A Developer’s Top 5 design considerations for retail and commercial projects

Milton Architects has worked on many retail and commercial projects over the years including; the concept, design and tenancy fit’-out guidelines for a homewares chain store, the tenancy design for TattsBet stores over a 5 year period and many other retail, commercial and mixed use projects.

We have developed a very commercial understanding of how to address a Developers’ Top 5 design considerations for retail and commercial projects:

1. Approvals, access and parking

2. How much will it cost to build, operate and maintain

3. How much income can be derived from the site and can the concept be replicated at other sites?

4. What could I sell it for in 2, 5, 10 years’ time?

5. How can it be cleverly designed to address 1 to 4 above?

A good architect on a retail, commercial or mixed use project can address the following:

a workable design that is attractive to both tenants and consumers

the best use of the site for the highest return

How other income can be derived from the site that also meets the end users’ needs

the tenancy mix to optimise the longevity of income from the site

manage the tenancy guidelines for design to ensure it will meet short and long term potential needs

contract documentation, administration and management of tenancy fit-outs

site accessibility for build and end user accessibility

adequate parking - parking is often a town planning requirement and a retail or commercial development without suitable parking can kill a retail or commercial venture

negotiate leases for shops and tenancies to ensure suitable tenancy mix

Above all, the end user experience is the main priority. Any project that is designed with the end user as its chief concern, within the context of the project’s budget, is generally assured of a great outcome for the end user, tenants and the developer.

Contact Stephen Milton on 0410 660 538 to discuss your new retail, commercial or interior design project.