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You’re a Business Owner - Not a Building Code Expert

Updated: 3 days ago

So why does it feel like you’re expected to be an architect, a city planner, and a lawyer overnight?


You’ve got a clear vision for your business. You’re finally ready to build out a new space, or give your current one the renovation it’s been begging for. And then the floodgates open...


Permitting. Zoning. ADA compliance. Fire codes. Contractor quotes. Lease negotiations.


Suddenly, you're in meetings or scrolling through dense documents thinking, Wait… am I supposed to know what any of this means?


You’re not a developer. You’re a business owner. You’re amazing at what you do—but out of nowhere, it feels like you need a crash course in real estate, law, and local government just to move your business forward.


And if something slips through the cracks? It’s not just a delay. It’s months of momentum lost. It’s money on the line. It’s energy you could’ve spent growing your business—gone.


The Problem Isn’t Just the Complexity—It’s the Isolation

There’s no shortage of resources out there. Lists. Checkpoints. City websites with PDFs galore.

But no one tells you how to prioritize, who to trust, or what applies to your situation.

What you really need isn’t more information, it’s commercial renovation support that fits your path. 

You need:

  • A place to ask real questions without feeling like you should already know the answer.

  • Someone to say, “Hey—you’re not missing anything here.”

  • A way to cut through the noise and actually move forward.


Brick and Mortar Design Was Created for Small Businesses

I help small business owners like you, especially at the very beginning of the commercial design and renovation process, make confident decisions, avoid expensive missteps, and feel supported through every single step of the process.


No fluff. No generic advice. Just commercial renovation support from someone who knows how this process actually plays out in your community.


Whether you’re still dreaming about your space or knee-deep in the process, I’m here to help you find clarity and move forward with less overwhelm—and more momentum.



“When you have someone in your corner who knows the process, everything changes. You stop second-guessing. You gain traction. You actually enjoy the process of building your dream space.”



You’re Not Too Early to Ask

If you're even thinking about a build or renovation, this is the moment to speak up.


I’ve had people reach out just to ask one question, and that small clarity shift changed everything. No pressure, no sales pitch—just support.


👉 Use the form below to share where you’re at in the process. 

👉 Tell me what’s keeping you stuck or what you’re unsure about. 

👉 Or just say, “Help!” and I’ll know exactly where to begin.


I’ll help you sort out what matters most right now, so you can take smart, confident steps forward.


Real Stories, Real Impact

Take the entrepreneur hoping to open a market in Duluth. They thought they had found the perfect commercial space. But bringing the building up to code meant major mechanical upgrades and installing an accessible restroom—requirements that didn’t fall under tenant improvements. Because the building owner wasn’t willing to share the cost, the dream space turned out to be a non-starter. That clarity? It came after just one 90-minute walkthrough—backed by an hour of pre-research and expert guidance. That’s the power of early, tailored commercial renovation support.


Then there’s the fitness gym. They had a space already and were ready to expand to a larger location. On paper, it looked like a slam dunk. But the change of use—from storage to a recreational facility—triggered building codes: two restrooms instead of one, and an additional exterior door. With a limited budget, they had to make hard choices and enter negotiations with the landlord. Without that insight, they might have committed to a build-out beyond their budget.


The Transformation Starts Here

When you stop spinning your wheels and start getting strategic commercial renovation support, here’s what happens:

  • You get clear on your next move

  • You feel empowered to speak up in contractor or leasing meetings

  • You stop wasting time on things that don’t apply to your project

  • You protect your budget and get clear on the timeline

  • And you move toward creating a space that reflects your vision, supports your community, and feels magnetic from the inside out


Let’s Make This Easier—Together

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. I’m here to help you build something vibrant, resource-savvy, and truly aligned with your goals—without burning out before you even get the keys.


Reach out today, and let’s talk through your next step.


Know Someone Who’s Looking for Space? 

Share this with a business owner you care about—someone in the early stages of building out or growing their dream. This kind of insight can save them months of delays and thousands of dollars.

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Registered Architect in Minnesota and Wisconsin

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