Residential and commercial interior design in Hong Kong are fundamentally different disciplines, despite many homeowners assuming any design firm can handle both. Residential design prioritises long-term liveability — circulation flow, storage capacity, natural light, and personal lifestyle fit for the occupants. Commercial design exists to generate revenue: retail spaces need conversion-optimised layouts and merchandising flow, restaurants need table-turn efficiency and kitchen workflow, offices need productivity-driven space planning and brand identity alignment.
Pricing gaps are substantial in the 2026 Hong Kong market. Residential design fees range from HKD $80-180 per square foot, with turnkey delivery at $1,200-2,500 per sqft. Commercial projects command HKD $150-400 per sqft for design alone and $2,000-5,000 per sqft turnkey, with restaurants and salons at the higher end due to mechanical and electrical loads, custom millwork, signage, and shopping mall fit-out compliance. Commercial timelines typically run 8-16 weeks for design development versus 4-8 weeks for residential, with the added complexity of fire safety certification, Occupation Permit modifications, and multi-stakeholder approvals from landlords, mall management, and the Fire Services Department.
When selecting a designer, verify portfolio relevance (same unit size for homes, same business type for commercial), licensing (Buildings Department Minor Works Contractor for residential, Registered Fire Service Contractor for commercial), company tenure (5+ years for commercial fit-out experience), staged payment terms (avoid 50% upfront deposits), and post-handover warranty (12 months for homes, 6 months for commercial structures). AC Design has handled over two decades of both residential and commercial projects across Hong Kong, from 300 sqft nano-flats to 2,000 sqft retail flagships. Call 5222 1129 or WhatsApp for a free consultation tailored to your project type.