Interior Architecture, Commercial Fit-Outs & Bespoke Design Services

Designing a new workplace, hospitality venue, retail store, clinic, or bespoke commercial space is an exciting milestone — but it may also feel complex without the right guidance. This FAQ page brings together the most common questions we receive at Leithal Designs so you know exactly what to expect when partnering with us.

With over two decades of experience across office fitouts, medical and wellness clinics, hospitality venues, government spaces, and architectural projects, our role is to bring clarity, structure, and confidence to every stage. If your question isn’t answered below, you’re always welcome to contact our team directly. 

Understanding Interior Design & Fit-Out Services

What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer’s role extends far beyond styling or decoration. At Leithal Designs, we focus on the architectural and functional aspects of commercial fitouts, reshaping how a space works, feels, and performs. This includes space planning, building codes, compliance, workflow design, technical documentation, material and finish selections, lighting design, and coordination with builders and consultants.

We ensure every detail — from the layout and ergonomics to acoustic performance and operational flow — is thoughtfully considered. Our team manages concept design, modelling, documentation, consultant coordination, and tendering, acting as your project advocate throughout the journey.

Why hire an interior designer for a commercial project?

Hiring a commercial interior designer may reduce cost blowouts, improve operational efficiency, and create an environment that elevates the brand experience. Whether you’re fitting out an office, clinic, hospitality venue, or retail store, the cost of a poorly planned layout may far outweigh the investment in professional design.

A designer brings technical knowledge, industry insight, supplier networks, and construction understanding that help create a space that is functional, compliant, and visually compelling. With a structured methodology and thorough planning, we minimise risks and help your project move forward with confidence.

How do I choose the right designer for my project?

Selecting the right designer comes down to experience, communication style, design approach, and the level of guidance you need.

Look for: 

  • Experience in your industry (e.g., medical, workplace, retail, hospitality, government)
  • Proven process and strong documentation
  • Ability to manage tendering and coordinate consultants
  • Clear communication and collaborative working style
  • A portfolio that aligns with your aesthetic and functional goals
 

At Leithal Designs, our process begins with understanding your needs, evaluating project constraints, and determining feasibility before any design work starts. This ensures the right decisions are made early, saving time and cost later.

Getting Started With 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.

Budget, Timelines & Expectations

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.

If my budget, timeframe, or scope is unrealistic, will you tell me?

Yes — one of our core values is providing clear, honest guidance. If a project’s scope, timeline, or budget is unworkable, we will outline the risks and recommend adjustments early. This ensures you avoid costly missteps and enter the design phase with full confidence.

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.

The Design & Build Process

What is your design process? ​

Our methodology aligns with the structured design stages outlined in our Planning Pack:

  1. Research — Gathering ideas, constraints, site information, and project vision
  2. Analysis — Needs & Options Review to remove assumptions and identify risks
  3. Design — Concept creation, space planning, 3D visuals, finishes
  4. Drawings — Technical documentation for builders and approvals
  5. Tender — Coordinating quotes from multiple builders
  6. Build — Consulting, site meetings, and ensuring design intent is delivered

This sequence supports clarity, accuracy, and a predictable project experience.

What is your experience with building codes and compliance for commercial spaces?​

With over two decades of experience and extensive work across medical, wellness, hospitality, government and workplace sectors, we understand the intricate requirements of each industry.

This includes accessibility standards, acoustic requirements, fire regulations, change-of-use considerations, tenancy requirements, health regulations, and national codes.
We work closely with certifiers, engineers, acoustic consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure your design is fully compliant before it enters the build phase. 

How do you collaborate with other professionals like builders, architects, and engineers?

We act as the conductor of your project team. Our role includes coordinating builders, engineers, certifiers, consultants and trades to ensure design intent is understood and executed correctly.

Through our tender administration process, we obtain comparable pricing from three builders, provide structured documentation, and manage communication so you don’t need to juggle multiple stakeholders. Throughout construction, we attend site visits, resolve issues, and maintain high-quality standards.

Can you work with my existing furniture, layout, or design elements?

Yes — where it makes sense. While many commercial and clinical spaces benefit from a full redesign, we often integrate existing furniture, equipment, or fixtures if they support workflow, brand presence, and compliance. During the briefing stage, we review your current pieces and determine whether they align with the new concept or require replacement.

Commercial, Retail, Hospitality & Clinic-Specific FAQs

Do you design medical clinics, wellness spaces, or health facilities?

Yes — we have completed extensive work across dental, physiotherapy, wellness, and health clinic environments. These projects require specialised knowledge in infection control, acoustics, privacy, zoning, accessibility, and equipment integration. Our experience in this field ensures your clinic is both compliant and patient-centred.

Do you work with hospitality, retail, and customer-facing businesses?

Absolutely. We design restaurants, cafés, bars, retail stores, and customer service environments with a strong focus on operational flow, branding, atmosphere, and customer experience. Our work considers back-of-house needs, staff movement, kitchen workflows, and spatial flow to ensure the space supports both function and beauty.

Can you help with workplace strategy for office fitouts?

Yes — we assess team size, collaboration styles, privacy needs, acoustic performance, technology integration, and brand identity. This allows us to design workplaces that support productivity, wellbeing, and flexibility. 

During and After the Design Process

What happens if I want to make changes to the design? ​

We welcome changes during early concept and development stages. These revisions help refine the design and ensure it aligns with your goals. Once documentation progresses into technical drawings, changes may impact costs and timing — so we provide guidance on when and how adjustments may be made efficiently.

What if I don’t like the final design?

Our structured process is designed to avoid this outcome. Through iterative reviews, open communication, and detailed presentations, you remain involved at every step. We present options, alternatives, and visual models so you can make informed decisions long before documentation and tendering occur.

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.

What are the benefits of hiring a commercial interior designer?

A commercial designer may help you:

  • Avoid costly mistakes and rework
  • Improve staff productivity and workflow
  • Create a strong customer, patient, or client experience
  • Support brand positioning
  • Increase long-term asset value
  • Ensure compliance and efficient use of space
  • Coordinate complex teams and processes

By combining creativity, technical expertise, and proactive project management, we bring certainty and clarity to your investment.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. If you’d like tailored guidance for your project, contact our team and we’ll walk you through the next steps with clarity and confidence.

Contact Us