Architects and developers involved in Australia’s childcare sector are being urged to take a strategic and flexible approach to new leasing projects, amid growing demand for purpose-built centres and increasingly complex development requirements.

According to architect and ArtMade Director Sherif Saad, designing childcare centres for lease can involve lengthy commitments, with projects often requiring years of planning and construction and a significant investment of resources for landlords before operators move in under long-term lease agreements.

Having designed hundreds of childcare centres for lease across Australia, Saad warns that investors need to carefully assess the viability of sites before taking the next step.

“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.

*ArtMade Director Sherif Saad | Photographer: Thomas Dalhoff*

Key lessons for designing childcare centres for lease

1. Assemble an experienced design team

Getting an architect’s input early in the process is critical, says Saad, particularly for new builds where site conditions and compliance considerations could significantly influence project feasibility.

“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,” he says.

Retrofit and refurbishment projects could present additional challenges, particularly in heritage or older buildings.

“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.”

*Top Childcare Maroubra (Image supplied)*

2. Design for adaptability

Saad also encourages developers to prioritise adaptable design features that could accommodate different childcare operators over the lifespan of a lease.

“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,” he shares.

Childcare operators often have distinct branding and design preferences, requiring centres to remain flexible enough to suit a range of tenants. “We always make provisions to ensure our design can accommodate a future tenant’s brand.”

Childcare centre design mostly leans either towards modern aesthetics or a more country/cottage style, Saad observes. “When we design a childcare centre for lease, we make sure either of those styles can be easily incorporated.”

3. Be compliant and ambitious

Compliance with local council regulations remains another key consideration for childcare developments, particularly as projects are expected to integrate with established or emerging neighbourhoods while still delivering architectural distinction.

“My design philosophy for all types of projects, including childcare centres, is to stand out without creating a conflict,” Saad says. “We want to make a positive impact whilst remaining compliant and respectful of our client’s appetite for innovation.”

Main image: Top Childcare Maroubra – ArtMade was engaged for the Development Application, Interior Design & Construction Certificate (Image supplied)

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