Find the right approach for your building type

The purpose of a building determines its layout, service needs, maintenance demands, and approval process. Use these categories to frame a project brief rather than choosing a design on appearance alone.

This guide covers building and property categories. Images are design inspiration, not verified completed projects or properties offered for sale.

Residential buildings and villas

Begin with the people who live in the home and the activities each space must support. Consider privacy between bedrooms and shared areas, storage near the places it is used, and access for occupants whose needs may change over time. Villas can add outdoor circulation, guest accommodation, and landscape maintenance to the brief.

Map daily routes between entry, kitchen, living areas, and bedrooms.
Discuss daylight, ventilation, shading, and noise with the designer.
Record wet-area requirements and the accessibility needs of occupants.

Commercial buildings

Retail, offices, and other commercial spaces must serve staff and visitors without obstructing deliveries or maintenance. Record occupancy expectations and operating hours early. A refurbishment in an occupied building needs a sequence that manages noise, dust, temporary access, and interruptions to services.

Hotels and hospitality spaces

Hotels combine guest rooms, shared facilities, service routes, and intensive cleaning routines. Balance guest privacy with the movement of staff, linen, supplies, and maintenance teams. Specify finishes that can be repaired or replaced without unnecessarily closing adjacent areas.

Public-use and recreation buildings

Public facilities and recreation projects require careful consideration of access, crowd movement, inspection, and emergency arrangements. Relevant specialists should confirm the requirements for the intended use and location. A general floor plan is not sufficient evidence of compliance.

Questions to include in every project brief

Decision	What to record
Users	Expected occupants, visitors, staff, and accessibility needs.
Operations	Opening hours, deliveries, cleaning, and maintenance access.
Site	Existing structures, utilities, drainage, access, and constraints.
Scope	Essential rooms, optional features, work included, and work excluded.

Next, turn the brief into a realistic scope with the planning and budget guide.