Expanding into commercial interior design can open up new avenues for creativity, business growth, and larger-scale projects. Unlike residential spaces, commercial interiors shape how businesses function, impact customer experience, and reinforce brand identity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the core principles, must-have skills, and strategies to land your first commercial client.
Table of Contents
What is commercial interior design?
Commercial interior design is the process of designing and planning interior spaces for businesses, organizations, and other commercial environments. While residential design prioritizes personal style and comfort, commercial interior design focuses on functionality, brand representation, and compliance with industry standards.
Some of the most common commercial interior design clients include:
- Offices: Spaces optimized for productivity and employee well-being.
- Retail stores: Designs that enhance customer experience and encourage sales.
- Restaurants and cafes: Environments that complement both cooking and dining experiences.
- Hotels and hospitality: Welcoming and luxurious designs that prioritize guest experience.
- Healthcare facilities: Practical and efficient settings that focus on functionality, patient comfort, safety, and accessibility.
- Education environments: Spaces that foster learning through adaptable layouts and technology integration.
Some important focal points in commercial design include codes and ordinances, collaboration, brand integration, and customer experience.
Benefits of offering commercial services as a designer
Becoming a commercial interior designer offers a range of exciting benefits, from increased brand awareness to higher profits.
- Increased revenue potential: Commercial projects tend to have larger budgets than residential jobs, which means you can often bring home a larger profit per project. Repeat clients are also common in the commercial realm — think restaurant chains, redesigns for growing businesses, etc.
- Career stability: Since businesses continuously evolve, commercial design remains stable regardless of fluctuations in the housing market. Growing companies often require frequent redesigns, expansions, and new locations.
- Collaborative work environment: Since commercial projects are often larger, you’ll have more opportunities to work with architects, engineers, contractors, and business owners. If you’re an extrovert, this may make your work more enjoyable. And whether or not you enjoy working with others, the multidisciplinary approach is sure to broaden your skill set and industry knowledge.
- Diverse projects: Commercial projects come in many forms. This diversity ensures your work days are interesting and ever-changing.
- Heightened brand awareness: Successfully designing a commercial space can lead to public exposure, especially if the business is well-known or the design gets featured in industry publications. This exposure can help establish your reputation and attract more clients.
- Networking opportunities: Focus on expanding your professional network and performing at your best on the job. When you perform well, your collaborative partners, like architects, engineers, developers, real estate agents, and other vendors, will be more likely to recommend your design services to their clients and colleagues. The more people you work with and impress, the more referral opportunities you’ll create.
- Lasting client relationships: Commercial clients often seek out ongoing assistance. They may need help maintaining a cohesive look through all of their locations, adapting to changing workplace needs, or integrating new technology.
- Growth and specialization opportunities: Just like residential interior design, the commercial sector is filled with opportunities to niche down (think healthcare, retail, sustainable commercial design, etc.). Plus, when you land a high-profile commercial client, you can enhance your portfolio and quickly grow your business. For more information about landing high-value clients, check out this guide.
Skills required to offer commercial design
While skills can always be developed, focusing on mastering these key areas will provide a solid foundation as you transition into the commercial design sector:
- Creativity: Beyond aesthetics, commercial designers must creatively solve challenges like space optimization, traffic flow, and brand consistency.
- Adaptability: Flexibility is key in commercial design. Designers must be ready to adapt to changes in project scope, unexpected construction challenges, and adjustments that arise during the design process.
- Knowledge of commercial needs: Commercial designers need to be well-versed in space planning, brand integration, compliance with codes and regulations, sustainability practices, energy efficiency, and construction processes.
- Project management skills: Commercial projects involve complex timelines and multiple phases. Designers must excel in time management, task delegation, quality control, contract negotiation, and problem-solving to keep projects on track.
- Communication and collaboration: With many professionals involved in each project, strong interpersonal skills are essential. Designers must know how to collaborate effectively and delegate tasks appropriately to ensure smooth project execution.
- Financial management: Handling larger budgets requires precise financial management skills. Designers must accurately estimate costs, manage budgets, and make decisions that balance financial constraints with design quality.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as DesignFiles, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit is crucial for commercial designers to create accurate and detailed plans.
