An architect is a person who designs or supervises the construction of buildings. A retail architect is someone who specializes in designing or redesigning buildings or spaces within buildings for commercial purposes. Some retail architects also design exterior and surrounding features of buildings, such as parking lots.

During design and construction, the retail architect’s main focuses are usually accessibility and productivity. A retail architect must design with two groups in mind—the staff and the clients. These two groups of people use the same space simultaneously, but for different purposes. Their needs, preferences, and attitudes regarding that space can greatly differ.

With regard to clients, a retail architect considers how to employ space so that it maximizes sales. He may consider factors such as flow and accessibility. A customer shopping in an airport with luggage has different needs than a customer at a jewelry kiosk in a mall. The retail architect must consider such details.

With regards to the staff, it is important that the space be designed so that they can perform their duties efficiently. In warehouse style businesses, for example, if the retail architect does not sufficiently space aisles, fork lifts will not be able to enter to stock materials. This will result in an excessive and inefficient use of labor.

Retail architecture, like other industries, has gone through a number of phases. In the 1990s, retail architects in the United States experienced a decline in demand for their services due to the popularity of simple box building designs. Since the new millennium, retail architects are finding a renewed market base as more businesses attempt to develop significant visual identities. This provides the opportunity for creativity.

A retail architect can help a company establish a visual identity by using unique materials to design a retail space, such as adding hardwood floors where tiles are normally used. Some retail architects give stores themes that capitalize on the business’ specialty. Others use colors in significant places, such as the roof, so that people can readily identify where a particular store is.

A retail architect is sometimes included on teams with other professionals who are involved in the design and construction industry. The retail architect can often be an asset in securing bids and contracts for multi-purpose facilities, such as airports. Clients of multi-purpose facilities often want to know that there is someone who specializes in retail architecture so that spaces allotted for those purposes will be utilized to their maximum potential.