AZ Commercial Architect

Phoenix Arizona Commercial Tenant Improvement Architect

Is WDS ARCHITECTURE the right fit for your project?

"At WDS Architecture, we specialize in Commercial Tenant Improvements & New Construction Ground-up projects! We are known best for helping Business Owners put together drawings for their location and then assisting them with Building Permits for the Construction. Our goal is to act quickly on their behalf, as we share with them the steps to successfully get the doors to their physical location open for business."

~Mike Marden, Founder

Why WDS for your Construction Plans & Building Permit?

What is WDS Architecture?

WDS Architecture PLLC is a boutique Commercial Architecture office led by Registered Architect Mike Marden. WDS Specializes in Tenant Improvements throughout the Metro Phoenix area. WDS is trusted by Business Owners to assist with their Construction Plans & Building Permits.

Is WDS Architecture for you?

It is said that spending 10,000 hours at something makes a person an expert. You are an Expert at your Business! As a Business Owner, your product or service is your main focus. You are likely not skilled at reading blueprints, experienced with building permits, or understand construction. You have limited time and resources. You need someone you can trust to manage the day to day tasks involved with obtaining agency approvals for your project.

The Problem small business owner tenants face

After hastily deciding to embark on their building project, many Clients quickly find themselves bogged down when trying to evaluate and negotiate Lease Space, not to mention find the right Architect to obtain Building Permits. All of this can take longer than expected and be very overwhelming. This new and unfamiliar territory can be scary and intimidating. Furthermore, being misinformed about code compliance or the permit process can compound this problem, causing a Business to fail before its doors are even open.

The Solution WDS provides for your business location

Projects always seem to take twice as much time and three times the cost as most first time Tenants account for when signing a commercial lease. We were tired of seeing Entrepreneurs fail before their doors were even open for Business. That’s when we decided to put several decades of knowledge and experience into a system for success. The WDS Brand of services follows a PLAN + DESIGN + BUILD + GRAND OPENING solution.

Our Story

We like to say it simply as, "We started in 2002 as Western Design Studio and now we Build!"

But the reality is that the first few years we were only assisting with simple house remodel drawings. A short time later in 2004 we became registered to work on Commercial Buildings. Then in 2008 began offering sealed Architectural and Engineered Plans along with obtaining permits. By 2010 we adopted the acronym WDS and by 2015 decided to focus on dedicating our efforts to only Business Owners opening the doors to their physical locations. Then in 2020 we really went big by listening to our Clients and taking steps to be granted our General Contractor's License. This has allowed us to offer a faster approach to our Customers through Design-Build. With our KB-1 level credential we are not limited to the size we can construct.

"Great Idea to Grand Opening!" Success Stories

Strong Foundations Academy

4,000sf Pre-School Tenant Improvement - Chandler, AZ

The Cookie House

1,800sf Bakery Tenant Improvement - Peoria, AZ

Molly's House of Little Feet

4,000sf Daycare (Commercial Remodel)- Maricopa, AZ

Sonoran Serenity Spa & Holistic Wellness Center

3,000sf Day Spa Tenant Improvement - Tempe, AZ

Orange Tommy

6,000sf Grocery Store Tenant Improvement - Chandler, AZ

Outcast Doughnuts

1,800sf Gourmet Doughnut Shop with Commercial Kitchen & Bar

Tenant Improvement - Mesa, AZ

To work with WDS our prices typically range as follows:

**All projects will differ slightly in price, but the above scenarios are fairly close to what you should expect to pay when working with WDS!

"BASIC SERVICES" - provided to most Business Owners

Conceptual Design

Preliminary Design

Programming & Space Planning:

Together we verify the function, size and location of each area required in your location. Then we arrange these in a series of diagrams to demonstrate possible layout solutions.

Preliminary Design

Floor Plan, Ceiling & Equipment Schedule:

This first step for most projects is based on measurements from the site and your design requirements or layout. We must get a sign-off on these items before we begin Engineering.

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Site Info, Codes, Exiting, Accessibility, Finishes & Details:

These sheets (often called working drawings or blueprints) represent only a portion of the instructions necessary to construct your build-out. Most of the time they will require supporting Engineering Sheets.

Construction Drawings - Engineering

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Structural (& sometimes Civil):

These sheets contain loads, diagrams, isometrics, schedules, calculations and details that will be required by the City Reviewers and asked for by your Installing Trades and Contractors.

"PLANNING & BUDGETING" - for Startups 3-36mo. prior to Lease

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

All things are Possible, they just require money.

Years ago a previous boss of mine would say, "Anything's possible. It will just take money... or sometimes dynamite". What he meant was that we can design anything that you would like, but just be prepared to pay for it. Those words live on with me today as I enjoy the opportunity to give consideration to roughly 100 projects per year. The more I do this I have come to realize that there is really no price per square foot rule. You may have a more intense function happening within a tiny amount of space, or opposite you may have a massive open space with nothing going on inside but storage. Most Clients do not understand that the smaller project will have a larger per square foot price. If your project is a corporate office vs a medical facility, vs a restaurant, vs a factory... they will all be different, and all will require specific consideration. Let's discuss your project! Tell me about your Business... what type of space are you planning?

