8i Architects

With complex safety, acoustic, environmental, and operational considerations, engaging an architect experienced in firing range projects can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Here are 5 ways architects add real value to a firing range project

1. Preventing issues before they arise
   With recent experience in delivering both indoor and outdoor firing ranges across Australia, our team draws on lessons learned to identify and resolve potential issues early in the design phase—before they become costly or time-consuming problems on site. This pre-emptive approach helps prevent multi-million-dollar ranges from sitting idle due to operational concerns and prohibitively expensive rework.
2. Real-world experience
   Our Defence Lead Architect, Hieu Nguyen, brings hands-on insight from his experience as a Pistol Range Officer and rifle shooter. This practical understanding allows him to align design decisions with the ballistics expert’s technical advice, bridging the gap between theory and real-world use. The additional layer of quality control ensures confident timely delivery of fully validated and operational ranges.
3. Holistic design
   We take a collaborative and integrated approach, ensuring the right questions are asked and no detail is overlooked. Working closely with stakeholders, range experts and the wider design team, we consider critical factors such as safety, acoustics, lighting, lead contamination, material selection, workflow, maintenance, and cleaning.
   This holistic mindset prevents the pitfalls of siloed design, where each discipline works independently without considering the flow-on effects of their decisions. The result is a range that is safer, compliant, and fully functional from day one. This is done by reducing design and construction risk, minimising rework, and ensuring operational readiness on schedule and within budget.
4. Tested – not just specified
   We don’t just specify materials—we test them. By physically assessing material robustness, we provide confidence in performance and suitability before procurement and installation. By selecting the right materials, we can save clients significant costs in replacement and maintenance over the long term.
5. Continual improvement
   We believe every project is an opportunity to learn. By incorporating client feedback and operational insights from previous ranges, we continually refine our designs to improve safety, health, wellbeing, and lifecycle efficiency. This results in world class facilities and reduced ongoing costs.

In Summary
An experienced firing range architect doesn’t just deliver drawings — they help you achieve a facility that’s safe, efficient, delivered on time without costly rework and designed to perform for years to come.

Thinking about a new or upgraded firing range?
Let’s talk about how thoughtful design can improve safety, functionality, and long-term value for your project.
Reach out to us — we’re always happy to share our experience and insights.