Franchise Build-outs

Building Plans 2x Faster: "Efficient architectural services delivering high-quality building plans twice as fast as industry

Efficient architectural services delivering high-quality building plans twice as fast as industry standards, reducing project

ARCHITECT UNITED

Architectural & Engineering Services for

Vanilla Shell Build‑out (White Box)

The landlord delivers a basic, unfinished or lightly finished space:

- Walls up, basic electrical panel, HVAC rough‑in or basic system, concrete floor
- No interior finishes, minimal or no lighting, no fixtures
Build‑out scope:

You (the franchisee) and your contractor:
- Design and construct almost everything inside: walls, ceilings, flooring
- Install all electrical, plumbing, lighting, HVAC distribution
- Add all finishes, fixtures, signage, equipment
Pros/cons:
- Pros: Maximum flexibility to match the franchise prototype exactly
- Cons: Usually most expensive and time‑consuming

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2nd Generation / Remodel Build-out

Architect United streamlines the often time-consuming permit process for both residential and commercial projects. With deep expertise and a strategic approach, we handle all aspects of permitting, ensuring that your project moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Key Features of Our Service

Residential Projects
From single-family homes to multi-unit developments, we guide you through the complexities of residential permitting with ease.
Commercial Projects
Expertise in securing permits for offices, retail spaces, and other commercial developments, no matter the scale.
Efficient Processing
We reduce wait times by navigating local regulations and requirements with precision and speed.
Documentation & Approvals
Comprehensive handling of all paperwork and approvals ensures accuracy and compliance.

Why Choose Architect United?

Save Time
We cut through red tape, saving you valuable time and keeping your project on track.
Minimize Delays
Avoid common permitting setbacks with our expert attention to detail and thorough preparation.
Peace of Mind
With our professionals managing the process, you can focus on your project knowing permits are in capable hands.

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New Construction Build-out

Building a new building from scratch and then building out the interior for the franchise.

Build‑out scope:
- Construct shell building (structure, roof, exterior)
- Full interior build‑out like a vanilla shell, but you control everything from the ground up
Site work: grading, utilities to site, parking, drive‑thru lanes, landscaping
Pros/cons:
- Pros: Ideal layout, drive‑thru design, signage visibility, modern systems
- Cons: Most expensive and longest timeline; heavier permitting and approvals

A franchise build‑out is the process of taking an empty or existing space and turning it into a fully functioning location for a specific franchise brand (e.g., a fast-food chain, gym, retail shop) according to that brand’s standards.

Included Services:

Site preparation & layout
- Designing the floor plan to match the brand’s approved layout.
- Ensuring customer flow, kitchen/back‑of‑house layout, storage, restrooms, etc. meet franchise specs.
Construction & remodeling
- Framing, walls, ceilings, flooring, and structural changes.
- Plumbing, electrical, HVAC work.
- Meeting local building codes, health and safety regulations, and inspections.
Brand-specific finishes
- Installing the brand’s approved décor: colors, materials, signage, counters, lighting.
- Exterior branding: signs, window graphics, façade elements.
Equipment & technology installation
- Kitchen equipment, POS systems, security cameras, Wi‑Fi, sound systems.
- Any specialized equipment required by that franchise (e.g., fitness machines, refrigeration, ovens).
Furniture, fixtures & signage
- Tables, chairs, shelving, display units, menu boards.
- Wayfinding signs, restroom signs, ADA-compliant features where required.
Final inspections & handover
- City/building inspections for occupancy permits.
- Franchise corporate inspection to confirm everything matches brand standards before opening.

Why it’s important in franchising

Consistency: Ensures every location looks and operates like others in the network.
Compliance: Avoids violating brand standards or local building codes.
Cost & timeline control: Build‑outs are often one of the biggest startup costs and key drivers of when you can open.

Franchise Build‑out Types

Food & Beverage Franchise Build‑Outs

Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast Food
- Burger, fried chicken, sandwich chains.
- High‑capacity kitchen, fryers/grills, queue area, strong ventilation, grease trap, sometimes drive‑thru.
Fast-Casual Restaurant
- Burrito, salad, bowl, bakery‑café concepts.
- Open kitchen line, service counter, dine‑in seating, branded décor, moderate kitchen equipment.
Full-Service / Casual Dining Restaurant
- Sit‑down family restaurants, bar & grill.
- Full kitchen, bar, host stand, larger dining area, restrooms, sometimes outdoor seating.
Pizza Shop / Pizzeria
- Delivery/carryout and/or dine‑in.
- Pizza ovens, dough prep, refrigeration, delivery staging area, limited or full seating.
Coffee Shop / Café
- Specialty coffee chains, bakery cafés.
- Espresso bar, pastry display, seating or lounge, Wi‑Fi, moderate prep/back‑of‑house.
Frozen Dessert / Ice Cream / Yogurt
- Ice cream scoop shops, frozen yogurt, smoothie bars.
- Freezers, dipping cabinets, toppings bar, small prep area, compact seating or walk‑in counter.
Bakery / Specialty Food
- Donut shops, sandwich bakeries, specialty pastry.
- Mixers, ovens, display cases, early production space, sometimes seating.

