Get In touch

Christine Trimmer
MANAGING DIRECTOR
0406 156 042
christine@thedreamroom.com.au

Adam Trimmer
BUILDING DESIGNER
0409 118 449
adam@thedreamroom.com.au

Building designers · Adelaide, South Australia

Building Designers Adelaide

Residential building designers helping Adelaide homeowners confidently design new homes, extensions and renovations with clear documentation and expert guidance from concept through to council approval.

Book your initial consultation and discover what’s possible for your home.

Book a consultation
0406 156 042
Residential building design
New homes
Extensions
Renovations
Council documentation
NatHERS assessments

WHY BUILDING DESIGN MATTERS

Practical building design that makes building easier

Building a home or renovating is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. Good building design isn’t just about how a home looks, it’s about creating a design that suits your lifestyle, budget and block while making the construction process smoother.

TDR works with homeowners throughout Adelaide to develop practical, buildable designs backed by detailed documentation that builders can confidently quote and construct. Whether you’re planning a new home, extending your existing home or renovating, we guide you through every stage before construction begins.

WHAT WE DO

Building design services

New homes

Create a home designed around your lifestyle, site and budget.

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Extensions

Create additional living space while blending seamlessly with your existing home.

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Renovations

Reimagine your current home with practical design solutions that improve how you live.

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NatHERS energy assessments

Meet current energy efficiency requirements with accredited NatHERS assessments.

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WHY CHOOSE TDR

What sets us apart

Experienced residential designers

Focused entirely on residential design throughout South Australia.

Practical, buildable designs

Designs developed with real-world construction in mind.

Detailed documentation

Complete plans and documentation prepared for council approval and construction.

Collaborative approach

Work directly with experienced designers throughout your project.

3D visualisation

Understand your future home before construction begins.

Local Adelaide knowledge

Designed for local councils, local builders and South Australian conditions.

HOW WE WORK

Our process

01

Initial consultation

Discuss your ideas, block, budget and goals.
02

Concept design

Develop layouts that suit your lifestyle and site.
03

Design development

Refine the preferred design with your feedback.
04

Documentation

Prepare detailed plans for approvals and construction.
05

Construction ready

Builders receive everything needed to quote accurately.

PROJECT TYPES

Projects we help with

Custom homes
Knockdown rebuilds
Second storey additions
Home extensions
Renovations
Outdoor living
Site constraints
Sloping blocks
Narrow blocks
Council approvals
Lift retro-fit

Avoid costly mistakes before you build

Many construction issues begin long before the builder arrives. Careful planning, detailed documentation and practical design decisions reduce uncertainty — and can save significant time and cost later in the project.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a building designer and an architect?

In residential design, building designers and architects do much the same job. As building designers, we can design and detail new homes, renovations, extensions and developments.

Is a building designer cheaper than an architect?

Generally speaking, yes. Building designers are more cost effective than architects. As residential projects form the backbone of our business, we are able to focus all of our knowledge and expertise specifically to residential building design.

Are the plans you produce subject to copyright?

With our process you own the copyright for the hard copies of the plans you have paid for. That means you own the plans rather than the builder.

Can you offer 3D visualisations or walkthroughs of the design?

Yes. We use the latest in 3D design software allowing you to be able to visualize your project including realistic renders. For example; we can show you how much light your windows will let in, how much shading particular areas will have, at any time of year and we can give you a sense of space with furniture placement. You can completely visualise your finished project before the ground is broken. We constantly stay up to date with the latest technologies to ensure you benefit from those advances.

Do you offer environmentally sustainable or energy-efficient design options?

Sustainable and energy efficient design is at the building designers core. With 7 Star energy efficiency requirements that have been introduced we are in the process of earning Energy Assessor Qualifications. We pride ourselves in designing with energy efficiency and solar orientation as a priority. We are also experts in the Livable Housing Desing Standards that are now in effect. We are constantly researching sustainable products and best practice building methods to reduce environmental impact.

Can you assist with renovations or extensions, not just new builds?

Yes. We work on all residential building projects including renovations, extensions, new homes and developments. We love solving the problems of working with an existing home and creating a solution to better service your wants and needs.

What information is needed to get started?

Every project starts a little differently. Some clients come to us with clear ideas and inspiration, while others are not sure where to begin, and both are completely fine.
To get started, we simply need your project address and a chance to talk through what you are hoping to achieve, along with an indication of your budget. This helps us understand what is possible and guide you in the right direction from the outset.
If you have images, sketches or ideas you would like to share, that is always helpful, but it is not essential.

How do we communicate and collaborate during the design process?

We take a collaborative approach and keep communication clear and consistent throughout your project. This typically includes regular meetings, along with email and phone contact as needed. At the end of the day, it is your home and your project. Our role is to work closely with you to make sure the final outcome reflects what you want and works for the way you live.

Can you help with budgeting and cost estimates?

Yes, we stay up to date with current construction costs and can provide guidance on likely budgets early in the process. As your design develops, we recommend obtaining detailed quotes from builders based on complete plans and documentation. This gives you a much clearer understanding of costs before committing to a contract and helps avoid unexpected surprises later on.

Can you help with council approvals and the approval process?

Yes, we can manage the council approval process on your behalf and guide you through each step. Before we begin, we review the planning requirements for your site and advise whether your project is likely to comply. We design with approvals in mind from the outset, helping to reduce delays and avoid unnecessary issues. We then prepare and lodge your application through the Planning Portal and manage the process for you, responding to any council requests or queries along the way to keep things moving smoothly.

What if we want to make changes?

We start with a detailed briefing and take the time to really understand what you want to achieve. Throughout the design process, we work closely with you to make sure everything is aligned before finalising plans, which helps minimise the need for major changes later. If adjustments are needed, we are happy to work through them with you. Minor changes can usually be accommodated as we go, and if you decide to take the design in a different direction, we can discuss options and provide a clear quote for any additional work.

How long does the design and approval process usually take?

Timeframes can vary depending on a few factors, including how quickly decisions are made, the complexity of the project and whether it meets standard approval requirements. As a general guide, allowing time for design development and council approvals, most projects can be ready to start construction within around six months. This assumes there are no significant delays from council or external consultants. We will always keep you informed throughout the process so you have a clear understanding of timing at each stage.

Can we take our plans to any builder?

Yes, the plans we provide are yours to use with any builder you choose. You have the flexibility to select a builder that suits your project and budget. If you would like assistance, we can also connect you with trusted and experienced licensed builders from our network and work with them to help bring your project to life. The choice is always yours.

Do you work with builders or do we need to find our own?

You’re free to choose any builder you like, as you own the plans and documentation. If you’d like support, we can also recommend builders from our network of trusted, qualified professionals. With over 30 years of industry experience, we can help match you with the right builder for your project and, if needed, continue working alongside them through construction to help ensure everything runs smoothly. 

GET IN TOUCH

Let’s talk about your project

Whether you’re planning a new home, extension or renovation, we’d love to hear about your ideas.

0406 156 042

christine@thedreamroom.com.au