We Specialise in
Commercial Interior Design & Fitout Expertise
Commercial Interiors
24 Years of Design Experience
Architecture
QBCC Licenced & Qualified (Queensland Building & Construction Commission)
Planning
Proven Track Record of Successful Projects
Delivering meticulous designs that exceed expectations
Most Recent Projects
Align beautiful, functional design with project objectives
QBCC-Licensed Commercial Interior Design & Fitout Expertise
Delivering intelligent, high-performing commercial spaces through 24 years of architectural expertise, rigorous planning, and a structured design methodology that eliminates risk and elevates brand experience.
Leithal Designs is a boutique commercial interior architecture and design consultancy shaping workplaces, retail environments, hospitality venues, and healthcare spaces across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Australia.
For 24 years, our team — led by QBCC-licensed Commercial Building Designer Sonia Leith — has delivered bespoke commercial fitouts grounded in design intelligence, spatial performance, and seamless project execution.
We Specialise in Bespoke Commercial Designs for your Industry
We partner with builders, engineers, and contractors, so you can rest assured that we will deliver professional solutions that add value at every stage of your project.
Luxury Interior Design
Your commercial space shapes how people feel, work, engage, and experience your brand.
Your retail space should do more than just look impressive—it should leave a lasting impression.
Medical and Wellness Design
Investing in a well-designed medical clinic ensures smooth operations, compliance, and superior patient care.
Hospitality & Food Service Fitouts
We design front- and back-of-house environments that support service efficiency.
Our workplaces are crafted to support the way modern teams collaborate and concentrate.
Commercial Architecture & Space Planning
We develop spatial strategies, internal layouts, and architectural solutions designed to support operational needs and enhance usability.
Our
Philosophy:
Design for performance
Not Just Aesthetics
Every project begins with people — the business, the brand, the staff who use the space, and the customers or clients who experience it. Our commercial philosophy is built on six core principles:
Purpose Before Aesthetics
We Don’t Make Assumptions
Our Process Removes Risk
We Choose Collaboration Over Dictation
Our Design Stands the Test of Time
Client Experience Drives the Final Result
Design must solve problems, streamline movement, support operations, and enhance performance. A beautiful space is only successful when it works beautifully. Projects go over time and budget because clients skip the research phase.
We help clients avoid this mistake by conducting thorough feasibility, needs analysis, and spatial testing before committing to design decisions.
Our structured methodology — Brief → Questions → Create → Review → Deliver — keeps every element aligned, from concept to construction. Our goal is to make the journey smooth, transparent, and free of overwhelm, guided by communication, structure, and genuine partnership.
Our Designs incorporate
Sustainability As Standard
Where possible, our designs incorporate:
- Low-energy lighting and mechanical selections
- Sustainable materials
- Climate-responsive choices
- Longevity-first design logic
Structured Tender Process (Three-Builder System)
Every commercial project benefits from our tender administration, obtaining proposals from three vetted builders to ensure competitive pricing and clear comparison. This process is designed to eliminate uncertainty and provide clients with transparent, value-driven outcomes.
Clear, Collaborative, and Transparent Methodology
From briefing to delivery, our process emphasises clarity. We identify what matters, address constraints early, present multiple scenarios, and guide clients through each decision with complete transparency. Commercial clients appreciate a process that removes guesswork and reduces risk.
Communication That Fits You
Whether you prefer quick SMS updates, a weekly call, or a detailed email report, we adapt to how you like to work.
We listen, we explain, and we make sure you understand the “why” behind every decision.
Because when you’re informed, you’re empowered — and that’s how lasting partnerships are built.
Advanced 3D Visualisation & Technical Documentation
Precise documentation and 3D modelling allow all stakeholders — from executives to builders — to understand the design intent entirely. This reduces errors, accelerates approvals, and ensures the final result matches the vision.
Insurance for Large-Scale Commercial Projects
With coverage up to $20 million, Leithal Designs is equipped to undertake government and high-value commercial projects with confidence and full accountability.
Why Choose Leithal Designs?
With over two decades of experience working on office, retail, hospitality, government, healthcare, and corporate projects, Leithal Designs brings both breadth and depth of expertise. Our history includes projects for ASX-listed organisations, major government agencies, and high-profile Queensland businesses — each approached with the same structured, detailed, and collaborative methodology.
Commercial clients cannot risk compliance misalignment. As a licensed commercial building designer, our work adheres to Queensland’s building standards, ensuring your space meets regulatory, safety, and durability requirements. This licensing is a core differentiator and a vital trust signal for commercial clients.
We design onlycommercial spaces. This narrow focus allows us to specialise deeply in the requirements, workflows, regulations, and challenges of commercial projects — whether it’s a busy medical clinic, sophisticated corporate office, or high-functioning hospitality venue. We are not decorators. We are architectural-level commercial designers.
We work with a
diverse range of clients.
