6 Commercial Building Exterior Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project
At the Sawdust venue in Laguna Beach, CeDUR’s Shiloh roof—installed by Luke Roofing—adds coastal resilience and upscale appeal to this arts-focused commercial space.
The exterior of a commercial building sets the tone for everything inside. It’s the first thing customers, clients, and tenants see—and often the first impression they get. A thoughtfully designed commercial facade can elevate brand presence, increase foot traffic, and reflect the business's identity. For new construction projects or upgrades to older buildings, the right exterior design makes all the difference.
In this guide, we explore key considerations, design styles, materials, and a list of standout commercial building exterior design ideas to inspire your next project.
What Is Commercial Building Exterior Design?
Commercial building exterior design refers to the architectural planning, materials, and aesthetic choices that shape the outside appearance of a non-residential structure. Unlike residential design, commercial exteriors often have to balance function, branding, safety, and curb appeal at a larger scale. It encompasses everything from wall cladding and color schemes to signage, entryways, and lighting integration.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Exterior Design
Before jumping into design ideas, it’s essential to understand the factors that will influence your decisions:
Building Type and Use: Retail, office, hospitality, healthcare, industrial—each has different needs.
Target Audience: A luxury boutique will require a very different look than a logistics warehouse.
Climate and Weather: Materials and color schemes should suit the local environment and conditions.
Branding and Identity: The design should reinforce company branding through form, materials, or color.
Durability and Maintenance: Long-lasting, low-maintenance materials can reduce long-term costs.
Regulations: Check for HOA guidelines, zoning restrictions, and city building codes.
Common Commercial Exterior Design Styles
Commercial buildings often follow several dominant architectural styles that influence their curb appeal, brand perception, and overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common styles:
Modern
Modern commercial exteriors feature clean, minimalist lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and a mix of industrial materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Large windows and metal paneling offer a sleek look that appeals to high-end offices, showrooms, and tech companies. These designs typically emphasize geometric shapes and open spaces, creating a bold yet functional aesthetic.
Traditional
Traditional commercial architecture draws on classic design elements such as brick facades, gabled or pitched roofs, symmetrical layouts, and consistent window placement. This style works well for banks, schools, law offices, and municipalities that want to convey reliability, professionalism, and timeless appeal.
Industrial
The industrial style is inspired by warehouses and factories, using exposed concrete, steel beams, corrugated metal panels, and utilitarian lighting fixtures. It's popular for breweries, fitness studios, and modern co-working spaces. This style blends raw textures with open layouts, often repurposing old structures with a modern twist.
Rustic
Rustic commercial design incorporates natural materials like stone veneer, reclaimed wood, and timber framing to create a cozy, grounded look. Warm earth tones and textured finishes add character. Ideal for mountain resorts, farm-to-table restaurants, and boutique retail stores, this style connects the business to nature and tradition.
Transitional
Transitional exteriors combine elements of modern and traditional design for a balanced and versatile look. Think brick paired with metal trim or gabled roofs mixed with minimalist window framing. This style works for businesses that want contemporary function with a touch of warmth or heritage, such as clinics, professional services, and suburban retail centers.
Consider CeDUR for Commercial Building Design
A detailed look at CeDUR’s Shiloh shake roof in Denver, installed by Global Roofing. The authentic grain texture delivers a premium wood look with the strength and reliability required for commercial roofing projects.
CeDUR is an ideal exterior roofing and siding material for commercial properties seeking a premium, low-maintenance material that delivers both visual impact and structural integrity. Unlike traditional wood shakes, CeDUR synthetic shakes are made from durable polyurethane, offering the classic charm of real wood with enhanced performance and fire resistance.
Key benefits of using CeDUR in commercial building design:
Authentic Aesthetic: Mimics the look and texture of natural cedar shakes without the associated upkeep.
Fire-Resistant: Rated Class A for fire resistance, ideal for commercial projects requiring compliance and safety.
Weather Durable: Built to withstand harsh climates, heavy rain, and wind.
Low Maintenance: Resistant to splitting, rotting, or mold growth—perfect for long-term ROI on commercial structures.
Versatile Appeal: Complements a range of architectural styles from rustic and transitional to modern lodge aesthetics.
CeDUR is frequently used in commercial applications such as restaurants, hotels, retail centers, and professional buildings where design matters as much as durability. From upgrading an aging structure to building from the ground up, CeDUR delivers an unmatched combination of beauty, longevity, and commercial-grade performance.
6 Commercial Building Exterior Design Ideas
Below are 6 curated commercial exterior design concepts that showcase how elements like material choice, architectural features, and color schemes can create visual interest and reinforce brand identity.
