Commercial Achitecture by Leithal Designs

Where Luxury, Strategy, and Build-Ready Precision Converge

Luxury commercial architecture is not created through chance. It is achieved through a disciplined design methodology that blends creativity with compliance, aesthetics with operational logic, and ambition with construction intelligence. At Leithal Designs, our architectural approach brings clarity, certainty, and elevated design to every commercial project—shaping spaces that perform as beautifully as they look.

From multi-level workplace environments to premium retail fitouts, hospitality venues, medical spaces, and government facilities, we specialise in crafting high-end commercial spaces that align with long-term business goals, user needs, and the realities of construction.

With more than two decades of experience in complex commercial environments (and a values-based process designed to mitigate risk) our firm is known for delivering luxury outcomes through rigour, technical depth, and an unwavering commitment to detail. 

A Story Grounded in Commercial Expertise

Leithal Designs was founded by Sonia Leith, a deeply experienced commercial designer and QBCC-licensed Commercial Building Designer, with a background spanning high-level architectural projects across Australia and New Zealand.

Before establishing the studio, Sonia spent years working within multidisciplinary commercial environments, contributing to:

  • Complex hospital upgrades
  • Multi-storey commercial buildings
  • Government service centres
  • Premium workplace refurbishments
  • Retail precinct developments
  • Commercial hospitality venues
  • Large-scale private sector fitouts

Our Mission

To Create Intelligent, Beautiful, and Build-Ready Commercial Environments

Our mission is to lead South-East Queensland in luxury commercial architecture by combining design excellence with strategic, technically sound project delivery.

We achieve this through:

We do not design for today—we design for the long life of your commercial space.

Our Values

To Create Intelligent, Beautiful, and Build-Ready Commercial Environments

1. High Standards as a Non-Negotiable Foundation

Luxury commercial environments must withstand significant use while still presenting at a premium level. Our obsession with detail—materiality, joinery lines, functional flow, acoustics, circulation, and lighting—elevates ordinary workplaces and retail spaces into refined, enduring environments.

2. Experience That Reduces Risk

With two decades of commercial architectural experience, our founder’s knowledge of building codes, sequencing, consultants, and approvals is a key reason our projects run smoothly. Our process is designed to eliminate assumptions early, protecting investments from the most common sources of cost escalation.

3. SEQ-Specific Knowledge

Brisbane and the Gold Coast demand climate-appropriate design, local compliance insight, and trusted relationships with builders and consultants. This regional expertise may significantly reduce risk and streamline the approval and construction process.

4. Sustainability as a Marker of Modern Luxury

Today’s luxury commercial clients value smart, sustainable environments that support wellness, efficiency, and long-term durability. Our approach includes:

  • Low-energy design principles
  • Climate-responsive materials
  • Biophilic integration
  • Wellness-enhancing spatial strategies
  • High-performance acoustic and lighting solutions
Sustainability is not a “nice to have”—it is an expectation of premium commercial tenants and consumers.

5. Transparency and Collaboration

Our values-based approach ensures clear communication, structured decision-making, and alignment across stakeholders—including builders, consultants, and certifiers.

Our Commercial Architecture Methodology

A Six-Phase Process Designed to Protect Your Investment

Luxury outcomes require predictable processes. Our architectural framework—from feasibility to construction advisory—is structured to eliminate guesswork and ensure the design intent carries through to completion.

1. Feasibility & Research

We assess site conditions, regulatory constraints, operational needs, and budget expectations to determine the viability of your vision.

2. Conceptual Architecture & Spatial Planning

We craft spatial strategies, circulation flows, zoning, and early design language that align with business goals and brand identity.

3. Detailed Architectural Documentation

Build-ready drawings, schedules, specifications, materiality, and compliance documentation are produced for accurate pricing, construction clarity, and approval success.

4. Planning Approvals & Development Applications

We prepare and coordinate material required for DAs, working with certifiers and consultants to align submissions with local requirements.

5. Construction Certificate (CC) Support

We assist with CC documentation to ensure efficient approvals and minimise hold-ups.

6. Tender & Builder Coordination

We oversee a three-builder tender strategy—ensuring competitive pricing, clarity, and alignment between design, budget, and construction capability.

What Makes Our Commercial Architecture Different?

Where Vision, Strategy, and Technical Mastery Meet

Architectural + Interior Integration

We unite architecture and interior design seamlessly, delivering spaces that balance structural integrity with emotional impact and refined experience.

Founder-Led Technical Oversight

Every major architectural decision is shaped or reviewed directly by our QBCC-licensed Principal Designer, ensuring accuracy across compliance, sequencing, and buildability.

Premium & Long-Lasting Materiality

Luxury commercial clients expect more than aesthetic appeal—they expect materials that endure high use, maintain prestige, and complement the identity of the brand. We source materials that are robust, sustainable, and timeless.

Trusted by Queensland’s Leading Organisations

Our portfolio includes:

  • Infinity Group Australia
  • Harcourts
  • Hearing Australia
  • Target Physio
  • Australian Choice Exports
  • Federal & State Government Departments

Their testimonials highlight our communication, attention to detail, and professionalism—key markers of trust in commercial architecture.

Impact & Results

Commercial Architecture That Enhances Performance, Brand, and Experience

Our architectural work supports environments where:

  • Staff wellbeing and productivity increase
  • Customers engage more deeply with the brand
  • Processes become more efficient through intelligent spatial design
  • Acoustics, lighting, and circulation perfectly support commercial operation
  • Materials remain resilient and refined, even under heavy use
  • Businesses express their identity with clarity and confidence

A Commercial Architecture Partner You Can Trust

Your commercial project is a long-term investment.

Our role is to protect it—through clarity, architectural discipline, and uncompromising attention to detail.
If you’re planning a new commercial build, refurbishment, expansion, or multi-tenancy project in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, our team may guide you through every stage with confidence and care.