Commercial Building Designer

Realm Building Design has an assured command of the many conflicting demands of designing structures with a commercial focus. Our commercial building designs thread the needle between client goals, budgets, and local, state, and national regulations that are often at odds.

Structured process from planning through to regulatory approval and construction

Multidisciplinary team to shepherd the project through each stage of development

Designers who are as committed to realising your goals as you are

We are commercial building designers who care about achieving our clients’ business goals while preserving and contributing to the cultural identity of the location.

“When designing commercial spaces there are myriad practical considerations as to how the spaces work, how they present and unify with the client’s brand and philosophy.”
– Janita Norman, Lead Building Designer

Layers of complexity exist within the design of commercial buildings as they are required to be accessible to the public and are thus pursuant to building codes, building access regulations, OH&S and other matters of compliance at the local, state and national level.

Commercial building projects require extensive analysis of the site conditions and regulatory requirements, all of which will influence the design solution. And specific types of buildings, such as childcare centres, have additional layers of regulatory requirements that go beyond even this.

These considerations may overlap with your vision for the space, but can never be allowed to distract from the core purpose of the development. Our structured planning, design, and project management processes ensure that the many factors are considered and accounted for, while the vision for the space remains at the forefront at all times.

Local Dental Clinic in Deniliquin NSW has transformed a tired residential building into a state-of-the-art dental clinic.

We are your guide from planning and design, to building and beyond.

Left Arrow Black
Right Arrow Black
Design Consultation and Schematics
1
.

Design Consultation and Schematics

4-6 Weeks
Your building design journey starts with an in-depth design consultation to discuss your vision and capture your requirements. This is followed by design of high-level creative schematic drawings.
Design Development
2
.

Design Development

2-4 Weeks
Once we are heading in the right direction with schematics, we will spend a couple of weeks honing the design to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Interior and Landscape Design
3
.

Interior and Landscape Design

2-3 Weeks
A key part of our holistic approach to building design, is including interior design and landscape design at the foundational stage of the project, rather than it being an afterthought at a later date.
Planning Approvals
4
.

Planning Approvals

8-12 Weeks
Next we prepare plans and supporting information for planning approval. This step can take as little as a week to many months, depending on the level of information needed to address the relevant planning provisions.
Construction Phase
6
.

Construction Phase

9 Months Plus
Depending on your preference, we will hand the project over to you at this stage, or continue with you in an advisory capacity, shepherding the project to successful completion.

Experienced specialists in commercial building design with tried and tested processes to allow creativity and compliance to coexist.

10 Heritage Design Tips

Practical tips for designing your next heritage renovation.

Our clients are often surprised when they find out just how much they can do with their heritage listed building. We created this document to dispel some of the most prevalent myths about working with heritage buildings, so that you have a solid foundation on the can-dos, can't-dos, and things to be aware of.

Realm Building Design are your partners for the long haul

We offer a full end-to-end service that encompasses creative ideation all the way through to eventual construction and fitout.


The interior design and fitout of the Echuca Club aims to increase bookings for the club's boutique accommodation with an appealing aesthetic that exudes classic luxury.

Interior design – exterior design – landscaping

Our holistic approach to building design extends to every aspect of a building's design and use.

We don't just draw up floor plans and write specs; we consider the purpose of the building for its current owners, the experience of customers or guests, the limits of regulations, and the constraints of budgets and timelines. And we create designs that encompass the structure, the interiors, and the landscapes that surround it.

Focused on your return on investment

Having worked with commercial clients for many years, we fully understand the business case of investing in development to your commercial property. Business realities are front-of-mind for us at all times, and we look for practical solutions that achieve your goals without unnecessary waste or risk of cost overruns.

Management of permits and approvals

Our team has extensive experience in coordinating planning permits and navigating regulations at the local, state, and national level.

Restoration and adaptation of the Bridge Hotel in Echuca, Victoria reinvigorated this beloved local hospitality venue while contending with strict regulations on this prized heritage listed building.

Specialists in commercial building design within a heritage context

Our lead building designer, Janita Norman, is a qualified heritage designer and has significant hands-on experience in navigating the heritage register and successfully developing buildings that are under heritage constraints.

“As a building designer I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely on many buildings and structures. The guiding principle of my heritage work is in understanding the importance of managing change on building fabric, use and significance to conserve the buildings for the future.”
Janita Norman, Lead Building Designer & Qualified Heritage Designer

Learn more about our heritage building design services here