Commercial Building Design
Professional commercial architectural design for retail, office, mixed-use and industrial projects across Melbourne and Victoria. We create functional, code-compliant commercial spaces that enhance your brand, optimise workflow and deliver strong returns — managing planning permits, building approvals and construction documentation from start to finish.
- Retail & Hospitality Design
- Office & Commercial Fitout
- Mixed-Use Developments
- Planning & Building Permits
- Construction Documentation
Our Commercial Design Process
Creating commercial spaces that strengthen brand identity, maximise operational efficiency and deliver a strong return on investment.
Business & Site Analysis
We review the site's commercial zone, activity centre controls and overlay requirements alongside your operational needs — customer flow, staff areas, service infrastructure and signage — to build a clear brief before design starts.
Commercial Space Planning & Design
Layouts optimised for your business model — retail floor area, customer experience zones, back-of-house efficiency and branding opportunities — all while meeting BCA Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 building code requirements.
Planning Permit & Council Approvals
We prepare and lodge commercial planning permit applications including signage, change of use and car parking dispensations, managing the process through to permit issue including any required referrals.
Construction Documentation
Detailed working drawings, structural coordination, mechanical and hydraulic schematics, and specifications for successful commercial construction — everything your builder and building surveyor needs.
Free Quote — No Obligation
3 quick steps to your free quote
Tap an option or fill in each field — it takes under a minute, and a designer follows up personally within 1 business day.
Step 1 of 3 — tap one to continue
What are you looking to build?
Select the service that best matches your project
Step 2 of 3
Where is the project located?
We'll check council zone and permit requirements for your address
Step 3 of 3 — last one
How do we reach you?
We'll be in touch within 1 business day with a free quote and site assessment
Enquiry received
We'll be in touch shortly. The PD Studio team will review your project and respond within 1 business day with a free quote and site assessment.
FAQ
Common questions about commercial building design and planning in Melbourne
The NCC classifies commercial buildings by use: Class 5 (office buildings), Class 6 (retail shops, restaurants, cafes), Class 7 (car parks and storage), Class 8 (industrial and factory buildings) and Class 9 (public buildings). PD Studio designs to the correct classification and produces compliant documentation.
In most cases, yes. Changing the use of a building or land to a commercial purpose typically requires a planning permit for the change of use, and may also require a buildings and works permit if alterations are proposed.
Applications may require referrals to VicRoads (traffic impact), the EPA (food, chemical or industrial uses), the CFA and servicing authorities. PD Studio identifies all referral requirements upfront to avoid delays mid-process.
Car parking requirements are set by Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions and vary by use type and council. Where the minimum cannot be provided on site, a planning permit may allow a reduction through a car parking demand assessment.
Activity centres are Melbourne's designated commercial nodes. Development within one may be subject to additional built form controls, height limits and design guidelines that override the standard zone provisions.
Yes. Commercial buildings must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and NCC access provisions — accessible paths of travel, compliant toilets, accessible parking and appropriate signage.
Yes. For tenant fitouts within an existing commercial shell, PD Studio prepares a fitout scope covering new partitions, ceiling systems, services rough-in and accessible toilet compliance.
Commercial planning permits typically take 3–6 months from lodgement to decision, depending on complexity, referrals and whether objections are received.