Retail and Commercial

Designing High-Performance Retail and Commercial Spaces

Retail and commercial developments must accommodate tenant needs and adapt to changing patterns in occupancy and access. AHBL works with developers, architects, and commercial owners to plan and design the site and infrastructure components that help mixed-use developments, commercial buildings, and retail space operate reliably.

With integrated expertise in civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, land use planning, and land surveying, we’re a key partner on commercial construction projects, remodels, renovations, and retail construction efforts that serve both immediate goals and long-term performance.

Explore Our Work
Retail and Commercial Projects We Deliver

Commercial and retail spaces vary widely in size, complexity, and types of projects, including grocery stores, shopping centers, department stores, mixed-use buildings, office buildings, warehouse space, retail stores, and fulfillment centers. These environments demand site systems that efficiently support circulation, deliveries, customer access, service areas, parking, and utilities.

AHBL helps commercial project teams plan and design systems that accommodate evolving tenant requirements and timelines, while coordinating with general contractors, construction managers, and project managers.

Our experience includes:

  • ADA, roadways, access, and parking
  • Engineering and design services for commercial construction projects
  • Infrastructure and site design for mixed-use developments
  • Site development for commercial and retail construction projects
  • Site planning for commercial spaces and retail environments
  • Upgrades for renovation and redevelopment

We approach each retail or commercial design project with a focus on constructability, coordination with stakeholders, and clear documentation for both planning and long-term operations.

See the Vision Come to Life

  • 7 Seas Brewery Gig Harbor

    A brewery with panoramic views of Gig Harbor, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier

  • Muckleshoot Casino Resort

    New resort hotel with views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain range

  • Simplot Moses Lake

    Land surveying services for sustainable food processing facility in Moses Lake

  • STCU Othello

    Integrated site design powers STCU’s expanding Othello branch

  • Tacoma Convention Center Hotel

    New hotel features extensive amenities and event space connected to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.

See More Retail and Commercial Projects

How We Partner With Retail and Commercial Clients

Commercial and retail development involves stakeholders as varied as owners, contractors, tenants, architects, utility providers, and governmental agency reviewers. AHBL provides project teams with coordination, technical expertise, and documentation that helps projects move efficiently from concept to construction.

Clear Documentation for Permitting and Construction

We prepare accurate plans, reports, and related materials that assist with entitlement, permitting, bidding, and construction. Our documentation is structured to facilitate coordination among stakeholders, reduce delays, and clarify project requirements.

Coordination with Agencies, Utilities, and Project Partners

Commercial and retail work often involves complex site constraints and coordination with multiple entities. AHBL works closely with municipalities, utility providers, and project managers to streamline decision-making and maintain predictable schedules.

Designs for Accessibility, Circulation, and Safety

We design site systems that allow for customer access, deliveries, emergency response, and occupancy needs. Our work helps ensure efficient traffic flow, logical site organization, and safe circulation around buildings and parking areas.

Redevelopment and Adaptive Reuse

Many commercial and retail sites involve remodels, renovation, or redevelopment. AHBL assists with evaluations of site feasibility, utility capacity, structural needs, and infrastructure upgrades that support long-term site performance and tenant turnover.
  • Our Services
    Our Core Services

    Commercial work moves fast and involves many players. AHBL brings steady direction, technical accuracy, and local knowledge to keep projects on track. AHBL’s multidisciplinary team provides the following services for commercial and retail development:

    • Civil Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Land Use Planning
    • Land Surveying
  • Civil Engineering

    AHBL provides civil engineering services for grading, utility connections, stormwater management, drainage improvements, frontage upgrades, and parking areas. We design systems that meet regulatory requirements and deliver safe, efficient operations for commercial construction projects, office buildings, shopping centers, grocery stores, and more. Our civil engineers design solutions that simplify construction and lead to reliable occupancy.

  • Structural Engineering

    We have extensive structural engineering experience designing new commercial buildings, renovations, interior tenant improvements and expansions. This includes providing structural solutions for mixed-use developments, retail operations, and upgrades accommodating new tenants or additional square feet of development.

  • Landscape Architecture

    Landscape design plays a central role in customer experience, circulation patterns, and site identity. AHBL designs pedestrian connections, planting plans, and open spaces that ensure accessibility, durability, and long-term maintenance. Our work contributes to welcoming, functional outdoor environments for commercial tenants and retailers alike.

  • Land Use Planning

    Our planners contribute to commercial construction, redevelopment, and entitlement processes with zoning analysis, land use reviews, permitting coordination, and feasibility assessments. We help project teams navigate jurisdictional requirements and ensure projects align with local plans and regulatory frameworks.

  • Land Surveying

    Detailed survey information forms the foundation of commercial building sites, redevelopments, and expansions. AHBL provides boundary and topographic surveys, construction staking, utility research, and mapping to support grading, utilities, parking layouts, and site circulation.