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Four ways architects can boost your brick-and-mortar success

Go into this process with a partner and eyes wide open!

Bringing your brand to a brick-and-mortar store is an exciting yet daunting endeavor. There's lots to consider from location to inventory and staffing — thankfully, we've covered those topics already in previous articles. With all these moving parts and countless decisions to make, it can feel unavoidably stressful. However, if you hire the right architect, you will have a trusted professional to help guide you through each phase of your brick-and-mortar build-out journey.

Architects don't just design million-dollar homes and cutting-edge skyscrapers. They are licensed professionals responsible for the safety and design of buildings and spaces with a deep understanding of construction laws, building codes, regulations, and how to design a space that's comfortable and accessible for people no matter their capabilities. Architects are also conditioned to manage the stress and frustration that renovations cause. Choosing the right architect will gain you a trusted advisor — someone as invested in the success of your space as you are!

As a business owner, there are numerous instances where you may want — or be required by law — to partner with an architect. You might not need one every step of the way, but the support, peace of mind, and industry insight they offer is priceless. With expert tips and insights from Lauren Chipman, CEO, and Nelly Augustyn, Principal Architect, of Chipman Design Architecture, let’s explore some key phases where architects can help you elevate your retail or restaurant space.

Phase 1: Site observation

Oftentimes business owners are so excited at the opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar space, they assume that the landlord will handle all renovations, overlooking deficiencies and signs of impending issues. That’s where an architect’s well-trained eye comes in handy. During a site observation, your architect could catch that the point-of-sale desk you were going to reuse is too tall and not ADA compliant. Or they may advise you to get a mechanical contractor to the site because the HVAC units look like they are on their last leg.

During this phase an architect visits your space and takes note of its current condition, identifying any challenges or renovations needed, developing building permit strategy (see our article for the impacts of building permits on schedule and budget), and determining a schedule of their services. The architect acts like a doctor coming in to diagnose your space, seeing where it needs help the most, and determining what is needed to meet minimum code safety standards. It's important to note that local ordinances may require you to complete site observations with an architect before applying for building permits.

Also, first-time business owners often assume the landlord’s previous drawings are correct, which isn’t always the case. Having an architect confirm the measurements during a site observation can save time and money by eliminating costly changes and delays during construction when these conditions are uncovered. Most importantly, site observations allow architects to measure the space, which will allow them to accurately draft plans for ADA compliance and fire safety in future phases. They can ensure that aisles and entrances are large enough for wheelchairs — as law states — as well as ensuring exit signs are posted properly and pathways are clear in case of fire emergencies.

Pro tip: Consider contracting an architect for site observation before you sign your lease. If you’re not planning to completely gut and rebuild the space, the architect can spot issues and help you negotiate with the landlord to fix or upgrade them as part of the lease. Otherwise, if you discover problems later — like an old air-conditioning unit — you’ll likely have to pay for them yourself.

Let the architect know at least two weeks before you want them to visit the space. After the visit, expect it to take another one to two weeks for them to finish their report and check city permitting requirements. Make sure your contract includes a phone call where they walk you through their findings — talking through the architect's findings makes it much easier to understand what your space needs.

Phase 2: Design

Architects can also help elevate the physical and visual design of your space, making it more inviting and appealing to customers. By providing updated color palettes, mood boards, schematics, and design renderings, architects can transform your space from so-so to standout. Not only do they focus on the aesthetics of the space, but they also design for operational functionality. If you're wondering how wide an aisle needs to be so two people can shop back-to-back comfortably or how far apart dining room table should be to maximize seating, hire an architect.

During the design phase you can expect to be overwhelmed with options: options for floor plan layouts, options for furniture selections, options for light fixtures, etc. Your architect may suggest starting with a mood board. Mood boards are aesthetic road maps that help you guide your design decisions. They're like a Pinterest board used for inspiration. If you are shopping for light fixtures, you can show this inspiration to the sales rep and ask if they have any fixtures that fit the aesthetic you've curated on your mood board.

If you have a tough time visualizing how each option will fit in the space, you may consider contracting your architect to provide you with a rendering of the design. The rendering can be a photo-realistic image of what you can expect once construction wraps up or it can simply be a 3D color drawing of your finished space.

This is the phase where you’ll make the biggest decisions — choices that directly affect your budget and timeline. A good architect can relieve some of the stress and make the decision process less overwhelming. They won’t present ideas that are way outside your price range, but they will ask you to clearly confirm your budget. Don’t start the design process without one — that’s a quick way for things to go off the rails. Be honest about what you can afford. You can still share inspiration (like a fancy chandelier); just be ready for your architect to say, “That’s over budget — but here’s a great alternative that works.”

Pro tip: The design phase typically takes four to six weeks, based on how many options you’ve agreed on with your architect and how much you want to tweak those options after you review them. The more options you want and more changes you want made, the more time and money it will cost you.

Phase 3: Construction documents (blueprints)

Once your design is finalized, your architect will begin producing "the prints" — construction documents known colloquially as blueprints. These are the final, detailed plans that guide your entire build, created using computer-aided design (CAD). Construction documents include your final floor plan, lighting layout, finish plan, interior elevations, and detailed sections and notes needed for building.

Architects create these documents for three key purposes:

1. Permit application: They provide everything your local building department needs to review your project and issue permits. You’ll likely need to sign forms and pay fees to begin this process. Permits can take weeks to months to be approved, depending on where you’re located. For more on the building permit process, read our building permits article.
   

2. Contractor bidding: The construction documents give contractors a clear and consistent set of instructions so they can prepare accurate bids. This protects your budget — if the plans show two new doors, the contractor can’t claim you only budgeted for one.
   

3. Construction guide: Once construction begins, the prints become the road map that builders and tradespeople follow.
   

Architects are experts in navigating this phase and their assistance is invaluable. They ensure your plans comply with safety codes, public regulations, and technical requirements. They also coordinate with engineers, consultants, and product vendors so every detail works together. This coordination keeps your project on schedule and helps eliminate costly mistakes or confusion.

For example, your architect might work with an electrical engineer to place power outlets where you need them — like near a point-of-sale desk — and plan concealed wiring paths so you’re not left with cables taped to the floor. When vendors ask if a product substitution is acceptable, your architect can evaluate whether it meets fire codes or safety ratings and advise you accordingly. This level of oversight not only saves time, but it also often saves money by preventing changes after construction starts.

Pro tip: The construction documents stage takes about six to eight weeks after all your design decisions are finalized. If your project includes changes to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural systems, engineers will likely be required in addition to your architect. A good practice is to discuss this while setting your budget. Your architect can help determine what consultants are needed and include their costs up front, so you’re not surprised by extra fees later.

Phase 4: Construction administration

Many people believe an architect’s job is done once the blueprints are drafted and a contractor picks up the permit. However, during the construction phase of your project, architects can provide critical assistance to a business owner like site visits, quality assurance, management of change orders, regulatory compliance, and final walk throughs. Their extensive knowledge helps construction move along in your best interest, granting you peace of mind as workers hammer away at your shiny new retail space.

For simple updates like painting and flooring, an architect may not be required. However, with structural changes, if you are too busy to deal with the daily time investment of renovations, or if you are looking for an elevated design for the space, an architect’s expertise is essential. Opening your first brick-and-mortar store takes grit, determination, and lots of hard work, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Working with the right architect can relieve some of the stress by providing you with a trusted partner to be by your side to guide you through the process.

Last updated: March 31, 2026