A retail architect designs and supervises the construction or renovation of commercial real estate, considering both staff and customer needs. They aim to maximize sales and productivity while creating a unique visual identity. Retail architecture has experienced phases of decline and growth, and architects may work with other professionals on multi-purpose facilities. Education requirements include a bachelor’s and graduate degree from an accredited architecture school, and licensure may be required. Strong mathematical and physical skills are essential.
A retail architect is a professional who designs and often also supervises the construction or renovation of commercial real estate. There are many different possibilities for people with this experience. Some design shopping malls and grocery stores, while others plan standalone store renovations and expansions; some are responsible for entire retail complexes and developments, although they may also be hired by conglomerates to design stores and window displays in locations around the world. Like any architect, these people are generally trained in building design and engineering first and foremost. The retail aspect of their work usually requires consideration of specific use as well, however, particularly with regard to clientele, and architects often spend as much time planning staff efficiency as working to maximize ease of use for customers. In this sense their work is often twofold: a solid structure plus maximized sales and usable store space. Architects usually work closely with planners and construction personnel before the space is finished.
Basic job responsibilities
In general, an architect is a person who designs buildings or other structures for human habitation or occupation. A specifically retail architect is someone who specializes in the design or redesign of buildings or spaces within buildings for commercial purposes. Some retail-focused professionals also design the exterior and surrounding features of buildings, such as parking lots.
During design and construction, the architect’s main goals are usually affordability and productivity. He or she must design with two groups in mind: staff and customers. These two groups of people use the same space at the same time, but for different purposes. Their needs, preferences and attitudes about that space can differ greatly.
Planning for multiple uses and purposes
For clients, the architect considers how to use the space in a way that maximizes sales. He or she may consider factors such as flow and accessibility. For example, a customer shopping at an airport with luggage has different needs than a customer at a jewelry kiosk in a mall. Comfort, ease of access, and visibility are also considerations.
It is also important that the space is designed so that staff can perform their duties efficiently. In warehouse-style operations, for example, if the architect does not space aisles far enough, forklifts may not be able to enter to store materials. This will result in excessive and inefficient use of manpower. Specific circumstances also need to be taken into account. Industry specifics can also be decisive. Staff in industries such as grocery sales need temperature-controlled environments, while those in department stores often require immense storage and storage space. The architect must consider such details and must know the industries served well enough to anticipate both major and minor needs.
Create an identity
Retail focused architects can also help a business establish a visual identity by using unique materials to design a retail space, such as adding hardwood floors where tile is normally used. Some professionals offer stores themes that take advantage of the company’s specialty. Others use colors in significant places, such as the roof, so people can readily identify the location of a particular store.
Trends and opportunities for creativity
Retail architecture, like other industries, has gone through a number of phases. In the 1990s, for example, professionals in the United States experienced a decline in demand for their services due to the popularity of simple box-building projects. Since the new millennium, architects are finding a renewed market base as more companies attempt to develop meaningful visual identities. This provides the opportunity for creativity and market growth in many places around the world.
Related design and construction work
A retail architect is sometimes included in teams with other professionals involved in the design and construction industry. The architect can often be an asset in securing bids and contracts for multi-purpose facilities, such as airports and urban food and retail precincts. Clients of multi-purpose facilities often want to know that there is someone who specializes in commercial architecture so that the spaces allocated for those purposes are used to their full potential.
Start in the field
This job generally has the same educational requirements as any other architecture job. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree or certificate from an accredited architecture school. Licensure can vary by jurisdiction, but professionals often must pass an exam before they can be certified to begin designing buildings of any kind. The discipline is often complex, with professionals having to focus not only on aesthetics but also engineering. Therefore, strong mathematical and physical skills are usually essential.
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