Commercial tenant improvement architect in Middle Tennessee

A tenant improvement is the work that fits leased commercial space to your business: walls, finishes, lighting, plumbing, and the systems behind them. Paul Packman designs tenant improvements for businesses in Middle Tennessee and prepares the drawings your landlord, your contractor, and the building department need.

Glass-walled open kitchen beside the counter, Blue Lemon restaurant, Salt Lake City, Utah — **Open kitchen,** Blue Lemon, Salt Lake City, UtahSee the project

What does a tenant improvement architect do?

The architect measures the existing space, plans the layout with you, checks it against the building and accessibility codes, and coordinates the engineers for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. The result is a set of drawings for landlord approval, contractor pricing, and the building permit. During construction the architect answers the contractor's questions and reviews changes.

When do you need sealed drawings for a tenant improvement?

It depends on the kind of business, the size of the building, and the local building department. Tennessee's licensing statute allows plans without a registered architect or engineer only for certain occupancy types in buildings under three stories and under 5,000 square feet of total gross area. Outside those limits, and for uses such as restaurants and other assembly spaces, plans are prepared by a registered architect or engineer. A landlord or building department can require sealed drawings in any case.

What should you know before signing a lease?

Some of the most expensive surprises in a build-out come from the space itself: too little electrical capacity, no gas service, plumbing in the wrong place, or an entrance that does not meet accessibility rules. An architect's walk-through before you sign can show what the space will need, and help you negotiate who pays for it.