1. Colorado Mountain Lodge Elegance
CeDUR Walden synthetic shake roof on the The Residences Bachelors Gulch resort in Avon, Colorado, installed by Horn Brothers Roofing. The rugged alpine setting highlights the roof’s natural texture and high-end durability.
Located in Avon, Colorado, the Timbers at Bachelor Gulch resort showcases the refined strength and timeless elegance of CeDUR's Walden synthetic shake roofing. Installed by Horn Brothers Roofing, this award-winning project combines rustic alpine architecture with high-performance materials designed for mountain climates.
The rich color, durable composition, and natural look of CeDUR elevate the overall aesthetic of this commercial hospitality destination, aligning seamlessly with the resort’s luxury appeal.
2. Modern Lodge-Style Retail Space
Cole Sport in Park City, Utah, showcases CeDUR’s Walden shake roof installed by Alta Vista Roofing—blending mountain resort charm with performance-driven roofing for year-round durability.
This commercial retail building is home to Cole Sport, a well-known ski shop in Park City, Utah. Featuring CeDUR's Walden synthetic shakes installed by Alta Vista Roofing, the design blends lodge-inspired architecture with high-end materials that withstand the area’s snowy climate. Natural wood elements and stone siding complement the roofing, creating an upscale yet approachable storefront.
3. Circular Architecture at the Echo Information Center
At the Echo Information Center in Utah, CeDUR’s Walden roofing adds rustic charm and long-lasting protection to a public facility that sees all-season exposure.
This visitor center in Echo, Utah, features a CeDUR Walden roof installed by The Roofing Center. The circular design blends rustic stonework and a welcoming wood-accented structure, fitting into its natural surroundings. As a high-traffic public facility, it benefits from CeDUR’s durability and visual appeal.
4. Rustic Pizza Restaurant with Porch Roofing
Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza stands out with its vibrant red siding and CeDUR’s Live Oak synthetic roofing—combining warmth, durability, and casual dining appeal in a high-traffic commercial space.
Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza in Golden, Colorado features CeDUR’s Live Oak roof over its covered porch dining area. The building’s bold red panel siding adds a rustic charm that complements the welcoming wood-fired atmosphere.
5. Rustic Commercial Bank with Scenic Appeal
This Alpine Bank branch uses CeDUR’s Walden roof to unify rustic architectural elements with premium performance.
Perched on a hillside, this Alpine Bank location pairs a rugged log-style design with stone siding and CeDUR’s Walden synthetic shake roofing. The natural textures and earthy palette project stability, trust, and warmth—central to a financial institution aiming to build strong client relationships.
The roof’s performance credentials ensure lasting protection in Colorado’s variable climate, while its aesthetic enhances the building’s visibility and charm.
6. State Park Guard Station with CeDUR Roofing
This state park guard shack features board and batten siding, stone foundation, and CeDUR’s Live Oak synthetic roof.
This charming state park guard shack features a CeDUR Live Oak roof that enhances its rustic character while offering exceptional durability in all weather conditions. The structure pairs board and batten panel siding with a stone accent base, creating a balanced look that blends into the natural surroundings.
The porch entry adds functionality while the roofing provides a natural wood aesthetic without the upkeep.
This charming state park guard shack features a CeDUR Live Oak roof that enhances its rustic character while offering exceptional durability in all weather conditions. The structure pairs board and batten panel siding with a stone accent base, creating a balanced look that blends into the natural surroundings.
The porch entry adds functionality while the roofing provides a natural wood aesthetic without the upkeep.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Design
Your building’s exterior is more than a facade—it’s a strategic asset that supports function, branding, and operational efficiency. As you finalize your design choices, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Engage a Professional: Work with a commercial architect or designer to ensure your building complies with local codes, zoning laws, and ADA accessibility requirements.
Plan for Signage and Lighting: Incorporate exterior signage and lighting early in the process to enhance visibility and guide customer flow.
Focus on Flow and Accessibility: Evaluate foot traffic patterns, entry points, parking access, and landscaping for an intuitive and welcoming layout.
Prioritize Energy Efficiency: Choose materials and design elements that promote insulation, reduce heat gain, and lower long-term utility costs.
Factor in Maintenance: Select durable materials like CeDUR that require less upkeep while maintaining a high-end appearance for years to come.
Bring Your Commercial Exterior Vision to Life with CeDUR
From sleek modern finishes to warm, textured facades, commercial exterior design offers limitless possibilities. Choosing the right materials—like CeDUR synthetic shakes—can make a lasting impression while improving performance and reducing maintenance. modern finishes to warm, textured facades, commercial exterior design offers limitless possibilities. The key is finding the right balance between visual appeal, practicality, and brand representation.
As your building's calling card, the exterior should not only invite attention but reflect the quality of what lies inside. Let these ideas inspire your next design project. Ready to transform your building’s exterior? Contact CeDUR to explore premium materials that elevate commercial design.