0490 178 927

Building design and drafting services across the Northern Rivers

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Delivering experienced architectural design and drafting services across the Northern Rivers, Sean Spain combines local knowledge with practical design expertise to guide projects from concept through to completion. Supported by an established team of trusted consultants, Sean oversees every stage of the design, DA and Construction Certificate process, ensuring your project progresses smoothly, efficiently and with confidence. 

GET YOUR PROJECT ASSESSMENT

Whether you’re planning a new home, renovation or secondary dwelling, let’s discuss your vision. We’ll provide clear guidance on feasibility, approvals, and the path forward.

ABOUT US

COMPLETE BUILDING DESIGN SOLUTIONS
FOR THE NORTHERN RIVERS

Founded by Sean Spain, NRD Building Design was established to provide Northern Rivers homeowners, builders and developers with a more personal, hands-on approach to building design. With deep roots in the region, Sean combines local knowledge with practical design expertise and an understanding of the unique opportunities and regulatory requirements involved in building across the Northern Rivers.

From pre-design feasibility through to Construction Certificate approval, NRD Building Design provides comprehensive building design, drafting and project management services, guiding projects from concept through to approval with confidence.

What sets NRD Building Design apart is its end-to-end service. Rather than simply producing plans, Sean manages the entire approval process, coordinating consultants, navigating council requirements, and ensuring every technical detail is addressed along the way. Clients benefit from a single point of contact who understands their vision and takes responsibility for keeping the project moving.

Supported by an established network of trusted consultants and industry professionals, Sean assembles the right team for each project while remaining your primary point of contact throughout the process. The result is a seamless experience, combining personalised service with the expertise needed to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Designing a House in the Northern Rivers

#1 Building Design and drafting services across the Northern Rivers

Working with councils
across the northern rivers

Clarence Valley Council
SERVICES

Comprehensive Design & Approval Services

From your first ideas through to construction-ready documentation, we manage every phase of the architectural process.

Pre-Design & Feasibility

Discussing project feasibility, site analysis, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements to ensure your vision is achievable before significant investment.

Concept Design & Floor Plans

Exploring possibilities and developing floor plan layouts that balance your vision with practical considerations, site constraints, and budget realities.

DA & Construction Certificates

Managing the entire development approval and construction certificate process, including consultant coordination, council liaison, and all required documentation.

Architectural Plans

Creating comprehensive plans for DA approval including floor plans, elevations, roof plans, BASIX requirements, window schedules, structural sections, and construction notes.

Construction Documentation

Producing detailed technical drawings for construction certificate and builder tender including earthworks, slab plans, framing plans, and erosion control.

3D Design Development

Refining concepts through detailed 3D modelling showing roof lines, window and door locations, materials, and spatial relationships to visualize your completed project.

BUILD ON TIME & ON BUDGET

Seamless Process, Personally Managed From Start to Finish.

Building in the Northern Rivers requires navigating complex planning regulations, environmental considerations, and multiple approval stages. Our proven process ensures nothing falls through the cracks while keeping your project moving forward efficiently. 

21+

YEAR OF EXPERIENCE

103

JOBS COMPLETED

100%

COMPLIANT APPROVALS

FULL

BUILDER & TRADE NETWORK

Thoughtfully Executed Architectural Design and
Drafting Services

WE SERVICE ALL AREAS ACROSS THE NORTHERN RIVERS

Local expertise across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed Valley, and surrounding regions.

LISMORE

Expert building design for Lismore and surrounding areas, navigating council requirements and post-flood resilience standards for new builds and renovations.

MULLUMBIMBY

Professional building design for Mullumbimby developments, experienced in both NSW and Queensland border requirements for seamless project delivery.

CASINO

Reliable design and drafting services for Casino’s residential, rural, and commercial projects, with practical solutions for remote and rural locations.

TWEED HEADS

Full-service design and drafting for Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads projects, with deep knowledge of Tweed Shire planning policies and subtropical building considerations.

BYRON BAY

Specialist building design services for Byron Bay & Brunswick Heads unique coastal environment, understanding local heritage considerations and stringent planning requirements.

MURWILLUMBAH

Full-service design and drafting for Murwillumbah and Tweed Valley projects, with deep knowledge of Tweed Shire planning policies and subtropical building considerations.

KYOGLE

Building design expertise for Kyogle and rural Richmond Valley projects, specialising in bushfire regulations, rural residential, and agricultural buildings.

NIMBIN

Full-service design and drafting for Nimbin and surrounding Northern Rivers communities, with expert knowledge of local council planning policies and subtropical design principles.

BALLINA

Comprehensive drafting and design solutions for Ballina residential and commercial projects, with expertise in coastal building regulations and flood-prone land development.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

Boutique building design services for Brunswick Head’s coastal building styles, bushfire-prone areas, and rural residential developments.

Yamba / Maclean

Building design expertise for coastal Yamba and riverside Maclean, specialising in coastal design, flood planning, and Clarence Valley Council approvals.

From the Drawing Board

Free Guides & Resources

We regularly publish new guides covering the stages of design, planning approvals, council requirements, consultant reports, and everything in between. Browse the latest below, or use the categories to find what's most relevant to your project.

Get Your Project Assessment

Whether you're planning a new home, renovation, or commercial build, let's discuss your vision. We'll provide clear guidance on feasibility, approvals, and the path forward.

Don't Miss Out!

50% OFF

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Don't Miss Out!

50% OFF

Morbi ipsum proin nunc proin magna elemen
purus viverra pellen magna elemerra.