FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCESS OF FITOUT DESIGN IN PERTH
1. I’ve signed a commercial lease in Perth — what should I do next?
After signing a lease in Perth, the next step is not construction, it is planning and compliance.
Before engaging a builder, you need:
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A compliant layout, considering relevant regulations to your industry/ tenancy.
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Fit-out design and ready for quotation and construction plans.
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Clarity on approvals under WA regulations and building codes.
As a commercial interior design studio, we ensure your space can efficiently be built before quotes are sought. This helps avoid delays and unnecessary additional costs.
2. Do I need a builder first, or a designer in Perth?
In Perth, you almost always need an interior designer first.
Builders require approved or approval-ready drawings to price accurately. Without them:
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Quotes are vague and inaccurate.
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Compliance risks are missed, and councils or certifiers may reject layouts brought forward.
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Costs often escalate mid-build due to lack of detail.
Design comes first. Construction follows.
3. What does a commercial interior designer do for a Perth fit-out?
We love that question! Design is a lot more than choosing paint colours (though that inevitably happens too). Your designer is your first point of contact- we manage everything from the planning phase onwards, including:
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Space planning for your specific use.
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We ensure your layout meets WA building code and accessibility requirements.
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Fit-out drawings suitable for builder pricing, council applications, and landlord approval (if applicable).
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Approval-ready, construction-ready documentation.
This applies to restaurants, cafés, retail stores, gyms, salons, and offices across Perth.
4. I’m opening a café or restaurant in Perth — can you help with kitchen layout and seating?
Yes. Hospitality fit-outs in Perth require careful coordination of:
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Commercial kitchen layout.
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Health department requirements.
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Seating capacity.
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Fire separation and exits.
We design layouts that balance compliance, efficiency, and customer experience.
5. Can you help with gym and salon compliance in WA?
​Yes. Gyms and salons in WA often require:
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Accessible change rooms and amenities.
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Ventilation and wet-area compliance.
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Minimum room sizes.
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Equipment clearance and safety zones.
We design layouts that meet requirements without over-building.
6. What if I’m opening a retail store or office in Perth?
Retail and office fitouts in Perth still require:
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Australian Building Codes and WA accessibility compliance.
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Fire egress and exit planning.
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Efficient circulation and layout.
Designing correctly upfront improves long-term usability and reduces future modification costs.
7. Will you help me find a builder?
Yes. We regularly work with a wide network Perth-based builders and shop fitters.
We provide clear, construction-ready plans, answer any questions during quoting, and fully liaise with builders and trades during the construction process. ​
This results in more accurate pricing and smoother construction.
8. Can I use my own builder?
Absolutely. Our documentation is builder-neutral and suitable for any qualified Perth contractor.
This allows you to compare quotes accurately.
9. What are some of the most common mistakes tenants make?
Not considering the following:
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Compliance feasibility- what a tenancy need to be compliant and functional.
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Approval requirements- what permits, and codes apply.
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Layout efficiency- failing to understand scale, circulation zones and accessibility requirements.
This often leads to redesigns, delays, and budget overruns.
10. This is a lot! Where do I start?
This is indeed a lot, and the process of opening a café, restaurant, a salon, gym or office can often feel daunting. It doesn't have to be. We are here to assist you through every stage of your fitout.
The first step is chatting with us- give us a call or send us a message to see how we can help you with a seamless, smooth fitout process.