Why Brands That Break the Mold Need a Problem-Solving Partner
At Erin Morris, we understand that out-of-the-box brands call for creative architects. But this extends to much more than crafting innovative designs. In general, but especially when building for a brand that defies industry norms, there are a variety of finer details to orchestrate and efficiently manage.
One of these details is the planning approval process. We leverage our hands-on permitting experience alongside our creative problem-solving capabilities to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Let’s talk about why partnering with a nimble, knowledgeable architect matters so much for a creative brand, and how our team sets you–and your novel concepts–up for success from the start.
Time Is Money. We’re Here to Help You Be Economic.
Whether you are opening a brand-new business or a new branch of your brand, we know every moment you aren’t open is a missed opportunity for revenue. That’s why we optimize the planning approval process, which can come with a lot of red tape. But rest assured, this is the opposite of taking shortcuts–instead, we initiate various processes simultaneously to stay efficient while accounting for each detail.
When researching a potential address, for instance, we identify the allowed zones for the use while figuring out its parking requirements. That’s because both of these research items can take several steps to accomplish, so it’s better to get started sooner rather than later. We’ve found this is the best way to navigate these early stages thoroughly, while remaining economical with your time and resources.
Why a Cat Cafe Needs More Support Than a Starbucks
When you’re launching a concept that breaks the mold–like a cat cafe–you’re bound to run into some confusion at city planning offices. That’s because planning codes are built around conventional categories like “retail,” “restaurant,” or “medical office.” When a business doesn’t fit neatly into a box, and there aren’t local precedents to point to, it can end up being miscategorized in a way that doesn’t favor its intended use.
Take our early work with Skin Laundry. Fifteen years ago, there was no planning code that accounted for boutique medical services. But Skin Laundry operated more like a personal care storefront than a doctor’s office. Our role was to help the client translate their concept into language the city could understand–and approve.
This kind of strategic positioning matters. Without it, creative businesses risk getting locked into a zone that doesn’t support their use–or worse, signing a lease they can’t even act on. So unlike a national chain like Starbucks that has a clear use category, a cat cafe would need help not only finding an appropriate space, but advocating for its concept. Any forgotten details or missteps in the planning approval process can have huge implications for time, cost, and infrastructure. That’s why it’s important to partner with a team that understands the nuances of bringing unconventional concepts to life.
Your Out-of-the-Box Brand Deserves an Equally Creative Partner
Not all architects have the experience to support unconventional clients. Although they might be doing the same processes–like handling permitting and approvals–they may not dig deep into your concept and think creatively about all the factors at play. At Erin Morris, we have a homework-first approach that synthesizes your novel concept, anticipates any planning challenges, and positions your project for approval.
While innovative and on-brand architectural design is a cornerstone of what we do, so is creative problem-solving. Because to bring your concept into being, you need a team who can orchestrate every detail of the project early on to set you up for success.
Work With Erin Morris
Our nimble and experienced team supports you at every stage of the architectural process, from permits to final walk-through. Something we do in the early days, for instance, is guide you through our pre-lease checklist. This crucial document helps unconventional brands cover all their bases so they can avoid the kinds of expensive and time-consuming missteps that put businesses in jeopardy.
If you’re ready to take your creative brand from concept to reality (or from digital to brick-and-mortar!), the Erin Morristeam would love to hear from you. Give us a call or send us a message to start a conversation today.