Commercial Interior Design in Vancouver
Ark & Mason is a commercial interior design and construction management studio based in Vancouver. We design, permit and build offices, retail stores, restaurants, clinics, spas and fitness studios across the Lower Mainland, with one team responsible from the first concept to opening day.
If you are opening a new location, taking over a lease or planning a renovation, this page explains how our commercial interior design process works, what we deliver, and how to tell whether we are the right fit for your project.
Commercial interior design Vancouver businesses can build from
Good commercial interior design is more than style. A commercial space has to support daily operations, meet the building code, fit the budget and still leave a lasting impression on customers. Our interior designers and project managers work in the same studio, so the drawings we produce are the drawings contractors can price and build.
That is the difference between a design firm and a design-build partner. We balance aesthetics and function, and we stay on the project through permits, construction and furniture installation.
Commercial projects we design and build
Every business uses its space differently. Our commercial projects in Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond fall into five groups.
Offices and workplace design
Layouts that support productivity, collaboration and company culture. Recent offices include Motus Engineering, John Ross Insurance, Olive & Piper and CoBees. See our office interior design in Vancouver.
Retail stores
Store design that guides customers, shows product well and expresses brand identity, from flooring and lighting to custom millwork displays.
Restaurants and hospitality
Kitchens, seating layouts and finishes planned together so the room delivers a memorable experience and service still runs smoothly. Hai Phong Vietnamese Restaurant and Oakberry Acai are recent examples.
Clinics, spas and wellness
Calm, code-compliant healthcare environments such as Physiolab Little Mountain, Polygon Health, Euphora MD and Veridian Wellness in Burnaby.
Fitness and beauty
High-traffic studios with durable materials and strong branding, including DibFit Cycle, Meraki Beauty Bar and Headicure Head Spa.
John Ross Insurance
John Ross Insurance
Polygon Health
Polygon Health
Motus Engineering Office
Motus Engineering Office
Physiolab Little Mountain
PHYSIOLAB LITTLE MOUNTAIN
Headicure Head Spa
Headicure Head Spa
Meraki Beauty Bar
Meraki Beauty Bar
Our process: from concept to construction
- Discovery and strategy. We meet to discuss your vision, budget, lease terms and timeline, and we review the space.
- Concept development. Space planning, layouts, mood and material direction that reflect your brand.
- Design development and 3D renderings. You see the space before anything is built, including lighting, furniture and finishes.
- Detailed drawings and specifications. Construction documentation, engineering coordination and building code compliance, ready for permit.
- Permit application. We prepare and manage the City of Vancouver permit submission.
- Construction management. We tender to contractors, manage the schedule and budget, and oversee quality with precision on site.
- Custom millwork, FF&E and furniture. Reception desks, displays, fixtures and furniture procured and installed.
Why Vancouver businesses choose our studio
- One team, one contract. Interior design, permits and construction are managed together, so nothing is lost between designer and builder.
- Local expertise. Our projects are in Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond, so we know the local permit process and building requirements.
- Thoughtful design with a business focus. We design for revenue per square foot, staff workflow and customer experience, not only for photographs.
- Sustainable materials and natural light. Where the building allows, we specify durable, sustainable finishes and plan layouts around daylight.
- Proven with clients. Ark & Mason holds a 5.0 rating across 36 Google reviews.
Commercial vs residential interior design
Residential interior design serves the people who live in a home. Commercial interior design serves customers, staff and the business at once, and it carries stricter requirements for accessibility, fire safety, mechanical systems and permits. Commercial work is our focus, and that is why our drawings and specifications hold up at the permit counter and on site.
What Our Customers Say
EXCELLENTBased on 35 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Meraki Beauty Bar2024-09-08I have had two renovations done where I did not hire a full time interior designer and I can honestly say after working with someone as professional and time efficient as Ark & Mason made me realize how much I've been missing out. Whitney and her team (shout out to Niamh as well) did an outstanding job in bringing my visuals to life. Communication is important to me and they made sure everything was clear. I have been telling everyone at our grand re-opening that I would work with Ark & Mason again! I could not recommend them enough. Thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Cindy Chau2024-04-22We recently hired Ark and Mason Designing Company for a much-needed facelift for our restaurant, and we couldn't be happier with the results. From the initial consultation to the final unveiling, Whitney the designer had demonstrated exceptional understanding of our vision and needs. The end product exceeded our expectations, breathing new life into our space. Their attention to detail and commitment to delivering excellence truly set them apart. Highly recommend Ark and Mason for any design project – they're simply outstanding!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stephanie Read2024-04-22Working with Ark & Mason, Niamh, and Whitney was an absolute pleasure! They were exemplary clients — communicative, responsive, and appreciative of our efforts. Their clear vision and feedback made our collaboration smooth and efficient. I highly recommend partnering with them for any project. 5 stars!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Omar Salem2024-04-05Nothing but good things to say about this firm. Their team operates with a high level of transparency and I personally have never been involved in such a seamless. They transformed the atmosphere of my business and I plan on working with them well into the future for both my commercial and personal spaces.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Landon L.2024-03-09Working with Whitney and Ark & Mason as a contractor has been a seamless experience. Their organization and project management skills have streamlined the construction process, creating a harmonious workflow. The collaborative atmosphere and clear communication have made every project enjoyable.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tracy Le2024-03-05Amazing company to work with. Attention to detail and brilliant creative minds.
Frequently asked questions
Commercial interior design is the planning and design of spaces used for business: offices, retail, restaurants, clinics, hospitality and other public environments. It covers layouts, lighting, materials, furniture, millwork and the technical drawings needed for permits and construction.
Fees depend on the size of the space, the scope of services and how much construction is involved. We provide a fixed proposal after a site visit and a conversation about budget. Fees are discussed at your consultation.
Both. We prepare the permit application, coordinate engineers, tender the work and manage construction through to completion.
It depends on permit type and scope. We walk through timing at your consultation.
Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver and the wider Lower Mainland in British Columbia, Canada.
Tell us about your space and we will transform it into a place that works for your business. Call (604) 307-9669 or book a meeting to speak with our team about interior design in Vancouver.