Adapt or Extend Existing Premises
Review how the building could accommodate your business, including changes to the layout, additional space and external alterations.
Commercial Development
Design Commercial Space Around Your Business
Architectural design and planning consultancy for businesses, landowners and commercial property projects.
From changing the use of existing premises to extending commercial space or developing a new building, Planning By Design helps you translate operational requirements into a considered proposal. Change of use is a key part of our commercial work, helping businesses adapt premises for a different purpose. We connect architectural design with planning advice so that layout, appearance and the intended use are considered together.
What Are You Planning?
Develop a New Commercial Site
Explore the site arrangement, building form, access and servicing requirements before committing to a detailed design.
Architectural Expertise
Design support shaped around your brief.
Planning + Design
Architects and town planners working together.
UK Projects
Advice tailored to the site and local context.
Clear Scope
Know the services included in your quotation.
Commercial Development Sectors
Our commercial consultancy covers a broad range of buildings, sites and uses.
- Business & E-Commerce
- Industrial
- Aviation
- Education
- Energy
- Hotels
- Infrastructure
- Mixed Use
- Logistics
- Public Sector
- Retail
- Sports
- Storage or Distribution
- Student Accommodation
- Tourism
Share your project brief so we can define the design and planning support required, including any sector-specific specialist input.
Start With How the Premises Need to Work
People and Activities
Describe who will use the building, the activities it must accommodate and the spaces needed for staff, customers or visitors.
Access and Operations
Consider arrivals, deliveries, circulation, parking and servicing as part of the initial brief.
Site and Surroundings
Understand the relationship with neighbouring uses, the street and any site constraints before fixing the design.
Commercial Architectural Design Services
Plans, Elevations & Site Layouts
Drawings showing the existing premises and proposed development, prepared for the purpose and level of detail agreed in your quotation.
3D Design Views
Explore scale, form and the relationship between spaces. Optional visualisations can help you and other stakeholders understand the proposal.
BIM Modelling
Where appropriate, use a digital model to develop the design and support coordination between the project team.
Design Review & Refinement
Discuss the proposal with our team and refine the design within the agreed revision scope before moving to the next stage.
Check the Planning Position Early
Planning Appraisal
Assess planning history, relevant policy and the main constraints before committing to further design work or a property decision.
Commercial Planning Applications
Where an application is needed, coordinate the drawings, supporting statements and application management within the agreed service.
The existing lawful use, proposed activities and building alterations all matter. We assess the appropriate route rather than assuming that a new business can operate from any available premises. Planning systems differ across the UK.
Planning Appraisal effectively becomes FREE if you proceed with any further Planning By Design service.
The appraisal fee is deducted from your quote/invoice, including if you proceed with drawings only.
How Our Commercial Development Service Works
Share the Business Brief
Send the site address, photographs, available plans and your operational requirements. Tell us about your budget, lease or purchase timetable and proposed opening date.
Assess the Opportunity
Discuss the planning position, site constraints and information needed to establish a realistic scope.
Develop the Design
Prepare the agreed layouts and drawings, coordinating the architectural proposal with the planning strategy.
Review & Prepare
Refine the design with you and identify the supporting documents and specialist input needed for the next stage.
Progress the Application
Where commissioned, prepare and manage the application, then discuss technical design and other requirements before construction or occupation.
Commercial Design Timescales & Costs
How Long Will It Take?
Allow four weeks or more to prepare a submission; complex projects, surveys and specialist reports may require longer. Council assessment is a separate stage. In England, standard planning applications normally have an eight-week decision period after validation, or thirteen weeks for major development, with exceptions and possible extensions. Discuss any opening or lease deadline at the outset.
How Much Will It Cost?
Fees depend on the site, drawing stages, modelling requirements and planning support. Our Cost Calculator is a starting point for a tailored quotation. Confirm which surveys, reports and application fees are separate. Our Price Match Guarantee applies to genuine like-for-like quotations.
Prepare for the Technical Stage
Building Regulations
Discuss the technical drawings, specifications and approval requirements appropriate to the building and intended use.
Structural Engineering
Coordinate structural calculations and details where the proposal involves new structures or changes to the existing building.
Planning approval does not cover every requirement for construction or operation. Confirm the necessary technical design, licences, landlord consents and specialist advice for your project. Construction management and site supervision are separate appointments unless expressly included.
Commercial Project: A New Wellness Centre
Approved Full Planning Permission
The client approached Planning By Design to change the use of existing premises to a wellness centre. A planning appraisal identified the need for a full application.
Our team prepared the architectural drawings, Planning, Design and Access Statement and Heritage Impact Statement. Planning permission was approved.
Why Choose Planning By Design?
Your Business Brief
The proposal starts with the activities, people and practical requirements the premises must accommodate.
Design and Planning Together
Architectural decisions can be informed by planning advice throughout the agreed design stage.
Clear Communication
Review the drawings and understand the proposal before progressing.
Defined Scope
Know which drawings, revisions, applications and specialist services are included.
Relevant Project Experience
Explore real commercial projects and their supporting drawings in our portfolio.
Realistic Advice
We identify risks and options without guaranteeing permission, investment returns or an opening date.
Commercial Development FAQs
What is commercial development?
It includes creating, adapting or extending premises used for business and other non-residential activities. Projects can range from changes to an existing unit to a new commercial building.
What does a commercial development consultant do?
Our role focuses on architectural design and planning: understanding the brief, assessing planning matters, preparing the agreed design information and supporting the application process where commissioned.
Can you help before I sign a lease or buy premises?
Yes. A Planning Appraisal can help identify planning risks and the likely route. It does not replace a survey, legal advice or a financial assessment of the transaction.
Do you design changes to existing commercial buildings?
Yes. Send the existing plans and explain the alterations or additional space you need so we can define the appropriate design work.
Does a change of use always need planning permission?
The answer depends on the location, lawful existing use, proposed use and any applicable restrictions. Building alterations and other approvals must also be considered.
Can you prepare drawings and a planning statement?
Yes. Architectural drawings and planning statements can be commissioned together. The quotation identifies the deliverables and application services included.
Will I receive 3D drawings?
3D views, renders or BIM models can be included where appropriate and agreed. Not every project requires the same level of visualisation.
Are Building Regulations included?
Only if stated in the quotation. Planning drawings and technical drawings serve different purposes; confirm the information required before construction.
Can you guarantee the opening date?
No. Design revisions, authority decisions, technical work and construction can affect the programme. Tell us about your deadline so we can discuss the planning and design stages realistically.
What do you need for a quotation?
The site address, a description of the proposed use and works, available drawings or surveys, photographs and relevant council correspondence.
Related Commercial Services
Latest News & FAQs
Planning updates, guidance and answers from Planning By Design.
Let’s Discuss Your Commercial Project
Tell us about the premises, the business needs and the changes you want to make. We will help you identify the next design and planning steps.