Childcare & Education Franchise Build‑Outs

Preschools / Early Childhood Education Centers
- Branded preschools, Montessori, early learning.
- Multiple classrooms, secure entry, playground, child‑sized toilets/sinks, strong safety and licensing compliance.
Tutoring & Learning Centers
- Math/reading centers, test prep.
- Small classrooms and tutoring rooms, reception, minimal plumbing, focus on quiet study spaces.
STEM / Robotics / Coding Academies
- After‑school STEM labs.
- Tech labs, work benches, computers, storage for kits, sometimes light workshop areas.
Arts, Music & Dance Studios
- Dance schools, music schools, art studios.
- Open studios, mirrors, sprung flooring (dance), practice rooms (music), some sound treatment.

Health, Fitness & Wellness Franchise Build‑Outs

Boutique Fitness Studios
- Yoga, Pilates, spin, HIIT, boxing, barre.
- Open studio room(s), specialized flooring, AV/sound system, mirrors, possibly showers/lockers.
Big-Box Gyms / Full Fitness Centers
- Large fitness franchises.
- Large open floor, heavy equipment, locker rooms, multiple studios, robust HVAC and load‑bearing capacity.
Martial Arts / Sports Training Centers
- Karate, MMA, kids’ sports training.
- Mats or turf, open floor, minimal walls beyond lobby/office, safety padding.
Health Clinics / Allied Health (Light-Medical)
- Physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, wellness clinics.
- Multiple treatment rooms, reception, some in‑room plumbing, ADA and privacy considerations.

Retail Franchise Build‑Outs

General Retail / Apparel / Specialty Stores
- Clothing, shoes, gifts, electronics, specialty goods.
- Display fixtures, shelving, fitting rooms (apparel), stockroom, POS counters, strong visual merchandising.
Convenience Stores / Mini‑Marts
- Branded c‑stores, gas station c‑store brands.
- Gondola shelving, coolers/freezers, beverage islands, restrooms, sometimes integrated foodservice.
Beauty Supply / Cosmetics / Health Retail
- Cosmetics, skincare, vitamin shops.
- Product displays, testers, bright lighting, demo or consultation areas.
Specialty Retail (Pet, Hobby, Auto, etc.)
- Pet stores, hobby shops, auto parts.
- Product‑specific racks, displays, sometimes small service zones (e.g., pet grooming corner).

Beauty, Personal Care & Services

Hair Salons / Barber Shops
- Plumbing at stations, backwash sinks, styling chairs, back‑bar storage, some retail display.
Nail Salons / Spa Services
- Nails, waxing, day-spa.
- Pedicure chairs with plumbing, treatment rooms, good ventilation, calming finishes, laundry area.
Massage / Wellness Spas
- Treatment rooms, soundproofing, dimmable lighting, possibly showers/saunas, laundry.

Home & Automotive Services

Auto Repair / Oil Change / Tire Shops
- Service bays, lifts, oil/waste storage, compressed air, durable flooring, customer waiting area.
Home Services (Office-Based)
- Cleaning, restoration, lawn care offices.
- Small office + storage/warehouse, parking for fleet vehicles, light customer area.
Home Improvement Showrooms
- Kitchen/bath remodel, flooring, closets.
- Display vignettes, sample walls, design consultation zones, back office.

Hospitality & Lodging

Hotels / Extended Stay
- Guest rooms, lobby, laundry, meeting rooms, breakfast area, sometimes pool/fitness.
- Often large‑scale ground‑up or conversion projects.
Short-Stay / Boutique Lodging Concepts
- Smaller branded or budget hotels, boutique concepts.
- Emphasis on efficient room layout and strong brand design.

Pet, Recreation & Entertainment

Pet Care / Grooming / Boarding
- Kennels, indoor/outdoor play areas, grooming stations, strong ventilation, clear clean/dirty separation.
Family Entertainment / Play Centers
- Indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks, escape rooms.
- Large open play spaces, themed elements, specialized equipment, safety padding, party rooms.
Gaming / Esports / VR Centers
- Gaming stations, VR setups, high‑capacity electrical and cooling, darkened or themed interiors.

Professional & Business Services

Coworking / Shared Office
- Private offices, open desk areas, meeting rooms, strong IT/AV, shared kitchen/lounge.
Tax, Accounting, Insurance, Real Estate Offices
- Reception, private offices or cubicles, conference room, file/storage; relatively light construction.
Shipping / Mailbox / Print Centers
- Service counter, self‑service kiosks, mailboxes, back‑of‑house sorting, copy/print area.