Commercial retail developers face complex challenges in their work. When it comes to addressing regulations, budgets, and timelines, even seemingly minor decisions can seriously impact a project’s success. Just as a real estate advisor offers strategic insights on market conditions, an architect can provide invaluable guidance on the design feasibility of the use of a property, design optimization, code compliance, and much more.
At CVG Architects, we leverage key areas of expertise to ensure developers make fully informed business decisions. By partnering with an architect early in the process, developers gain a strategic ally in assessing property viability, securing financing, and providing associated general contractors with the precise details needed for accurate budgeting. Without these services, developers can easily overlook significant opportunities – or make costly mistakes.
An architect-advisor can deliver measurable value to developers at every stage of a project. Here’s a look at three benefits:
A well-executed site plan answers a critical question for developers: is this project viable? Architects evaluate site layout options to address essential factors like vehicular access, transformer and utility placements, refuse areas, ADA-compliant parking, truck movement paths, and tenant requirements like drive-through lanes or building additions. They also review zoning, energy, and accessibility codes to identify any red flags that might impact project approval.
This detailed upfront work allows developers the opportunity to examine multiple scenarios. It aids in determining if a property is suitable for their intended use and enables general contractors to create more accurate project budgets. Through the identification and resolution of potential issues early in the project timeline, architects save developers time, money, and potential headaches.
Architects play a key role in helping developers to market and finalize tenant leases through Lease Outline Drawings (LODs). These detailed layouts provide critical information such as dimensions, utilities, column grids, and interior partitions. LODs ensure consistency with tenant and landlord work letters, optimize the available square footage, and highlight opportunities to repurpose existing façades for greater appeal.
Beyond design, architects assist with navigating municipal review processes to streamline approvals and align leasing schedules. This combination of technical expertise and process management helps developers secure tenants faster and set accurate leasing dates – two factors critical to generating revenue more quickly.
Repurposing existing buildings presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to assessing compliance with current building codes, utility services, and structural requirements. Architects provide developers with a clear picture of what is feasible and required, from demolition work to structural alterations, allowing for informed and economical decisions.
This expertise is especially valuable in multi-tenant retail projects, where each tenant may require tailored modifications. Architects help developers anticipate and address these complexities, ensuring smooth project progression while minimizing costly surprises during construction.
By building a long-term relationship with an architect, developers can reap the benefits of critical insights and services again and again, offering increasing value over time. As architects become more familiar with a developer’s unique requirements, preferences, and goals, they can anticipate needs before they arise, responding with proactive solutions that align with the developer's vision. Through a deeper understanding that arises from a close relationship, architects become allies, capable of delivering more tailored advice, offering quicker responses, and refining design strategies for future projects.
Moreover, architects who have worked closely with developers can create prototype requirements and templates that streamline the process for new developments, ensuring consistency, and efficiency across multiple projects. This ongoing collaboration not only helps save time and reduces costs but also fosters a more seamless, strategic approach to growth, and innovation in the developer’s portfolio.
Architects do far more than just design buildings – by forming early partnerships with developers and leveraging the technical knowledge inherent to the practice, architects can empower developers to make smart, strategic decisions. The developer/architect partnership delivers the clarity and expertise developers need to stay on schedule, on budget, and ahead of the competition. By wisely investing in an architect-advisor, developers will set the stage for successful, high-performing retail properties.
