What is involved in workflow and space layout for a commercial fitout?

We analyse your tenancy and design brief, study staff and visitor circulation, deliveries, waste management and service access, then produce clear floor plans and diagrams. Early review of local council requirements and adjacencies ensures the layout supports approvals and efficient commercial operations.

What happens during the concept design stage?

In concept design we arrange major elements, propose preliminary colour schemes and introduce lighting, textures, cabinetry and signage placeholders. We also provide colour renders and 3D walk-throughs so clients can visualise the commercial fitout and make informed decisions before documentation.

What is a tender package and why is it important?

A tender package contains technical, dimensioned drawings for builder pricing and accurate costing. Producing comprehensive tender documentation reduces ambiguity, helps secure reliable quotes, and protects the design intent during procurement and construction.

How do you support the project during construction?

Once a builder is selected we provide detailed documentation, coordinate specifications, propose alternative finishes where needed, and supply additional drawings (setouts, finishes, joinery) to keep the fitout on track and aligned with the design intent.

How do you obtain builders' quotes and manage tendering?

We prepare tender documentation and coordinate the tender process, recommend vetted contractors, evaluate bids against the scope and help clients choose a builder whose price and quality align with project objectives.

When is town planning or a permit needed and do you handle submissions?

We assess planning controls early; when a permit is required we prepare and submit drawings and reports, manage council communications, and update the design to respond to feedback so your project meets statutory requirements.

Do you provide site measurement services?

Yes. We offer tenancy re-measures where our team takes on-site measurements and photos to produce accurate, to-scale plans that form the basis for design development (distinct from a licensed surveyor's site survey).

When are additional consultants required and who arranges them?

Depending on the project we engage trusted consultants — surveyors, arborists, traffic or stormwater engineers and energy specialists — to streamline approvals and ensure technical compliance for complex works or new builds.

What is your typical design process from brief to handover?

Typical stages are: design brief, concept design, documentation for pricing (tender), approvals, builders' documentation, and support during build. Each stage is clearly explained to clients and documented so expectations and deliverables are transparent.

How should clients manage costs during the design process?

Obtain preliminary quotes early—start with concept budgets and refine estimates after documentation. We recommend staged estimating and value engineering during tender to keep the project within budget while preserving essential design outcomes.

What advice do you give about the design brief and material selection?

Be clear about the problems you want the design to solve and list large equipment early. Explore material ranges and colour schemes during concept and tender stages; final selections can be confirmed later to manage availability and cost fluctuations.

How do you handle flexibility with materials and finishes?

We specify at least two acceptable finish options for key items so substitutions are possible if materials become unavailable or prices change, ensuring the project can progress without costly delays.

How do you navigate authorities and approvals if issues arise?

We proactively manage council communications and treat authority queries as opportunities to refine plans. Our experience helps navigate back-and-forth approvals efficiently, keeping projects moving toward compliant, safe outcomes.

Which commercial project types do you design?

We design beauty salons, medical and wellness clinics, retail outlets, pharmacies, laboratories, and shopfront alterations—providing architecture and interior design services tailored to each sector's operational and regulatory needs.

Services - Commercial Spaces

During your journey with us, every part of your commercial fitout will be carefully designed, presented, discussed in detail, and documented for costing. You can expect cabinetry drawings, material and finishes specifications, lighting and electrical layouts, and more - all tailored to your project needs.

CORE FITOUT SERVICES

A map showing pathways and buildings, with arrows indicating directional routes.

01.

Workflow and Space Layout

A well-planned workflow is the foundation of every successful commercial design. We study your tenancy and design brief, analyse operations, preferred workflows, and adjacencies, then present clear floor plans and diagrams for discussion.

From staff and visitor flow to waste management, deliveries and service access - every detail is considered. Local council requirements are reviewed early to support smooth approvals and prevent unexpected issues.

Architectural blueprint of a building's HVAC and plumbing systems with colored ducts and pipes, including stairs and support structures.

02.

Concept Design

With stakeholders input in place, we build the initial concept, arranging all major elements and selecting a preliminary colour scheme. At this stage, we introduce lighting, textures, cabinetry, and signage placeholders, while ensuring building regulations are carefully considered.

Our concepts include colour renders and 3D walk-through the projects, a great way to see the progress of the project and make critical decisions before the next stage. Clients often find this the most enjoyable stage - and we couldn't agree more.

Chart displaying material and finish levels for floors, with color codes for FL1 (white), FL2 (blue), FL3 (beige), FL4 (red), and FL5 (black), including details about epoxy floor finish, durability, slip resistance, and color.

03.

Documentation for Tenders

When the design is ready to progress, we prepare the technical drawings required for builder pricing - known in the industry as a Tender Package.

These focus on detailed, dimensioned drawings that allow for accurate costing. While this stage is more technical, clients remain actively involved in key decisions such as power and data plans, finish selections, and lighting layouts.

Technical construction drawing of steel framing for a building wall.

04.

