Designing for Compliance in Commercial Interiors

When designing a workplace, compliance is more than a box to tick. It shapes how people move through a space, interact with their environment, and ultimately how safe and inclusive that environment is. Commercial interior designers must balance creativity with responsibility by referencing key Australian Standards and codes throughout the design process.

Why Compliance Matters

Compliance ensures a workplace is accessible, safe, and functional for all users. A design that looks beautiful but does not meet accessibility or fire safety requirements can delay approvals, increase costs, or worse, create unsafe environments. Integrating compliance at the earliest design stages avoids rework and ensures a smooth fitout process.

AS 1428.1 – Accessibility in the Built Environment

AS 1428.1 is one of the most referenced standards in commercial interior design. It covers the design requirements for access and mobility, ensuring spaces are usable by people with disabilities.

Some of the key requirements include:

• Doorways and circulation spaces wide enough for wheelchair access.

• Accessible signage with correct contrast and tactile features.

• Grab rails, ramps, and thresholds designed for safe and independent use.

• Colour contrast between walls, doors, and frames to assist people with low vision.

In workplace design, AS 1428.1 is more than just considering the layout out amenities, corridors, and entryways. It ensures everyone can access and navigate the space comfortably.

Other Compliance Considerations Designers Must Reference

While accessibility standards form a foundation, commercial interior designers must also address a wide range of compliance elements that shape fitout design, including:

• Building class considerations under the National Construction Code, which determine the level of fire resistance, accessibility, and amenities required.

• Amenities provision, ensuring the correct number of toilets and washrooms are included for male, female, ambulant, and accessible use.

• Ceiling heights, which must meet minimum requirements for habitable spaces, circulation areas, and services.

• Fire safety provisions such as Fire Hose Reels (FHR), sprinklers, and compliant fire extinguishers. Design must also consider rules around under-stair storage and keeping fire exits clear.

• Distances to an exit, which dictate how far a person can travel to reach a point of egress in an emergency.

• Occupancy compliance at 1:10, ensuring the floor plan accommodates the maximum number of people per square metre as defined by regulations.

These requirements influence everything from the placement of walls and partitions to the location of amenities and even the specification of finishes and furniture.

Integrating Compliance into Floor Plans

At Edit Interiors, compliance is embedded from the earliest stages of floor plan development. When preparing layouts, we:

• Ensure the quantity and type of amenities comply with the accessibility and occupancy minimums.

• Apply correct door widths, turning circles, and clearances in line with AS 1428.1.

• Cross-check exit and fire hose reels comply with NCC minimum/maximum distances.

• Liaise with certifiers and builders to ensure documentation aligns with approval requirements.

Compliance as a Design Opportunity

Far from limiting creativity, compliance can elevate design outcomes. Accessible colour contrasts can create striking design features, while compliant circulation can improve workplace flow. By integrating standards into the creative process, compliance becomes part of a seamless and well-executed design.

Conclusion

Compliance is a cornerstone of commercial interior design. Referencing AS 1428.1, building classifications, fire safety, occupancy, and amenity requirements ensures workplaces are not only beautiful but safe, functional, and inclusive.

At Edit Interiors, we see compliance as part of delivering thoughtful and responsible workplace design in Brisbane.