Question 1

What's Your Vision? Clarify before You Commit.

Accepted Answer

Before you fall in love with a beautiful storefront, I’ll help you get clear on what your business truly needs to succeed in the space.

Define your business goals and the experience you want customers to have
Identify your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers
Learn how to evaluate spaces based on real functionality — not just first impressions

Question 2

Define Your Space Criteria

Accepted Answer

I’ll guide you through turning your big-picture ideas into practical building requirements that actually support your day-to-day operations.

Think through size, layout, location, and customer flow
Plan for staffing, storage, accessibility, and future growth
Search with more confidence and fewer “maybe this could work?” moments

Question 3

Demystifying Code + Jargon

Accepted Answer

Commercial real estate and construction language can feel overwhelming. I’ll help you understand the essentials before they become expensive surprises.Dig into your local zoning code and spot the building code concepts that separate a workable building from a costly oneDig into your local zoning code and spot the building code concepts that separate a workable building from a costly oneAsk sharper questions before you sign, because you know the language

Question 4

Budgeting: How to Make Smart Decisions

Accepted Answer

I’ll help you look beyond monthly payments so you can make informed decisions with a realistic understanding of the full investment.

Plan for renovations, permits, consultants, and upgrades
Build contingency into your budget for the unexpected
Compare spaces through a more practical financial lens

Question 5

Building Your Team of Experts

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to figure out the process alone. I’ll help you understand who to bring in, when, and why it matters.Learn the role of lawyers, lenders, advisors, architects, contractors, engineers, and city staffMap out when each expert needs to step in, so you bring them in at the right momentWalk into professional conversations ready, with a list of smart questions to ask each expert

Question 6

Your Commercial Building Process + Timeline

Accepted Answer

I’ll walk you through the typical journey from finding a space to opening your doors, so you know what to expect along the way.Build realistic expectations for timelines and the decisions along the wayUnderstand the upfront work of financing, legal, and due diligence that comes before you signFollow the flow from design to permitting to construction to inspections

Question 7

Build Your Space Blueprint

Accepted Answer

By the end, you’ll have a clearer roadmap for your search — one that helps you move forward with confidence instead of guesswork.Nail down your priorities, sharpen your questions, and flag the deal-breakers earlyIdentify your next steps before you ever walk a space or talk termsStep forward with real clarity, confidence, and a direction you can act on

Question 8

• How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to us on our contact page and we will respond as soon as we can.

Question 9

• What do I need before hiring Brick and Mortar to help design my space?
And when is the best time to do so?

Accepted Answer

Only your BIG IDEA. That's right! The best time for you to come to us is when your store is just an idea. NO paperwork, NO ownership, NO physical space required. You see, most people don't think of hiring an architect until they've secured a property. But understanding what to look for in a building before beginning your search will save you time and money in the long run.

Question 10

• How do I know whether we're a good fit?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Just like every person is not your customer, not all projects might be a fit for our services. However, if you are a passionate small business owner interested in revitalizing an existing commercial tenant space or building in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you’ve come to the right place. We value educating our clients throughout the process so you can feel confident that you’re making informed decisions about the future of your business. To see projects and clients we’ve worked with in the past, check out our recent work.

Question 11

• So, what exactly can I expect from an architecture firm like yours?

Accepted Answer

You can count on us to be your partner in crime from the day you decide you want to set up a shop to the day your store is officially open for business. From helping you find the right space and engaging trade partners to designing and overseeing construction, we're truly the complete package!

However, what sets our firm apart from the rest is the predesign services we can offer you. Because the function of your business informs the requirements for the building, we can help you better navigate the search for the commercial space that best fits your business needs.

Question 12

• How much money should I plan to invest in the design phase?

Accepted Answer

Since every project is customized to your needs, your investment will depend on the size and complexity of the building, design, and renovation work involved. To help you better understand the scope of your project, we have service packages with base line pricing based on where you are in the process already.

A good ballpark estimate for architectural fees is 9-12% of the construction cost, depending on scope and the architect’s degree of involvement. That said, the earlier in the process you engage us and other trade partners for estimates, the more we can help you stay within budget – plus save you money and time down the road.

Question 13

• What are the next steps for renovating a commercial space?

Accepted Answer

The Commercial Building Renovation Guide is a great next step for understanding the process. To connect with Brick and Mortar about your project fill out our contact form to setup a discovery call.

Question 14

• How much does renovation construction typically cost, and who is the best person to give me a quote?

Accepted Answer

We can discuss the range of cost we’ve seen in recent projects, though it’s best to engage with a building partner during the design phase to gather the most accurate estimate. Doing so will help ensure that we're staying within your original budget and further inform material availability and lead time recommendations. And if you don't already have a builder in mind, we'll be more than happy to make some recommendations for one of our trusted building partners.

Question 15

• How long will it take before I can officially have my location open for business?

Accepted Answer

The best response to this question will be available once we complete the discovery phase and consult with your building partners. But typically, projects are divided into at least three phases: discovery (1-2 months), design (3-6 months + a few additional weeks for the permitting process), and construction (3-12+ months).

Question 16

• Why doesn’t the City give me clear direction on opening a brick-and-mortar?

Accepted Answer

While the City is responsible for saying yes or no to a proposed solution, it is not liable for suggesting a path or solution that isn’t holistically assessed. Luckily, you can count on us to be in your corner to help you understand the needs of your potential space and the requirements of the City before you even begin the search for your building or site.

