CN DESIGN | From site selection to opening day — design, fit-out and restaurant licensing under one roof
Deed restrictions, illegal structures, exhaust routes — most problems surface only after you sign.
Kitchen position, toilet count, ventilation and fire safety can't wait until the fit-out is done.
Contractor, designer and licensing consultant each own a piece — and blame each other while your rent runs.
General restaurant, light refreshment, restricted food permits, liquor — every step moves your opening date.
Sprinklers, alarms, fire-rated materials, certificates — miss one and you're back in the queue.
Site, design, fit-out, licensing and fire safety — one team, from day one to opening day.
Deed restrictions, illegal structures, exhaust routes — most problems surface only after you sign.
The most expensive part of opening isn't the fit-out — it's the waiting. Once the rent-free period ends, every day costs rent. A commercial space has to do more than look good; it has to comply. Only a team fluent in construction detail and licensing regulations can turn drawings into a space that opens.
“From day one of design, we work out every detail against the licensing requirements.”
Why CN DESIGN
Know the shop before you commit
Does the deed allow a restaurant? Are there unauthorised works? Can the exhaust and grease trap be routed? We walk the unit with you before you sign, set out the licensing risks and likely costs, and send you into lease talks with facts.
Selected commercial work
Every project is an opening story
58Days, handover to opening
Wan Chai Izakaya
Wan Chai · Restaurants
49Days, handover to opening
Central Bistro
Central · Restaurants
3Shops assessed pre-lease
Sheung Wan Corner Café
Sheung Wan · Cafés
5Branches supplied
Kwun Tong Central Kitchen
Kwun Tong · Central kitchens & takeaway
55Days, handover to opening
Tsim Sha Tsui Cocktail Bar
Tsim Sha Tsui · Bars
3Surgeries
Mong Kok Dental Clinic
Mong Kok · Clinics
60Workstations
Quarry Bay Tech Office
Quarry Bay · Offices
Process
Overview
*Indicative timing — actual durations depend on the unit and licence type
By the numbers
We measure ourselves by what matters on opening day: fewer rebuilds, shorter waits, clearer accountability.
Site assessment, design, fit-out and licensing — one team owns every step. These are the standards we hold ourselves to.
- Pass on first inspection
- 96%
- Avg. days, handover to opening
- 45
- Departments, one team coordinating
- 6
- Months workmanship warranty
- 12
We deal with these departments for you
Sectors
Client voices
“Ventilation and licensing were my biggest worries — we passed inspection first time. One team from start to finish saved endless back-and-forth.”
Owner, izakayaWan Chai Izakaya · Wan ChaiView project →
FAQ
Before you open you might ask
The practical questions owners ask before opening. Can’t find yours? We reply within one working day.
That's the best time. A pre-lease assessment catches DMC restrictions, unauthorised works or exhaust problems before you're committed to a shop that can't be licensed.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?Talk to our team
Get a quote
Tell us about your shop We'll tell you how to open it
Answer a short brief and we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a free initial consultation.