FROM DREAM TO DOOR OPEN
Architectural Design Services
that Fuel Small Business Success
I help small business owners turn big ideas into thriving brick-and-mortar spaces, starting before a lease is signed or keys are in hand.
The most critical time to connect is when you’re first imagining your future space. Together, we’ll define what your business truly needs so you can search with clarity, negotiate with confidence, and invest with intention. From first site visits to opening day - and even your next expansion -
I’m here to guide every step.
OUR SERVICES
BUILDING MATCHMAKER
Find the Right Space for Your Business, Before You Commit
Don’t settle for a space that doesn’t fit your business. Together, we define your needs - size, layout, accessibility, and code - and guide you through the process, including building your project team and clarifying key jargon. With this tailored profile, you can confidently search, evaluate, and select the right location. Plus, we’re here to review, assess, or help you evaluate potential buildings every step of the way.
Do you relate?
You’re a passionate entrepreneur with a clear business idea or an already successful business, but when it comes to buildings, you feel like you’re flying blind. Maybe you’ve seen a few charming storefronts, but worry about hidden renovation costs, unrealistic timelines, or spaces that don’t truly support your business flow.
You'll walk away with
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A custom checklist of must-have building and site features based on your business model.
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A functional space map defining and illustrating operational flow, access, and amenities.
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Clarity on code implications and how potential spaces may need to be adapted.
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Custom quick-reference sheets on codes, paired with a clear summary of your unique space needs.
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Strategic guidance to make decisions with confidence, not guesswork.
Who is it for?
Small business owners - new or expanding - who want to lease or buy a commercial property and avoid the financial risks of a poor building match.
Investment
$1,755
Includes personalized pre-design strategy, space mapping, and consultation.
Don't let you dream space turn into a budget nightmare
Too many business owners choose a space they love, only to discover later it needs significant unexpected upgrades, or doesn’t comply with code for their use. With Building Matchmaker, you avoid these pitfalls and move forward with confidence, knowing the space you choose is a strategic, long-term fit for your vision..
“I had the opportunity to work with Tiersa not only to get some questions answered about choosing and remodeling a building for our small business but to get some education on lighting, signage, design, flow of space, and space planning. Tiersa was very knowledgeable, personable, and great to work with. Taking the time to learn about the variety of factors that influence the customer experience of a business was well worth it. It has helped us immensely in the planning process and saved us from pitfalls that could have been very costly to redo in the future.”
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Ashley Gustafson
Owner of Unbound Adventures
Aitkin, Minnesota
BUILDING FEASIBILITY STUDY
Know Before you Sign
Do you Relate?
You’ve found a building that feels like the one, but you’re not sure if it’s a smart investment. Will the layout support your staff? Will you need to upgrade plumbing or add restrooms? Will city or codes throw a wrench in your plans? You don’t want surprises after the ink is dry.
What You'll Walk Away With
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A code and zoning review specific to your business type and space.
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Visual mapping of your business layout inside the existing building.
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Clear list of required upgrades or limitations.
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Insights from any necessary trade experts (e.g., structural, plumbing, mechanical).
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A confident go or no-go decision, rooted in real data, not guesswork.
Who is it for?
Small business owners who have a space in mind and need to know if it can truly support their business goals before they lease or buy.
Investment
Building Walkthrough with verbal recommendations and observations. $540 standalone, or $360 when bundled with the Building Matchmaker service.
Starting at $1080 when bundled with the Building Matchmaker service and scaled building plans.
Investment starts at $2,340 when working from scaled building plans and without the Building Matchmaker service. Feasibility, concept development, and consulting are billed hourly, with the total investment customized based on your space’s size, complexity, and the level of support your project needs.
Before You Sign: Uncover what Really Matters
That storefront may look like the perfect fit, but is it code compliant? Can it legally support your business type? Will it require major upgrades to meet your needs? These are the questions most business owners overlook until it’s too late.
A Feasibility Study gives you a clear-eyed look at the true costs and challenges of a specific property - before you commit. Think of it as your pre-decision safety net, combining code research, layout testing, and renovation foresight into one sharp, strategic review.
Don’t just hope the space will work - let’s be sure it does.
With expert code analysis, layout insight, and renovation foresight, I help you decide whether to move forward or walk away, with clarity and confidence - before you finalize the lease or purchase.
“As a first time commercial property owner undertaking what sometimes appears to me as impossible, working with Tiersa at Brick and Mortar Design breathes a level of confidence into my project that would not exist otherwise. Every time I talk with her or the team, this feeling is renewed; the muddied picture becomes more clear, things are simplified, and recommendations that align with the space we're working with and my personal goals are made. Thank you for that 🙏”
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Pete Pascante
Owner of Studio Cafe
Downtown Duluth, MN
CONCEPT DESIGN
Turn Vision Into a Plan that Works
This is where your business takes shape - on paper and in 3D. I help you translate goals into spatial reality through thoughtful layouts, creative solutions, and expert coordination.
Is this you?
You’ve found your space and you’re ready to start making it your own, but you don’t know what’s possible, how much it might cost, or what changes will require approval. You need clear plans and creative ideas that align with your business goals, your budget, and your timeline.
What you'll walk away with
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Visual concept design of your storefront, interior, or workspace that brings your vision to life.
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3D Revit model so you can explore the space from every angle.