Question 17

• Does the City have specific zoning and building code requirements of which I need to be aware?

Accepted Answer

In short, yes! Many towns have their own zoning codes that classify the types of businesses that can operate there. They may also dictate specifics about the exterior of the building and site if it's in a business district. Check out Duluth's Unified Development Code and Superior Zoning Code of Ordinances to learn more about specific requirements.
 
You should also be aware of things like energy codes and accessibility requirements when considering any changes to a building. For example, if the exterior of a commercial building is altered, the code may require that assembly be updated to current energy efficiency requirements Depending on the use of your space, the building may need to be sprinkled, which will require investigating the size and capacity of the existing water main coming into the building. Depending upon the use of the upper levels of the building, the code may require an elevator. These are the types of requirements we would assess based your business’ needs and the existing building conditions.

Question 18

• How do I know if I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

The general rule is any time a physical change (demolition or new build) is happening to or on the site of a commercial building, a permit is required. Even if you're not changing the physical space, if your new business is classified as a different building occupancy group or change of use within the same occupancy group, the City of Duluth requires a Commercial Change of Use permit, which includes a  code summary and a life safety plan to obtain your certificate of  occupancy. In order for a design professional to create the required documents, to scale building plans are needed. Check out the City of Duluth's website to learn more about specific permit requirements.

Question 19

• What does the term "building occupancy" mean?

Accepted Answer

Building occupancy is the classification of the business or residential use of a building as defined by the Building Code. Knowing this helps determine the requirements for things like egress (doors, travel distance, level of protection), accessibility (route, required spaces, elevator), fire protection needed (sprinkler, separation of occupancies), and the number of bathrooms just to name a few.

Question 20

• I already have a few ideas and Pinterest pictures on how I want my store
to look…will that be helpful?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love it when our clients bring their ideas to the table or have a mood board in mind. And we can’t wait to use your inspiration to inform the design of your dream storefront!

Question 21

• What additional work do I need if I want to expand my existing space?

Accepted Answer

Ready to expand your building? In building out, most of the additions will likely involve increasing the building’s footprint at the ground level (horizontally). However, additions can also happen in buildings without necessarily expanding the footprint by adding one or more stories (vertically). 
 
To help you understand which expansion plan is best for your space and business, we can connect you with trade partners who can assess the building structure or  survey the site to define property boundaries, topography, utilities, and more. There may also be environmental impact studies that may need to be conducted to determine possible contamination and any wetlands or trees of significance depending on the loan and jurisdiction requirements.

Question 22

• Do you offer services to update existing businesses and storefronts?

Accepted Answer

We sure do! Our Storefront Refresh package is perfect for you if you’ve already got a storefront open but need a little help with curb appeal, foot traffic, or store flow. After we clearly identify your goals, we’ll customize a plan to optimize your storefront performance to its full potential.

Question 23

• Do you travel to projects?

Accepted Answer

We are able to travel to projects within MN and WI for any of our services. For Retail design services we are able to consult virtually.

got questions?
we've got answers!

What's Your Vision? Clarify before You Commit.

Define Your Space Criteria

Demystifying Code + Jargon

Budgeting: How to Make Smart Decisions

Building Your Team of Experts

Your Commercial Building Process + Timeline

Build Your Space Blueprint

• How do I get started?

• What do I need before hiring Brick and Mortar to help design my space? And when is the best time to do so?

• How do I know whether we're a good fit?

• So, what exactly can I expect from an architecture firm like yours?

• How much money should I plan to invest in the design phase?

• What are the next steps for renovating a commercial space?

• How much does renovation construction typically cost, and who is the best person to give me a quote?

• How long will it take before I can officially have my location open for business?

• Why doesn’t the City give me clear direction on opening a brick-and-mortar?

• Does the City have specific zoning and building code requirements of which I need to be aware?

• How do I know if I need a permit?

• What does the term "building occupancy" mean?

• I already have a few ideas and Pinterest pictures on how I want my store to look…will that be helpful?

• What additional work do I need if I want to expand my existing space?

• Do you offer services to update existing businesses and storefronts?

• Do you travel to projects?

Don't see your question?
Email us instead.

stay in touch

got questions? we've got answers!

What's Your Vision? Clarify before You Commit.

Define Your Space Criteria

Demystifying Code + Jargon

Budgeting: How to Make Smart Decisions

Building Your Team of Experts

Your Commercial Building Process + Timeline

Build Your Space Blueprint

• How do I get started?

• What do I need before hiring Brick and Mortar to help design my space? And when is the best time to do so?

• How do I know whether we're a good fit?

• So, what exactly can I expect from an architecture firm like yours?

• How much money should I plan to invest in the design phase?

• What are the next steps for renovating a commercial space?

• How much does renovation construction typically cost, and who is the best person to give me a quote?

• How long will it take before I can officially have my location open for business?

• Why doesn’t the City give me clear direction on opening a brick-and-mortar?

• Does the City have specific zoning and building code requirements of which I need to be aware?

• How do I know if I need a permit?

• What does the term "building occupancy" mean?

• I already have a few ideas and Pinterest pictures on how I want my store to look…will that be helpful?

• What additional work do I need if I want to expand my existing space?

• Do you offer services to update existing businesses and storefronts?

• Do you travel to projects?

Don't see your question? Email us instead.

​

stay in touch

got questions?
we've got answers!

Don't see your question?
Email us instead.