- Networking and marketing skills: Designers should have a solid understanding of social media, email marketing, basic SEO, and relationship building. Joining industry organizations like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) or IIDA (International Interior Design Association) can help establish credibility and connect you with potential clients.
How to land your first commercial interior design client
Follow these 9 steps to land your first commercial interior design client:
1: Understand the key differences between residential and commercial design
Residential design revolves around personal style and comfort, while commercial design prioritizes efficiency and productivity. Commercial design also has an added emphasis on functionality, brand identity, and user experience.
2: Leverage your existing skills and experience
Many skills are transferable between residential and commercial design. As your career transitions, leverage your understanding of design principles, creativity, and space planning. Focus on transferable skills like color theory, material selection, and furniture placement.
As you gain more commercial projects, you’ll be able to expand your expertise in areas specific to commercial design.
3: Build a commercial portfolio
In the early stages, getting creative with client acquisition will help build your portfolio. Consider reaching out to small businesses in your community and offering discounted services in exchange for permission to showcase the project in your portfolio. This is a great way to gain hands-on experience while building a body of work to demonstrate your design capabilities.
Networking with experienced commercial designers is another excellent strategy. Ask if they need assistance on upcoming projects or offer to collaborate on smaller tasks. This provides invaluable exposure to the commercial design process. Additionally, look for roles at commercial design firms or freelance opportunities with companies that contract commercial designers. Seek positions that allow you to showcase your work, and once you have a strong portfolio, you can move toward traditional client acquisition methods.
Even if you don’t have commercial projects yet, don’t let that stop you. Start creating conceptual mockups and case studies to showcase your design thinking. Sometimes residential design and commercial projects go hand in hand. For example, if you’ve designed a residential apartment, you could use that portfolio piece to land a model unit project for a developer.
4: Network with the commercial crowd
Networking can help you get your foot in the door before beginning your first commercial interior design project. Here are two easy and effective ways to get started:
- Build connections with architects and contractors: These relationships can provide valuable industry insights, help you discover commercial leads, and foster referral-based partnerships. To reach out to these professionals, send a thoughtful email or make a phone call to introduce yourself, ask insightful questions, and invite them to meet for coffee to discuss potential collaborations.
- Attend trade shows and conferences: Commercial design expos and events are excellent places to meet industry leaders and potential clients, while also staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in the field. Not sure where to begin? Check out this list of top interior design conventions and trade shows for 2025. Also, be sure to explore events tailored to your target market, such as healthcare or higher education conferences, to connect with the right audience.
- Become a purchaser for commercial projects: You can also start getting your foot in the door by offering to be the purchaser for larger commercial projects. These projects often have a design and furniture choices in mind, but will need help with the ordering, handling, offering alternatives, and choosing final touches such as decor and art.
5: Create a clear value proposition
Commercial clients are focused on their return on investment. Be prepared to explain how your designs can improve productivity, enhance brand perception, and increase sales. Emphasize that commercial design isn’t just about ROI, but also about enhancing functionality, boosting employee morale, and improving client/customer experience. Then, share why you’re the right fit to bring the company’s goals and vision to life.
6: Partner with architects, builders, and commercial realtors
Establishing strategic partnerships with architects, builders, and realtors in the commercial space can open doors to new projects. These professionals are often the first to be involved in commercial projects, and by aligning with them, you can access opportunities early in the project timeline.
7: Contact companies you’d like to work for directly
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to companies you’re interested in working for directly. Research businesses and corporations that align with your values and vision and pitch your services to them. Personalize your outreach, sharing your portfolio and demonstrating how your designs can enhance their workspace. The worst that can happen is the prospective client saying “no.”
8: Market yourself as a commercial interior designer
Once you’ve gained some experience, make sure your online presence caters to commercial clients. Start by updating your website and social media to highlight commercial projects. Share before-and-after transformations, client testimonials, and insights into your design process. Go beyond showcasing your work—actively offer solutions to common commercial design challenges, such as space optimization, brand integration, and cost-efficiency. Engage with your ideal clients by spending time where they are (on platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific Facebook groups). Additionally, optimize your website for SEO to ensure it reaches the professional audience you’re targeting. Be sure to also create commercial design packages using DesignFiles, so you can rank your services on our domain.
