Questions To Ask A Commercial Design Architect

Your commercial design project could be one of the biggest undertakings of your career — so let’s make sure you give it all the consideration it deserves.

At Patuxent Architects, we feel that being thorough is the best way to guarantee the success of your project. That’s why we encourage our clients to ask any questions that they can think of! 

Here are some suggested questions to ask your commercial design architect, listed by type of project:

Starter Questions (for every kind of project)

  • How much experience does your firm have? May I see your portfolio?
  • What does your design process entail and how much will we collaborate?
  • Will your team handle the project budget and cost management, as well as the project timeline and delivery?
  • How do you handle local regulations and site challenges?
  • Will we have constant communication with your team?
  • Is sustainability a focus for your team?
  • What technology (software, etc.) do you use on projects? 

Tenant Fit-Out

  • Can you help make my commercial space work the way I’d like it to?
  • Do you think my business needs a whole new space?
  • Can you help me project a new image for my business?
  • Can you help me bring some “wow” factor to show off my products?
  • What if I need help designing a new commercial kitchen or production area around the equipment I require?
  • Do you know how to deal with industry-specific codes and requirements?
  • Will you help me decide if my space needs to be more efficient, productive, comfortable, safe, secure, and accessible?
  • Can you help me determine if there are any documents to submit to the local agencies for building permits?

Code Analysis/Feasibility

An experienced, licensed design professional knows how to determine what the code requires and how the design/permitting/construction process works. Having a professional to navigate those unexpected and sometimes confusing requirements can simplify and streamline the process for you.

  • Do you have recommendations for improving my commercial space?
  • Will you walk me through figuring out what’s involved and where to begin?
  • Can you help me determine what the code requires?
  • Please describe your understanding of how the design/permitting/construction process works, and what you think we should expect from our project?

Additions/Renovations

Having someone on your team who knows the code requirements and can help you navigate through the permitting process will save you time and money in getting your business up and running in your new space.

  • We’ve outgrown our existing space. Can you help me expand or redesign?
  • Do you need someone to help get your ideas down and organize them to create a design for a new productive workspace?
  • Can you help me design a space that projects the right image for my business?
  • Do you have experience gathering and submitting documents to the local jurisdiction?


New Construction

Our team at Patuxent Architects is experienced in working with groups and committees to determine current and future needs of a facility — and developing a program and budget to bring the vision to completion.

  • Can you help me construct new space for my business?
  • Do you know how to help me determine what the building code requires?
  • Are you experienced in how the design/permitting/construction process works — and can you help guide my project through the process?
  • Can you help me analyze my space to make it more:
    • Efficient
    • Productive
    • Comfortable
    • Safe
    • Secure
    • Accessible
    • Energy-efficient
  • Do you handle construction documents to submit to the local jurisdiction for building permits?

For more information on our Commercial Design Services, visit our website.

To get started, please complete and submit the Consultation Request form. We’ll contact you to schedule an appointment — and answer all your questions!

Posted in Commerical.