Buildings that earn their keep.

Change of use, mixed-use development, office and retail design for landlords, investors and owner-occupiers across London.

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Mixed-use London corner building with shops below and flats above

Commercial projects

Commercial value is designed, not discovered.

Whether it is flats above a shop, an office conversion or a new shopfront, the return on commercial property comes from getting the use, the layout and the planning position right at the start. We combine planning strategy with practical design so your asset works harder.

Appraisal

Planning position, use class, floorspace potential and a realistic view of cost and value.

Design & consent

Scheme design with the planning, change of use or prior approval application managed end to end.

Delivery

Technical drawings, building regulations and site support through to completion.

A finished Simplicity Designs project in London

“Commercial value is designed, not discovered — use, layout and planning position decide the return.”
Hakki HassanFounder & Principal Designer

Change of use and permitted development

Many commercial buildings can change use — offices and shops to residential under Class MA prior approval is the best-known route — but floorspace limits, vacancy requirements and Article 4 directions all apply. We confirm the correct route for your building before design work begins.

Mixed-use development

Shops, cafés or workspaces below with homes above: mixed use is the London vernacular and often the strongest planning case. We design both elements together — servicing, sound insulation, separate entrances and refuse — so the scheme satisfies the council and works day to day.

Offices, retail and shopfronts

From reconfiguring floorplates to designing shopfronts that meet conservation area guidance, we handle the design, any advertisement consent, and the building regulations package for fit-out contractors.

Structure and compliance in-house

Structural alterations, mezzanines and fire strategy are coordinated by the same team, keeping building control and any party wall matters moving in step with the programme.

See our planning services →