Exciting Projects And Commercial Architecture

b10 [2].jpg

We are working on some very exciting projects and we want to share more about them as our blog continues. We also want to share the different types of architecture these new projects are exploring and what makes each type unique from the others!

Architecture Plus, as many of you know, is a full-service architectural design firm that specializes in renovations, residential new construction, commercial building design and the adaptive reuse of older buildings. We will be exploring each type of design over the next few blogs but we specifically wanted to talk about commercial architecture in this blog. Why? Because of this new and exciting project captured in the pictures above. We are so excited to show off this new build to you.

What you are looking at in the photos above is a new HBIG Retail Center at the Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston. This upcoming single story, two building contemporary boutique retail facility will be located along the fast-growing corridor of North Charleston's business and industrial sector and will total 15,000 square feet. In addition to Business and Retail, this project is also designed for a restaurant tenant with access to out-door covered dining in building 1 and a Dunkin Donuts with a-drive thru within building 2. This facility will provide much-needed support for the businesses that are surrounded nearby. Pretty exciting, right? We believe that the architecture of our buildings must be durable, functional, culture-based, and responsive to each individual character and to the desire of each individual client. Which this new project completely embodies.

No matter if we are building a commercial or residential building we strive to implement these goals. But what exactly defines commercial architecture and what makes it different from residential architecture? Let's explore this idea! Commercial architecture is focused on buildings and spaces that will be used for commercial purposes. These spaces can include offices, restaurants, coffee shops, skyscrapers, hospitals, schools, retail outlets, and any other facility where commercial business can be held. It does differ from other types of architecture, but it's beginning steps like sit evaluation, blueprint creation, and permit documentation can be very similar to other types of architecture. But there are very specific things that make commercial architecture unique and stand on its own.

  • These buildings have many more purposes than just being lived in.

  • They can be and usually are much larger than most residential buildings.

  • Commercial architecture focuses on the client's business needs. The whole design will be created specifically for the business it houses and what kind of business will happen within its walls. These buildings will be built to help the business reach its highest potential. One of the major challenges it will face is that it needs to accommodate a vast variety of people than a residential building usually does. People from all different walks of life will come in and out of the building for many different reasons. These buildings need to be able to accommodate them without question.

  • The architect chosen to design a particular commercial design needs to know how certain designs can improve focus, productivity, how the customers and clients will interact based on its design, and how the brand of the company will be perceived through the architecture of the building.

  • The architect must have an eye for keeping the business that will be housed in these buildings above and beyond their competition for years to come. The look, the feel, and how it can accommodate growth within the building itself always needs to be considered.

  • There could be extra accommodations needed for these buildings that wouldn't be found in residential buildings. You might need special HVAC systems, specialty rooms for work above and below ground, elevators, escalators, large bathrooms, and large meeting spaces. With these special needs come special building codes and safety elements and regulations.

The list does go on, but these are some of the specifics that separate a commercial design from a residential design. Thank you for sharing our excitement for this upcoming project, and we are excited to share more with you in the future!

Tim Hilkhuijsen