Leases on childcare centres can be lengthy. In some cases, up to and beyond 10 years. Add to that a likely three-year timeframe from design to construction for new builds, and it’s a significant investment of resources for landlords.
Someone well acquainted with these logistics is architect and ArtMade Director Sherif Saad. He’s designed hundreds of childcare centres for lease across Australia and says it’s not for the faint hearted.
“Before purchasing a site or a building for lease, find experts willing to give you the brutal truth about its viability because the road ahead can be bumpy,” he says.
- Assemble an experienced design team
From the outset of a project, Sherif says an architect’s input is vital.
“For new builds, early site visits are critical to help understand considerations pertaining to things like capturing natural light, suitable access, parking, and fire and safety compliance.”
Sherif has similar advice for owners/developers considering a retrofit of an existing building.
“An experienced architect can highlight the potential benefits and pitfalls of taking on an extensive refurbishment or retrofit in either a contemporary or heritage building,” he says.
“In some cases, it can be more expensive and time consuming than starting from scratch.”
Sherif Saad, ArtMade Architects Principal Architect, Director – Photographer Thomas Dalhoff
- Design for adaptability
“For first-time investors putting their own capital into a leasing project, it can be tempting to cater to their own tastes, but I always encourage designing for adaptability,” Sherif says.
When designing for lessors, Sherif has a larger market in mind.
“We always make provisions to ensure our design can accommodate a future tenant’s brand.”
These brand-specific considerations may include elements like signage, and certain colours and materials distinct to a childcare owner/operator’s own design guidelines.
“Within the childcare sector, we predominantly see either modern/sleek aesthetics or a more country/cottage style,” Sherif says.
“When we design a childcare centre for lease, we make sure either of those styles can be easily incorporated.”
- Be compliant & ambitious
Naturally, design teams are bound to comply with Council regulations that help ensure new builds, refurbishments and adaptive reuse projects align with the look and feel of an established or emerging neighbourhood. Ambitious architects like Sherif also aim to go further.
“My design philosophy for all types of projects, including childcare centres, is to stand out without creating a conflict,” Sherif says.
“We want to create a positive environment for children and their educators, whilst remaining compliant and respectful of our client’s appetite for innovation.”