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Defined scope of work outlining potential renovations, finishes, and building systems.
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Preliminary code review insights (if not already completed) to flag key considerations early.
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Groundwork for next steps such as early construction pricing or city review/feedback.
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Team-building support, including coordination with engineers, builders, and specialty consultants.
Who's it for
Business owners with a space secured and feasibility reviewed, ready to start shaping their environment and engaging contractors with clarity.
Investment
Custom hourly pricing based on project size and goals
General guideline: Typically 9–12% of projected construction cost
Think of each phase of the project like laying bricks—intentionally stacked to build a solid, efficient path from idea to opening. The Concept Design phase is where the real momentum builds. It’s also where we spend the most time with clients, because the deeper and more thoughtful this phase is, the smoother the road ahead becomes.
This is where we:
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Align the design to your budget using early contractor estimates
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Navigate tricky code or renovation challenges with input from engineers
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Define what's possible now, and what can be phased for later
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Clarify the full scope of work so we can write a clear, lump-sum proposal for the permit documents phase
If we’ve already worked together through the Building Matchmaker or other early services, that foundational knowledge means we move faster and more efficiently in this phase, because the groundwork is already laid.
Why guess at design when you can see it?
Jumping into construction with vague plans is a fast track to delays, costly revisions, and contractor confusion. Concept Design is your creative and strategic foundation, it defines what you're building and how it supports your business operations and brand. Done right, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
“Tiersa and the team at Brick and Mortar are amazing! I recently worked with her on a project for a retail space in a historic building in downtown Duluth and it was such a pleasure. She made the process simple and productive! I loved the ideas she brought to the table and the other professionals she was able to connect me with for my project. Highly recommend!”
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Mariah McKechnie
Owner of Josephine’s Bridal Downtown Duluth, MN
PERMIT DOCUMENTS +
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
From Conception to Reality
What You'll Walk Away With
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Permit-ready drawings stamped for jurisdiction approval, proving your renovation meets current codes.
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Detailed plans and elevations that reflect your operations now and allow for future growth.
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Coordination with engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure a smooth permit process.
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Guidance through permit submission and city review so your project keeps moving forward.
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Optional ongoing design development - finishes, fixtures, and details that elevate your space beyond compliance.
For clients who prefer to keep things minimal, I can provide just the essential permit-ready drawings—leaving product selections, finishes, and fine details in your hands.
And if you’re looking for more support, whether that's refining the details or navigating construction decisions, we can layer in exactly what you need, when you need it.
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Optional Add-On: Construction Observation
Want to ensure what’s built matches what’s designed? Many business owners choose to keep Brick and Mortar involved during construction.
Construction observation means I stay with your project during the build - not as a project manager, but as your design advocate. I review progress, clarify drawings, and make sure the vision stays intact when challenges arise.
What’s Included:
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Periodic site visits to observe and advise
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Review of shop drawings (e.g., cabinetry, lighting, signage)
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Feedback on any unforeseen changes or issues
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Final to-do list walk-through before project close
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11-month warranty review to catch issues while under warranty
Why many business owners add this
Without an architect during construction, design details can get lost or misunderstood. I help protect your investment by ensuring your space turns out the way you imagined - on time, on budget, and on brand.
Who it's for?
Business owners with a confirmed project scope who are ready to move from concept to construction documentation, and want their permit drawings to reflect smart, strategic design, AND get the technical boxes checked.
Investment
This phase is offered as a lump sum investment, tailored to your project scope and local requirements.
Need continued design support or construction-phase guidance? I offer optional hourly services for things like on-site observation, updated drawings, and specification adjustments—so you can get the help you need, when you need it.
Clients who’ve completed earlier phase services (Building Matchmaker, Feasibility, Concept) benefit from seamless integration and reduced ramp-up time.
Turn your approved concept into clear, accurate, and code-compliant drawings ready for permitting. This is the blueprint for turning your vision into a fully functioning business space.
Is this you?
Ready to build but need stamped architectural drawings? We prepare permit documents that meet code, reflect your business needs, and guide you through the city review process. While your permit is under review, we keep design momentum going with finishes and details, and we can stay by your side during construction observation to see your vision through.
CONSULTATION BY THE HOUR
Expert Answers When you Need them
Sometimes you just need a straight answer. Whether you're evaluating a space, navigating code, or want a second opinion - I’m here to help, one hour at a time.
Is this you?
You have questions. Maybe you're a landlord wondering what type of tenant your space can support. A business owner unsure if a building suits your operations. Or a commercial district leader planning a façade improvement effort. You’re not ready for a full project yet, but need clarity to move forward.
How I can Help
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Building walkthroughs to assess fit and potential red flags
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Zoning or code questions answered in plain language
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Lighting, accessibility and layout tips for better customer experience
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Professional opinion on design feasibility or scope
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Support for building owner or economic development groups evaluating tenant options or building upgrades
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Speaking or group education sessions tailored to small business and commercial development audiences
Who's it for?
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Small business owners early in the process
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Building owners evaluating use or upgrades
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Main Street directors, Chambers, or economic groups planning improvements
Investment
Hourly rate, billed per session
Custom quotes for educational speaking or group sessions
Why This Works
You don’t always need a full design package, but you do need a trusted expert who can save you from wasting time, money, or energy. These consultations are focused, flexible, and built to deliver maximum value in minimal time.