Best Design Health
Services Over $500K
Leithal Designs was engaged to deliver a highly resolved, wellness-driven interior for Proud Smile Dental Clinic – located in the bustling Hope Island Marketplace. The brief was clear: deliver a space that transcends traditional dental environments by crafting a warm, inviting, and elegant setting that prioritises both patient experience and operational excellence.
What Past Clients Say
Experience the Leithal Designs difference through the eyes of our distinguished clientele. Their endorsements speak to a bespoke process defined by flawless execution and uncompromising design excellence.
Latest Commercial Interior Design Insights & Trends
Adapting to the New Normal: Hybrid Workspaces
Welcome to the era of flexible workplaces, where companies are embracing adaptability to meet the evolving needs of their workforce.
The Estate Lawyers – Social Media Post
Branding and Aesthetics Finally, you should consider the branding of
Proud Smiles – Social Media Post
Branding and Aesthetics Finally, you should consider the branding of
Infinity Group Australia – Social Media Post
Branding and Aesthetics Finally, you should consider the branding of
Harcourts – Social Media Post
Branding and Aesthetics Finally, you should consider the branding of
Energetics – Social Media Post
Branding and Aesthetics Finally, you should consider the branding of
Café Two 14 – Westfield Chermside, Brisbane QLD
From the first conversation, it was clear that Café Two
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire an interior designer?
An experienced interior designer will guide you to getting the best value for your money. They know what works and what doesn’t and can save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.
An interior designer can also be a great project manager, keeping track of all the moving parts of a project and making sure everything stays on schedule. And with years of experience in the industry, an interior designer is likely to have helpful insights about what will and won’t work in your space. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of your project, hiring an interior designer may be the best decision you ever make.
What does an Interior Designer do?
An interior designer is someone who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of a space, usually within a building. They are responsible for creating functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet a client’s needs.
They must be able to think creatively and critically and have excellent time-management skills. They know how to keep a project on track, on time, and on budget. They work with clients every day who have different needs and expectations, so they know how to handle the unexpected issues that inevitably arise during the build phase.
How do I choose the right designer for me?
When choosing a designer, it’s important to consider the experience of the designer and how well their style aligns with your own. It’s also important to do your research and read reviews to get an idea of what other clients have said about the designer’s work.
Ultimately, you’ll want to find a designer who you feel comfortable working with and someone who will be responsive to your needs. It’s important to have a good relationship with your designer, as they will be helping to bring your vision to life. So, take the time to find someone who is a good fit for you and your project.
Do you offer free consultations?
We offer a short introductory call to understand your project, timeframes, and goals. For clients ready to move deeper, we offer a Feasibility Call which outlines budget expectations, potential roadblocks, compliance requirements, and the clarity needed before entering the design phase. This step may help avoid costly assumptions and sets the foundation for a smooth project.
What information do you need from me to get started?
To begin the process, we ask for:
• Your goals and desired outcomes
• The size and location of your tenancy or building
• Any site plans, building drawings, or existing measurements
• Your preferred timeline and budget boundaries
• Functional requirements (e.g., number of workstations, treatment rooms, customer flow)
• Any brand guidelines, inspiration images, or must-have features
If you’re unsure about any of these, we guide you through each step with a simple briefing and discovery process.
How do you collaborate with clients to determine design needs?
Our process is transparent, structured, and deeply collaborative. We begin with a detailed briefing session to understand your vision, user needs, operational processes, and any constraints. We also review how staff, customers, or patients will move through the space.
We combine your goals with industry understanding, 3D modelling, material samples, and concept presentations so you have complete clarity before moving forward. We welcome feedback throughout each stage to ensure the final outcome aligns with your objectives.
How much should I budget for a commercial fitout or interior design project?
Fitout costs may vary significantly depending on tenancy size, complexity, sector regulations, finishes, services, and construction scope.
Our Planning Pack’s estimator outlines general m² cost ranges for commercial and retail fitouts and highlights that designer fees generally sit around 10% of the final construction cost. To ensure accuracy, we always perform a Needs & Options Review to determine whether your vision aligns with budget expectations before design begins.
How do you ensure the project stays on schedule and aligns with the approved budget?
Our structured process includes staged reviews, documentation milestones, and regular communication with all consultants and builders involved. We prepare highly detailed drawings to eliminate ambiguity, which reduces variations during construction. When tendering, we coordinate competitive pricing from at least three builders so you receive accurate figures before committing.
What is your design process?
Our methodology aligns with the structured design stages outlined in our Planning Pack:
- Research— Gathering ideas, constraints, site information, and project vision
- Analysis— Needs & Options Review to remove assumptions and identify risks
- Design— Concept creation, space planning, 3D visuals, finishes
- Drawings— Technical documentation for builders and approvals
- Tender— Coordinating quotes from multiple builders
- Build— Consulting, site meetings, and ensuring design intent is delivered
This sequence supports clarity, accuracy, and a predictable project experience.
Do you handle project management during construction?
We attend site meetings, resolve queries, and support the builder to ensure design intent is achieved accurately. While the builder manages onsite trades, our role is to protect the quality, detail, and vision of the design.