Module 5 - Commercial Design

Objective: Equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to design functional, aesthetic, and brand-aligned commercial spaces using professional interior design principles and software tools. 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Commercial Design

• Topics Covered:

  • What is commercial design?

  • Differences between residential and commercial design.

  • Understanding types of commercial spaces: offices, retail, hospitality, etc.

• Activities:

  • Case studies of successful commercial spaces.

  • Define goals for a sample commercial project.

Lesson 2: Understanding Branding in Design

• Topics Covered:

  • How branding influences commercial design.

  • Translating brand identity into design elements.

• Activities:

  • Create a mood board aligning design concepts with a brand’s identity.

Lesson 3: Space Planning for Commercial Projects

• Topics Covered:

  • Workflow and circulation patterns.

  • Zoning for functionality (private vs. public spaces).

• Activities:

  • Develop a zoning plan for an office or retail layout.

Lesson 4: Ergonomics and Accessibility in Commercial Spaces

• Topics Covered:

  • Principles of ergonomic design for productivity and comfort.

  • ADA and universal design standards.

• Activities:

  • Design a universally accessible workspace.

Lesson 5: Material Selection for High-Traffic Areas

• Topics Covered:

  • Choosing durable, easy-to-maintain materials.

  • Fire safety and other regulations.

• Activities:

  • Create a materials palette for a retail or hospitality project.

Lesson 6: Lighting Design for Commercial Spaces

• Topics Covered:

  • Role of lighting in commercial design (task, accent, ambient).

  • Enhancing customer experience and employee productivity with lighting.

• Activities:

  • Create a lighting plan for a retail or office space.

Lesson 7: Color Psychology in Commercial Design

• Topics Covered:

  • How colors influence customer and employee behavior.

  • Developing brand-consistent color palettes.

• Activities:

  • Apply a color scheme to a retail or hospitality project.

Lesson 8: Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E)

• Topics Covered:

  • Selecting furniture and fixtures for functionality and style.

  • Budgeting and sourcing for commercial projects.

• Activities:

  • Develop a FF&E list for an office or retail space.

Lesson 9: Designing for Retail Spaces

• Topics Covered:

  • Principles of visual merchandising.

  • Layouts that optimize customer flow and sales.

• Activities:

  • Design a retail space that incorporates branding and customer flow.

Lesson 10: Designing for Office and Hospitality Spaces

• Topics Covered:

  • Flexible workspaces and collaborative zones in office design.

  • Creating ambiance in hospitality spaces.

• Activities:

  • Draft a layout for a hotel lobby or collaborative office space.

Lesson 11: Advanced Rendering and Presentation

• Topics Covered:

  • Converting 2D plans into 3D visualizations.

  • Advanced rendering techniques for commercial spaces.

• Activities:

  • Render a 3D visualization of your commercial design project.

Lesson 12: Final Project and Presentation

• Topics Covered:

  • Designing a complete commercial project (office, retail, or hospitality).

  • Techniques for client presentations.

• Activities:

  • Submit a final project showcasing all design elements.

  • Present the project to peers or the instructor for feedback.