Apartment Renovations Gold Coast — Architectural Design & Body Corporate Approvals

Renovating an apartment on the Gold Coast is one of the most complex design and approval challenges a homeowner can face. Unlike a freestanding house, apartment renovations require sign-off from your body corporate, compliance with strata by-laws, coordination with building management, and often navigating strict Queensland building codes — all before a single tradesperson sets foot on site.

At Monet Madison Design, principal architect Jamie Gordon has spent more than 30 years working across the Gold Coast's residential apartment market. From Surfers Paradise high-rises and Broadbeach beachfront units to boutique complexes on Chevron Island and Southport, Jamie understands the specific regulatory, structural, and design challenges that come with renovating in Queensland's most competitive property market.

Whether you are reconfiguring an outdated floor plan, opening up a kitchen and living area, updating bathrooms, or undertaking a full apartment refurbishment, Jamie brings the architectural rigour needed to get your project approved and built to a high standard — while protecting your investment every step of the way.

Why use a registered architect for your apartment renovation?

Many apartment owners attempt renovations without architectural documentation and run into costly delays when the body corporate requests detailed drawings, or when a building certifier requires engineering sign-off. A registered architect produces documentation that satisfies both body corporate requirements and council building approvals in a single coordinated package — saving you time, money, and the frustration of going back and forth with building management.

Jamie's designs are informed by his deep knowledge of how Gold Coast apartments are built — their structural systems, common orientation problems, and the thermal performance issues caused by the subtropical climate. Every renovation is designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, improve spatial flow, and select materials that perform well in a high-humidity coastal environment.

Our apartment renovation service covers complexes in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters, Mermaid Beach, Chevron Island, Main Beach, Southport, Ashmore, Burleigh Heads, and Palm Beach.

Design packages start from $8,500 + GST for a full renovation of up to 250 sqm, covering all documentation required for body corporate and building approvals. Detailed construction documentation, materials schedules, and construction administration are available through our Silver and Gold packages.

If you are unsure whether your renovation needs architectural documentation, or you want an independent opinion on your floor plan before committing to a builder, we also offer a Site Visit and Recommendations service from $900 + GST.

How the apartment renovation process works

Step 1 — Initial consultation (free)

We start with a 30-minute phone or video call to understand your goals, budget, and timeline. Jamie will ask about your current floor plan, what you want to change, and what approval pathway you are likely to need. There is no cost for this call and no obligation to proceed.

Step 2 — Site visit and design brief ($900 + GST, credited if you proceed)

Jamie visits your apartment to inspect the existing layout, review orientation and natural light, assess structural constraints, and discuss your design brief in detail. He will also review the relevant body corporate by-laws and building regulations that apply to your renovation. You receive a written report and recommendations within five business days.

Step 3 — Schematic design

Based on your brief and site visit, Jamie prepares concept floor plans exploring two or three layout options. These are reviewed together in a design session — either in person at our Ashmore studio or via video call — and refined until the design direction is agreed.

Step 4 — Design development and documentation

The agreed design is developed into a full set of architectural drawings and documentation. For body corporate submissions, this includes existing and proposed floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevation drawings, and a specification of materials and finishes. For building approval, we coordinate with a building certifier to ensure all documentation meets Queensland building code requirements.

Step 5 — Body corporate and building approval

We prepare and lodge your body corporate application on your behalf, respond to any requests for additional information, and manage communication with building management throughout the approval process. Once body corporate approval is granted, we submit for building approval concurrently or immediately after, depending on your body corporate's requirements.

Step 6 — Builder tender and construction

Once approvals are in place, we can assist with preparing a tender package for selected builders, reviewing quotes, and — for Gold and Platinum packages — providing construction administration throughout the build. This means Jamie reviews shop drawings, visits site at key milestones, and ensures the finished result matches the approved design.