Commercial Architecture & Retail Design in London
Commercial Architecture & Branding Services
Rebranding your retail space is more than a visual update — it’s a strategic move that can elevate your customer experience, reflect your evolving brand identity, and boost sales. Whether you’re refreshing an existing store, moving to a larger location, or opening a new branch, we offer a comprehensive design service tailored to your business goals. From initial site assessment and concept design through to planning approvals, technical drawings, and construction coordination, we manage every step to ensure a seamless transformation.
What’s Included in Our Commercial Architecture Service:
- Initial Consultation & Needs Assessment
We begin with a deep dive into your business goals, customer base, and product offering. We want to understand not just the space — but your brand identity and how you want your customers to feel when they enter your store.
- Site Survey & Measured Assessment
A dedicated team member will visit your shop to carry out a full site and measurement survey to map out current conditions and understand constraints or opportunities.
- Planning & Local Authority Applications
If your project requires planning permission or signage consent, we’ll handle all necessary applications — ensuring compliance with local regulations from day one.
- Concept Design Development
We’ll present bespoke design concepts that align with your branding, functionality, and budget. You’ll select your preferred direction in collaboration with us.
- Detailed Design & Coordination
Once the concept is approved, we move into detailed design, including:
- Floor plans, elevations, and material selection
- Branding integration and signage design
- Coordination with engineers or mechanical consultants
- Construction Drawings & Tender Package
We’ll produce a technical construction drawing set and submit a tender package to trusted contractors. We’ll help you select the right main contractor with experience in commercial fit-outs.
- Project Management & Site Supervision
Throughout the build phase, we’ll:
- Attend regular site meetings
- Monitor quality, timelines, and budget
- Address any design or construction issues
- Liaise with suppliers and consultants
- Completion & Handover
We’ll support you through to project completion, including:
- Final inspections
- Building Control sign-off
- Assistance with occupancy permits or licenses if needed
Who This Is For:
- Shop owners looking to rebrand or refurbish
- Businesses expanding into new retail units
- Franchises setting up multiple locations
- Property developers planning commercial conversions
Why This Matters:
A professionally designed shop enhances:
- Brand visibility
- Customer experience
- Sales performance
- Employee productivity
Our approach to commercial projects goes beyond mere design; it’s about orchestrating spaces that tell a story, enhance productivity, and create lasting impressions. Whether it’s a cutting-edge office building, a stylish restaurant, or a retail haven, I meticulously tailor each project to encapsulate your vision while adhering to sustainability principles and technological advancements
Why choosing us?
With years of experience in commercial design and branding, we understand how to balance aesthetics with functionality. Our tailored approach ensures that your space not only looks stunning but also works efficiently for your team and your customers. Clients choose us because we listen carefully, design with purpose, and deliver with precision — creating spaces that reflect your values and support your business growth.
Collaboration is at the heart of our process. We work closely with you, understanding your needs, preferences, and objectives to bring your vision to life.
Ready to elevate your commercial space?
Contact us today at hello@luciapiccinini.com or call +44 7760 639338 to book your design consultation. Choose a time that suits you best — just click the button below to schedule your session.
Commercial architecture beyond retail
As well as shop and showroom design, we provide commercial architecture across London for property owners, developers and businesses:
- Feasibility studies and development appraisals
- Planning applications and change of use, including office-to-residential
- Mixed-use buildings combining retail, offices and homes
- Refurbishment and repositioning of existing commercial buildings, including listed buildings
- Office and workplace interiors (see interior architecture)
- Hospitality design, including boutique hotels
- Principal Designer and Building Safety Act / Gateway 2 support
Experience
- Palazzo Beltrade, Milan: extension and refurbishment of a listed mixed-use building near the Duomo, with retail, offices and apartments.
- Retail and showrooms: rebranding and commercial retail design for Roberto Guardiani, and the redesign and refurbishment of Fabio Rusconi’s showroom and retail spaces.
- Coomb House, Isleworth: conversion of offices to residential.
- Stirling Boutique Hotel, London: hospitality design.
- High-rise residential: senior architect on a 14+ storey building in London, and work on a high-rise building in Mayfair, London.
Commercial architects who think like developers
Commercial projects are judged on value, programme and risk. Our design management background with a main contractor, and our monthly writing on due diligence and planning strategy for Property Investor News, mean we focus on the decisions that protect returns.
Frequently asked questions
What does a commercial architect do?
Designs and guides non-residential and mixed-use buildings through feasibility, planning, technical design and construction, balancing regulations, cost and the client's commercial goals.
Do you work with developers?
Yes. We support developers from site appraisal and planning strategy through to delivery, including change of use and mixed-use schemes.
Can you help with change of use?
Yes, including office-to-residential conversions under Class MA permitted development or full planning permission.
Do you design retail and showroom interiors?
Yes. We have designed retail and showroom spaces for Italian brands including Roberto Guardiani and Fabio Rusconi, integrating branding, lighting and signage.
Want to hire us?
