Designing for Experience

At BRD Group, we’re passionate about exploring how the built environment can evolve to meet shifting needs - and the suburban retail space is no exception. Recently, our own Brenden Creed returned from a research trip to Adelaide, where he explored some of the most forward-thinking retail environments currently reshaping the suburban landscape.

The big takeaway? Retail is no longer just about transactions - it’s about curated experiences, design-led spaces, and creating community-driven destinations that feel warm, welcoming, and human.

The Future of Suburban Retail is Here

The retail design spaces Brenden visited in Adelaide signal a clear shift. From free-flowing layouts to immersive materials and seamless tenancy edges, Brenden observed a strong movement away from the sterile, boxy feel of traditional centres - and towards vibrant, integrated spaces that invite exploration and foster connection.

Here are a few key design trends that stood out:

1. Free-Flowing Layouts & Circulation

Forget rigid corridors and uniform grids. The most successful retail spaces now embrace organic layouts with intuitive wayfinding, gentle transitions, and inviting circulation paths that encourage people to slow down, meander, and enjoy the journey.

2. Tactile, Earthy Materiality

There’s a noticeable shift toward natural, textural finishes — including warm timbers, handmade tiles, honed concrete, and textured brick. These elements create a sense of warmth and familiarity, making the environment feel more like a boutique café or food hall than a shopping centre.

3. Layered Lighting & Spatial Rhythm

Lighting is no longer an afterthought. Instead, designers are using layered ambient lighting, zoned ceiling heights, and defined volumes to shape the experience and give spaces their own rhythm and character — without overwhelming the visitor.

4. Integrated Tenancy Edges

The lines between tenancies are blurring. Think florists flowing into grocers, cafés spilling into communal seating, and shared gathering areas designed for interaction. This holistic approach creates immersive, cohesive retail environments that feel less transactional and more communal.

5. Supermarket as Experience

Even the humble supermarket is evolving. Brenden noted market-style layouts, curated displays, tasting counters, and stronger brand identities — transforming supermarkets into vibrant lifestyle destinations instead of traditional big-box anchors.

Bringing It Back to Our Projects

As a dynamic design company that works across everything from compact shopfronts to large-scale mixed-use precincts, we’re constantly seeking ways to apply leading design thinking to every scale. For Brenden, the Adelaide trip was a reminder that great retail design starts with the user experience - and when we lead with design, we create spaces people truly want to spend time in.

“It was energising to see this level of thought and care applied to suburban retail design. It proves that when functionality and beauty come together, even everyday spaces can become memorable destinations.” - Brenden Creed

At BRD Group, our team is always exploring, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what great design can achieve - because we believe the future of retail isn’t about shopping. It’s about belonging, discovery, and connection.

With 25 years of experience in building design, BRD Group delivers creative, functional, and future-forward solutions across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Our work reflects a deep understanding of people, place, and purpose.