Commercial architecture is distinct from residential architecture in several ways, characterized by particular practices. The scope of commercial architecture is focused solely on commercial buildings and spaces, including retail outlets, offices, and other facilities where business is conducted. When you first look at commercial architecture practices, you’ll notice that the basic processes are the same, and include:
- Site Evaluation
- Design Concept and Finalization
- Blueprint Creation
- Permits and Documentation
- Administration of the construction process
However, there are several differences of note, and those differences are what set commercial architecture apart as its design discipline.
Concentration on Business
Commercial architecture puts the focus on the client’s business requirements. The comprehensive design must be developed to accommodate the kind of business within the building and facilitate the client’s business goals. This is how commercial architects must rise to a more complicated challenge than residential architects. While a residential designer is tasked with achieving the purposes of a couple or a family, a commercial architect must satisfy the requirements of the business, its tenants, employees, and all customers and end users.
Consumer-Driven Design
Commercial architects must understand the mindset and habits of their clients – as well as the behaviors of those who will interact with the business. This requires an understanding of consumer trends and sales psychologies. Most importantly, commercial architects identify how different design choices can impact consumer behaviors, what choices they make, and how they discern the client’s brand, products, and services.
Accommodation of Operations
Commercial architects must also have a working knowledge of how to design for a specific type of facility, keeping in mind the exact business operations taking place inside. This may involve ensuring that the design works for particular equipment, types of merchandise, and storage needs. Facilitating specific business operations often necessitates unique infrastructure as well – such as accommodations for parking, elevators, cafeterias, and other design features that would not be integrated into a residential space.
In short, a commercial architecture plan must ensure that everyday operations for the business are comfortable, safe, efficient, and attractive.
Planning for the Future
A commercial architecture professional should be proficient in seeing into the future – businesses evolve and grow, and sound commercial design should allow for that evolution. Architects in this field should be skilled in designing a facility that will serve the business needs both now and in years to come while also creating opportunities to provide the client an edge over their local competition.
The most effective commercial architectural designs can flexibly meet market trends, even as the market grows and changes. This is why adaptability is so crucial in commercial architecture, and targeted market research is such a robust and necessary skill.
Do You Need a Local Commercial Architect?
Most commercial businesses will eventually need to update their current facility or develop a new property to accommodate their needs. Restaurants, offices, and retail shops can all benefit from working with an experienced commercial architect.
If your company or organization wants assistance with designing your Sarasota commercial building, call JTL Architects. Our expertise will provide valuable insights for your project, and we will work to create a design that offers maximum efficiency and benefit for your company. We’ll share concept ideas backed by experience and deliver results that will meet your company’s objectives.
Sarasota is consistently named as one of the top places to live and work, and more business owners are learning about the benfits of setting up shop here on the Gulf Coast. So whether designing a cozy cafe, luxurious salon or sophisticated corporate offices – JTL Architects is the team to call. Our experienced professionals bring a global perspective to the vibrant Sarasota vibe, designing unique and eclectic spaces for this fantastic town.
