Retail architects in London
Topics: architects, retail, shops, sustainability
How can retail architects in London design for a more sustainable future?
As retail architects in London, we aim to move on from the past’s wasteful install and strip-out approaches. Retail units change hands quite often – some stores outgrow their homes, while others may not succeed. With each new store comes a new layout, interior design and branding. This is an exciting period for the new owner to make their first physical store or expand their brand to additional locations. For the departing store, this typically means removing fixtures and materials, then turning it back into an empty white space.
This wasteful process is costly for all. Sustainable retail architects are now designing differently. At Architecture for London, we consider the materials and lifecycle of our retail designs. This aligns well with sustainable brands, B Corp and corporate ESG.
Discover Architecture for London’s retail architecture. If you would like to discuss your project, please contact us.
A retail architect designed shop front.Materials choices for retail architects
Retail interiors typically involve numerous surfaces and fixtures to accommodate merchandising, branding, POS and division of the shop floor. Therefore, a core design consideration is material choice.
Wood
When sourced correctly, timber is one of the best choices for sustainable interiors and partitions. It’s typically easy to construct on-site. It’s relatively lightweight and naturally free from VOCs, which affect air quality.
Recycled plastic
The overuse of plastic fixtures and displays has sadly become common practice in contemporary retail design. Recycled plastic suppliers such as Smile Plastics are an ideal solution for lightweight, flexible, colourful surfaces and displays that are easy to maintain.
Stone
Stone has rarely been used in retail design, but it should be considered by retail architects and designers looking for alternatives to unsustainable materials such as concrete. However, consider the source of your stone; sustainable stone is local stone.
Aluminium
Where metal might be needed, consider if aluminium can give you what you need. Although it takes considerable energy to manufacture, it can be easily recycled.
Contact us now on 020 3637 4236 for a free 30-minute telephone consultation to discuss your project.
Retail architects: Lifecycle and waste reduction
With material choices considered, the second biggest impact is lifecycle. Sustainable retail architects should consider the future usage of what they design. Can this design be relocated and reused when the store expands? Could this be reused by the next brand in the same location?
Architecture for London for Present & Correct created a demountable interior, allowing the lifespan of the project to extend beyond the lease of the location. A muted palette of maple plywood and ash timber is paired with a quarry tile floor, Vitsœ shelving and new LED lighting.
Sustainable retail design for Present & Correct.Indoor environmental quality
With the right material choices, your interiors can be VOC-free. Typically, paint finishes that are chosen are not sustainable. Clay paint from brands such as Earth Born can be used without affecting air quality.
Sustainable retail site locations
Sustainable retail site locations are increasingly vital as businesses and consumers alike seek to reduce their environmental impact. For retail architects, selecting and designing sites with sustainability in mind involves a holistic approach.
Ensuring the retail site is accessible via public transport reduces reliance on private vehicles, cutting down on carbon emissions. Additionally, sites that utilise natural light and ventilation can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Certified sustainable retail stores
Pursuing certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
These certifications often provide a framework for best practices in sustainable site development and building design.
Discover Architecture for London’s retail architecture. If you would like to discuss your project, please contact us.