Builders Documentation & Support During Construction

Once a builder is selected, we provide a detailed documentation packcage and ongoing support through the construction phase.

We assist clients and builders in reviewing project specifications, selecting alternative finishes if the original choices are unavailable, and ensuring the project stays on track. Depending on the project, we also provide additional drawings, such as wall and ceiling setout plans, floor finishes setout plans, and extra joinery details.

SUPPORTING SERVICES

Two people shaking hands over a table with blueprints, a calculator, a pen, glasses, and a safety helmet, in an office environment.

Builders Quote

Person holding architectural blueprint or construction plans.

Town Planning Submission

In the early design stages, we review your site's planning regulations and assess whether the project can proceed within guidelines or if a planning permit is required.

When a permit is needed, we prepare and submit all drawings and reports to council, manage communication throughout the review process, and adapt the design in response to council feedback. You can rely on us to navigate local planning requirements and work toward the best outcome for your project.

A man in a suit sits at a desk, talking on the phone, taking notes with a pen, near a computer monitor, with a coffee cup and some office supplies on the desk.

Feasibility Study

Starting a new fitout is a significant investment. Our Feasibility Study helps you assess whether a site or project is viable before committing to design and construction.

We review space suitability, layout potential, fitout cost ranges, planning requirements, compliance risks, and long-term adaptability. The result is a clear understanding of opportunities and constraints - tailored to your fitout type and location, so you can make confident, informed decisions. This service is especially valuable for clients who are not yet ready to commit to a tenancy.

A laser distance measurer on architectural plans with a yellow measuring tape and a white helmet.

Site Measure

Depending on your location in Australia, we offer tenancy re-measure service, during which our team will visit your site, analyse non-concealed structure and available services, take all relevant measurements and photos.

This service is different from site level and feature survey, which is conducted by a licensed land surveyor. To-scale plans are drawn based on the taken measurements and will become a vital starting point for design development.

Three construction workers, two men and one woman, wearing safety helmets and orange vests, examining a large blueprint on a construction site.

Other Consultants Engagement

Depending on the project, additional approvals may be required. We work with trusted local consultants to provide supporting services that help streamline approvals and ensure project success.

Site feature and level surveys are required for extensions, major facade alterations and new builds.

Arborist reports are required when tree roots or canopy are affected by construction.

Traffic impact assessments are often requested when local traffic is affected by development.

Stormwater impact assessments are often triggered when development increases hard surfaces area by adding non-permeable materials

Energy efficiency assessments and design responses (Section J, NABERS rating)

OUR PROCESS

We thrive on staying organised and want our clients to know our process before embarking on a design journey with us. Here is our typical process flow based on a medium size typical project. During your project you will receive a document with each step of the process clearly explained in more detail.

DESIGN BRIEF

CONCEPT

DOCUMENTS FOR PRICING

APPROVALS

BUILDERS DOCUMENTATION

SUPPORT DURING BUILD

OUR ADVICE

Keep Track of Costs

We highly recommend obtaining preliminary quotes for your fitout construction starting from the concept stage. Once we produce our drawings and documentation, you can progress to a more detailed estimate with your builder. Quotes are usually revised and updated again before the construction stage to reflect any changes.

Be Clear During the Design Brief Stage

This is your chance to voice the problems you want to solve through design, share your aspirations, and ensure your designer is aware of all large equipment you plan to use. Clear communication at this stage sets the foundation for a smooth process.

Colour and Material Selection

Enjoy exploring preliminary colour schemes with your designer during the Concept and Tender Documentation stages. Focus on material ranges and overall colour schemes, rather than exact colours. Final colour choices can be made later, when your builder orders materials. This approach helps manage cost fluctuations and ensures you select the most suitable, cost-effective, and available options at the time of contract signing.

Flexibility with Materials and Finishes

Due to market availability and changes in material and trade costs, it’s important to remain flexible. Ask your designer to specify at least two options for key finishes - this provides flexibility and ensures the project stays on track.

Navigating Authorities and Approvals

We are experienced in communicating with various authorities and will help address and questions that arise. Some complex projects may require back-and-forth approvals. Stay open-minded and trust our expertise - this approach helps achieve solid results. If authorities raise questions, don’t panic - see it as an opportunity to improve the plans and ensure your fitout is fully compliant and safe for occupants.

CONTACT US

WE DESIGN

Beauty Salons

Modern dental clinic interior with dental chair, computer, and dental tools, featuring soft pastel colors and minimalist design.

Medical & Wellness Clinics

Modern waiting area with pink and black curved seating, a small round white stool, and glass walls with a view of trees outside.

Retail

Footwear display shelves in a shoe store, showcasing various shoes with a sign that reads 'Your Designer Footwear' and a separate signage indicating 'Baguio August 13'.

Pharmacies, Laboratories & Manufacturing

Interior of a pharmacy or retail store with shelves of skincare and sunscreen products, a curved white checkout counter, and a sign that reads 'SCRIPTS IN'.