Burleigh Heads & Gold Coast Residential Architect

AIA A+ Member Practice

ACA Member Practice

Approved Supplier: QLD Dept. of Education (SUEA Panel 2025)

Leadership Our Principals

Meet the Principals

Brett McDonald

Principal Architect

Leading Burleigh Beach Designs for over 12 years, Brett integrates deep practical knowledge with extensive architectural qualifications, bringing hands-on construction experience to progressive design thinking.

Qualifications & Experience

M.Arch, B.Env.Design, Dip.Building, Dip.Proj.Mgmt

Core Expertise

Residential & Multi-Residential Design: Specialised experience in creating bespoke residential solutions tailored to Queensland's coastal environment.
Commercial & Mixed-Use Projects: Comprehensive experience in commercial, retail, and mixed-use developments across South East Queensland.
Large-Scale Project Experience: Played a key role within architectural teams responsible for the design and delivery of significant institutional developments, including medical research and healthcare facilities such as the Harry Perkins Institute, Fiona Stanley Hospital, the Gorgon Gas Project, and Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Project Management: Detailed oversight of complex projects from concept through completion, ensuring architectural integrity throughout construction.

Simone McDonald

Principal Designer / Project Manager

A cornerstone of Burleigh Beach Designs for over 10 years, Simone brings exceptional organisational leadership and client focus, ensuring seamless execution of every project.

Qualifications & Experience

B.Ed, Dip.Proj.Mgmt

Core Expertise

Client Communication & Relationship Management: Primary point of contact, ensuring clear, consistent communication and strong partnerships.
Project Planning & Scheduling: Developing detailed project timelines, coordinating consultants, ensuring milestones are met efficiently.
Quality Assurance Coordination: Liaising between design teams, clients, and construction teams to maintain quality standards.

Together, Brett and Simone lead Burleigh Beach Designs with a shared dedication to architectural excellence, client satisfaction, and creating positive contributions to the Gold Coast's built environment.

Since our founding in 2010, we've remained committed to designing buildings that enhance their surroundings rather than dominate them. Every project reflects our deep understanding of Queensland's coastal environment and our clients' unique way of living.

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Our Philosophy

Creating Enduring Architecture for Coastal Living

Thoughtful Design for Queensland's Unique Environment

Process Our Approach

Our Design Process

We guide clients through a structured yet flexible design journey, ensuring collaborative engagement at every stage.

Listen & Discover

Understanding your vision, brief, budget, and site specifics through detailed consultation and analysis.

Analyse & Conceptualise

Deep site analysis informing initial design concepts and comprehensive feasibility studies.

Develop & Refine

Collaboratively developing the chosen concept with detailed drawings, models, and material selections.

Document & Approve

Preparing comprehensive documentation for council approvals and construction coordination.

Build & Deliver

Offering ongoing support during construction to maintain design integrity and quality execution.

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Ready to Transform Your Vision into Reality?

Let's collaborate to create architecture that inspires, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time. Our experienced team is ready to bring your project to life with the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Start Your Project View Our Portfolio

Initial consultation available