A lot of work can come from word of mouth. Presenting yourself as a top-notch professional is key. You need to show that you’re organized enough to take on a project with different requirements.
9: Consider certifications and continued education
In most states and provinces, you absolutely don’t need a formal education to offer commercial design services. You can get your foot in the door through networking.
However, obtaining credentials can significantly enhance your credibility and job prospects in competitive markets. Many colleges and universities offer degrees in interior design, with some, such as the New York School of Interior Design, offering specialized programs focused on commercial design.
Additionally, you can self-study and take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam to boost your credibility.
In commercial design, degrees and certifications can be especially valuable, since well-established companies tend to prioritize designers with recognized qualifications.
For more about promoting your interior design business, whether residential or commercial, check out this DesignFiles guide.
Top 10 commercial interior design firms to watch in 2025
One of the best ways to learn about the commercial design industry is to follow those who’ve already established themselves as leaders. Here are some of the top firms to watch in 2025 for commercial design inspiration:
1: Gensler
Gensler is a renowned leader in commercial design with an expertise spanning multiple sectors, including healthcare. Gensler’s innovative approach addresses the needs of multigenerational workforces, provides flexible environments for both collaboration and individual focus, and incorporates solutions for climate change. Gensler’s impressive portfolio includes numerous awards from Architectural Record, Interior Design, Forbes, and more.
2: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners is a globally recognized leader in commercial design, known for their innovative and sustainable approach to architecture and interiors. Their portfolio includes high-profile projects in office spaces, hospitality, and mixed-use developments, making them a key player in shaping the future of commercial design.
3: Interior Architects (IA)
Interior Architects (IA) is a commercial design firm that’s well-known for creating dynamic and functional workspaces. The team has a unique ability to blend cutting-edge technology with human-centered design. You can find IA’s work in almost every category, from government to entertainment.
4: Studio O+A
Studio O+A believes every client has a story, and their work environment is the ideal vehicle to tell it. In 2025, they remain at the forefront of workplace design, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. Notable projects include offices for Facebook, Uber, and Slack
5: Kobi Karp
With a portfolio that includes hospitality, residential, and commercial designs, Kobi Karp has a reputation for creating distinctive, high-end spaces. The firm’s work has earned numerous awards and recognitions from Interior Design Magazine, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Hospitality Design Awards
6: HDR
HDR is known for creating innovative and sustainable spaces, including top projects at the San Francisco International Airport and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. With an interdisciplinary team that includes scientists, economists, and analysts alongside its commercial designers, this firm offers unique perspectives on every project.
7: CannonDesign
CannonDesign tackles impactful projects in healthcare, education, and business environments with a focus on sustainability and human-centered design. The firm has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Award,
8: Studio Dorion
Studio Dorion is known for its creative and functional approach to modern interior spaces. The firm has successfully designed projects for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and MGM Resorts offices.
9: HOK
HOK’s expertise spans across various sectors, including corporate offices, airports, and public spaces. They focus on sustainable design, with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions in all projects by 2030. Their work has been recognized through several awards, including Design Firm of the Year by Architectural Record.
10: Smallwood
Smallwood blends functionality with aesthetic appeal to create commercial environments that stand out from their competitors. They design sustainable spaces across various niches, including retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. Some of Smallwood’s top clients include Chick-fil-A and The Ritz Carlton.
Now that you have a roadmap for breaking into commercial design, it’s time to take action. Start by refining your portfolio, reaching out to potential clients, and building relationships within the industry. If you need a deeper dive into business growth strategies, check out our complete business strategy guide for interior designers.
Streamline your commercial design business with DesignFiles
Whether you’re a solo designer or part of a team, staying organized is key to delivering a seamless, professional experience that builds client trust. With DesignFiles, you don’t need CAD skills—upload and trace floorplans in 3D, manage projects, streamline procurement, and create jaw-dropping presentations that win clients over. From contracts to client communication, it’s all in one easy-to-use platform. Ditch the tech overwhelm and design with confidence.
Want to be a more efficient designer? Check out DesignFiles, the top-rated platform for solo designers and small firms.
