Designing Better Commercial Spaces
How your space works is a business decision. We treat it like one.
Why a commercial site?
A commercial project is not just an architectural exercise; it is a capital decision with a return
Commercial space shapes how people work, how clients perceive you, and how efficiently your business operates. A poorly designed office or restaurants creates friction every day, in movement, in acoustics, in the signal it sends to the customers and users. A well-designed one does the opposite.
We work with businesses, landlords, institutions and hospitality operators on commercial projects ranging from office fit-outs and refurbishments to change of use, new-build commercial premises and mixed-use development. We bring the same design rigour to commercial work that we apply to residential. We pay special attention to programme, budget certainty and the practical realities of carrying out the alterations.
Recent projects
What we have built
How we work
From initial inquiry to finished scheme - Six clear stages
For all new business enquiries, we begin with a free one hour consultation. If possible, before you contact us please draw up a brief (a wish-list for the project). We can see your project through the whole process from planning to construction completion or limit services to the initial stages. How much or little you commission is up to you.
01
Consultation [FREE]
We visit your home or have a virtual meeting to assess feasibility, discuss your ideas and give you an honest picture of what is achievable and at what potential cost.
02
Measured Survey & Concept Feasibility
We carry out a detailed measured survey of your property. This is the foundation for all design and planning work. We produce architectural drawings, design options (based on your design ideas) and highlight problems that need solving. We can also provide an approximate project cost estimate based on previous completed projects.
03
Planning Submisison
We revise the architectural drawings and submit your Planning Application or Permitted Development Notification. We prepare all supporting information and advise if specialist consultant reports are required.
04
Final Design & Detailed Design
We finalise the design materials, finishes, appliances and fittings, along with electrical layouts. We help you to appoint a structural engineer, along with any other specialist consultants, such as Party Wall surveyors etc. We prepare detail design drawings and co-ordinate with the structural design and any other consultants appointed. We check the detailed design for compliance with building regulations.
05
Tender & Construction
We help you select a contractor, review quotes and set up a fair, transparent building contract. We administer the contact, inspect the works on site, and are available throughout the build. We keep a track of cost and can check payments due to the builder.
06
Handover & Close Out
We inspect and value the works to certify Practical Completion at handover. We then stay in touch through 6 month defects period and carry out a final inspection to certify the last payment, protecting your interests to the very end.
Client Testimonials
What our clients say
★★★★★
“I have worked with MTA on a number of development schemes, over 10 years & we have a 100% record of achieving planning with them - Michael is well liked and respected by the planning officers, primarily down to his insistence on quality design and materials, plus importantly knowing when to compromise. His developments are ones people really want to live in….and they stand the test of time.”
Tom Sherwood, Sherwood Street Ltd
★★★★★
“I have used MTA for several design and build projects and they were excellent from start to finish. They are not a large practice so it is a very personal service & nothing is too much for Michael and the team.
I would recommend them from a simple loft conversion or kitchen extension to a complete renovation project and they are very competent with liaising with the planners and managing the construction project. They are also very fair with their fees structure and their work represents great value for money having tried out a few other inferior practices and architects before.”
George Macari
★★★★★
“I have been working along with MTA on various projects for the last 6 years. Great architects with experience and knowledge of different types of projects and contract types. Clear specifications and architectural drawings provide exact information to get you through project stages to final completion. I would not hesitate to recommend MTA Architecture & Design.”
Lukasz Muszynski, Site Manager, MONO LTD
Common questions
What people ask us most
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We work on office fit-outs and refurbishments, restaurants, retail and hospitality interiors, change of use from commercial to residential (and vice versa), light industrial conversions, and mixed-use new-build schemes. If you are unsure whether your project falls within our scope, contact us.
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Internal fit-outs within the same use class generally do not require planning permission. However, change of use, external alterations, signage, and works to listed buildings all require consent. Permitted Development rights for commercial-to-residential conversion have expanded significantly in recent years and we advise on these opportunities regularly.
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Carefully and with a detailed phasing plan agreed before works begin. We have extensive experience delivering projects in occupied offices, operational hospitality venues and tenanted buildings. Programme certainty and minimising disruption to the business are built into the brief from day one.
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Yes but be aware of changing market forces. We establish a realistic budget at the feasibility stage, design to it, and manage the tender process to ensure contractor quotes are competitive and the contract is structured to protect you against cost overrun.
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A straightforward office or retail refurbishment can move from instruction to completion in 4-6 months. More complex projects involving planning, structural works or change of use typically take 9-18 months. We give you a programme at the outset and update it at every stage.