The Truth About Commercial Architecture (Part One!)
What is commercial architecture, why is it so important, what challenges might you face, and what do you need to know now?
Hello readers and welcome back to the blog. We are switching gears again, and instead of spending time in our textbooks, we are going to head back to the drawing boards. Today, we are going to be spending time talking about one of the cornerstones of our company, and that is commercial architecture. We are going to be talking about what it is, what you need, some important facts to consider, and other bits and pieces that are important to know. While this year has seen its share of projects stopped, projects paused, projects starting over again, things constantly changing, and not knowing what might be next, we are still here to help you keep going. We want to make your personal and professional goals and dreams happen in the form of an excellent design and an even better build.
First off, a basic definition of what we are going to be talking about today! Commercial architecture is the category of design that is dedicated to designing and building spaces that will be used for commercial purposes. These are your office spaces, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and much more. If you would like to check out some of the examples of our commercial architecture, make sure you visit our commercial page on our website. You will see all the different projects like:
Rivers Landing, a 12,000 SF business building.
Daniel's Corner, a 20,000 SF mixed-use facility.
Level Wing, a 10,000 SF multiple tenant space including a pharmacy and business tenants.
HBIG Retail center, a single stour boutique building perfect for dinner, shopping, and a Dunkin Donuts with a drive-through.
Nexton Office Building, a 14,000 SF office building that was designed to hold two tenants.
And more!
Each example reflects our style, our vision, how we work and think for our clients. We hope all of these examples give you a little inspiration and peace of mind when considering and deciding to work with a commercial architecture company.
HOW TO CHOOSE
If you're not local or if you're deciding on how to choose your commercial architecture company, we wanted to give you a few ideas on how to go through this process. We do guarantee to give our clients all of these things, and we would be happy to discuss each of these details with you personally.
Do your research. Who is building in your community and leaving results that are making everyone happy?
Be prepared to do said research, there are a lot of companies out there. Researching time is not time wasted, it is well spent and needed!
Research and ask how your potential commercial architecture company brings their projects to a close on schedule and meeting the budget you set, and to provide specific examples of doing so.
Ask and find out how your potential architecture company plans on handling clients, any issues, and any confusion that might arise during a project. Ask how they communicate with their clients, how fast and responsive they are between their staff and their clients, and how they keep their team on track.
Find out how much they allow a client to be involved and make it very clear how much or how little you want to be involved with a project. If this doesn't match what you are wanting, try and find a middle ground, If not, they aren't the company for you.
Please be prepared to communicate, and keep an open line of communication open with your commercial architecture company. If you stay apart of the conversation, you will get the results and the outcome that you want in your build faster.
Establish the planning path that you want to take. Make sure your architecture company knows exactly what you want and continue to communicate that with them throughout the whole project until it comes to completion.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
When you're deciding to build a commercial building, a lot needs to be considered before you hire someone to put their pen to paper and design your building. Remember, the goal of this building is to make money; you're providing a safe space to house successful businesses of all kinds. You need to consider this right off that bat and consider who you want in your building or now and if that can be found reflected in the community around you. This can help you focus your design and try and pick the best location possible to match this design. Consider location, safety, and if your ideal clients are close to your location.
Remember that building a commercial building will have many different rules and regulations to follow than that of building a home. The zoning, permits, and planning will be unique and different for every different size building, your location, and more. These could be much more expensive and difficult to get quickly, and it could take much longer to get all of this paperwork filled out, complete, and filed than it would when building a home.
Make sure that you know how your investment into this building will make you money and how you can make this into reality. Even thinking about working with a financial consultant to prepare you and help navigate these projects.
Take the time to get to know the team that will be designing and building your properties. Once you sign on the dotted line, you will be talking with and spending a lot of time with them. It's better to start a relationship with them now, rather than when it's too late to form a professional bond.
Let's get started with these two lists. Begin doing your research, or come and start talking with us! Please take a moment to explore our website, have a good idea of what you are looking for, and then give us a call. We will be happy to speak with you about your next commercial architecture project. We hope you enjoyed the first part of this blog, and we look forward to sharing the next few segments of it over the next couple of weeks. On top of our commercial projects, we do so much more. Are you looking to begin building your dream home here in the Lowcountry? Have you found a historical gem that you want to transform into your perfect office space or home? We can help you with that, and we look forward to speaking with you about these projects very soon! Until next time, stay excited and inspired for whatever wonderful projects might be heading your way!