the Ku-ring-gai 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 custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Warrawee

We design prestige homes, heritage upgrades, estate subdivisions, and luxury extensions—custom-built to Warrawee’s expectations and council controls.

From initial sketches to full approvals, our Warrawee building design services deliver timeless elegance with streamlined 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 portfolio of North Shore designs—balancing privacy, luxury, and regulation in every line drawn.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Warrawee building design services bring clarity, calm, and standout results to high-end projects.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Warrawee?

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

starting fresh or upgrading a family estate.

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 Warrawee?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Ku-ring-gai area—from Pymble and Turramurra to Roseville and Wahroonga. No matter the suburb, we bring the same precision and local insight to every design.