A successful store opening doesn’t just happen. Having a team of experts in whom you have qualified and established a working relationship is a key element to a successful beginning. Knowing when and how to use these experts is another key.
Architects, like many other professionals, tend to specialize in specific types of buildings; retail stores, restaurants, office buildings and medical offices, to name a few. These businesses have specialized requirements when it comes to design, layout, mechanical systems, and building codes. Finding an architect who has specialized in your market niche saves you time and money.
The architect has a significant role in the early phase of your business planning process. With specialized knowledge of your type of business, the architect can help you correctly determine the optimum size, shape and specialized building requirements your business will need. With the excitement and enthusiasm that comes with opening your own store, there often comes the mistaken idea that “bigger is better”. A competent architect will help you avoid this trap of grandiose thinking. Always keep in mind that rent as a percentage of gross revenue, for retail uses , should run between 6% and 10%. For example: good pre-planning of your space can make the difference between taking a 2,000 square foot space instead of a 2,500 square foot space. If you were paying $2.00 psft plus another $.65 in Common Area Maintenance Costs this 500 square foot difference would save you $15,900 per year. Planning pays.
Posted by Gary Simning 
