TeamworX Team
24 Apr 2025
Ever wondered about the process behind building a factory or warehouse?
Constructing an industrial building involves complex disciplines, from structural work to plumbing. However, before the actual construction begins, the project must start with design and layout work, which falls within the field of architecture.
What is an industrial building?
An industrial building is specifically designed for manufacturing, production, warehousing, and distribution activities. The design will prioritize the efficiency and safety of the operational workflow. A well-designed industrial building can significantly boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and support future business growth.
What’s the difference between designing industrial and commercial buildings?
Both industrial and commercial facilities are built to serve business purposes. While commercial buildings are usually constructed for aesthetics and comfort, industrial spaces focus on safety, functionality and efficient maintenance.
“An industrial building needs practicality, which leads to a minimalist and functional design that reduces unnecessary maintenance in the future,” Herry Mulyajaya, Senior Architect at TeamworX Indonesia, said.
3 key roles of architects in designing industrial buildings
Initiating the conceptual design
Architects are in charge of leading the early stage of the project by developing the initial layout, building forms, and production flow. They ensure the industrial building design covers all the details before other disciplines are involved.“When working on an industrial building, the conceptual design should come from the architect team, from the building form to the production flow,” Herry explained.
Translating client requirements into design
During the initial phase, the client will need to describe the building function, as well as their operational flow and production standardization. TeamworX usually refers to this as "Client Requirements”. After receiving the requirements, the architecture team will translate them into a functional building layout that caters to the client’s production processes, equipment needs, and material flow.
“The architect team will deep dive into the client’s requirements. Then, we will outline the sequence of production, starting from receiving the raw materials, storage, product manufacturing process, all the way to the finished product,” Herry elaborated.
Ensuring design accuracy
The architecture team will be responsible for ensuring that the industrial building’s design, structure, and materials meets client requirements and comply with occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. This will help prevent potential clashes between building elements and unnecessary rework.
“The 3D design created by the architecture team will be reviewed by other teams working on the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This way, we can avoid potential clashes between installations,” Herry shared.
Industrial construction projects require more than steel, concrete, and technical expertise. It takes a team of visionary architects to design strong, functional, and easy-to-maintain industrial facilities. Beyond designing the building layout, architects also play a vital role in bridging the communication gap between clients and engineers.
With extensive experience in industrial construction, TeamworX delivers integrated services in Design & Engineering, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Management. Our seasoned architects focus on designing industrial spaces that prioritize functionality, safety, and operational efficiency, helping businesses optimize performance and support future growth.