Finding your location and Signing a Commercial Lease!

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Site Selection

Searching for the right Commercial Lease Space can be exhausting. Available Retail, Office, Restaurant, Medical, Salon, Church, Fitness or Warehouse suites are not always listed. Listing Agents and Property Management Contacts are notorious for not returning calls if you are not a large company or well-known franchise. This is one of the first challenges Mom and Pop Businesses and Start-ups face. This process can add considerable delays to the project and therefore require plenty of time and the right connections to navigate. The size, type and condition are all factors that will impact the future success of your Small Business.

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Surround yourself with Success

How will you know if the space is Building Code compliant or has the proper infrastructure needed to support your operation? Smart Commercial Tenants have their Team of Professionals selected prior to signing the Commercial Lease. This way the Commercial Real Estate Broker, the Phoenix AZ Registered Commercial Architect and Licensed Commercial General Contractor can help review the lease and the space, while offering input and guidance. (Is your square footage enough, what is the Landlord providing? What will you be responsible for installing? Will there be a Landlord Tenant Improvement Allowance?)

Conceptual Design

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Programming & Space Planning

Together we verify the function, size and location of each area required in your location. Then we arrange these in a series of diagrams to demonstrate possible layout solutions.

"ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE" required for Key Businesses

Interior Materials & Finishes

Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring & Paint:

Approximately one third to one half of our Clients request assistance with selecting these interior finish items or listing them on their drawings in a "schedule" for pricing by the Trades.

Equipment Selection & Layout

Interior Materials & Finishes

Restaurant, Medical, Fabrication, Technology and Cultivation Projects:

At least half of our projects require some degree of equipment coordination. In these cases, it is necessary to have the selections made prior to Engineering.

Health Department Requirement

Menu, Equipment Specs, Finishes, Details:

If your business requires licensing by the Health Department, there will be at least four areas of concern that will need to be addressed on the drawings and included in the application package.

Permit Processing

Health Department Requirement

City Submittal Handling & Obtaining of Agency Approvals:

From the basic Building Permit Application or related Site Plan Review Process to the more lengthy and involved Re-Zoning, Variance, Special Use or Entitlement Process... it normally makes sense for WDS to handle these.

Mike Marden & "Great Idea To Grand Opening" in the Media

March 2021

September 2021

March 2021

Mike Marden Phoenix AZ Architect Contractor Building Permit Storefront Business Digital Journal 2021

Mike Marden has put decades of experience and knowledge into a system for success for small business owners...

(Click image above to read)

March 2021

September 2021

March 2021

Mike Marden Phoenix AZ Architect Contractor Building Permit Storefront Business Access Wire 2021

"Great Idea to Grand Opening" is making a splash in the Arizona commercial real estate and building industry by providing a unique service for business owners...

(Click image above to read)

September 2021

Mike Marden Phoenix AZ Architect Contractor Building Permit Storefront Business Disrupt Magazine 202

How Entrepreneur Mike Marden is making Grand Openings easier for businesses... (Click image above to read)

November 2021

September 2021

Mike Marden Phoenix AZ Architect Contractor Building Permit Storefront Business Voyager Phoenix Maga

Phoenix's Hidden Gems: Meet Mike Marden of "Great Idea to Grand Opening"

(Click image above to read)

December 2021

November 2021

December 2021

Mike Marden Phx AZ Architect Contractor Bldg Permit Business Action Ambition Podcast Entrepreneur

"Great Idea to Grand Opening" came to life, a business that provides comprehensive services to help small businesses take their start-up visions to brick-and-mortar, from step one until they reach opening day! (Click image to read)

January 2023

November 2021

December 2021

Marden Phx AZ Architect Contractor Bldg Permit Storefront Business Strategic Advisor Board War Rm

"The Power of Communication" with our Customers has helped us find our niche! And now we wake up each day excited to help everyday people (like you and me) take their “Great idea to Grand Opening!”. ! (Click image to read)

Work with Mike & The WDS Team!

Voted Best Architects in Phoenix

THE PHOENIX REVIEW listed us as one of the Best Architects in Phoenix!

View the List

Several ways to get an immediate response!

"Sometimes it is necessary to visit the site to give a Quote!" ~Mike

CLICK TO MEET MIKE AT YOUR SITE!

Everyone has different lifestyles & availabilities!

"90% of our Business comes from picking up the Phone & being available to Clients!" ~Mike

CLICK FOR A SAME DAY PHONE CALL WITH MIKE!

Each person's comfort level is different!

"When someone has signed a lease & has stakeholders depending on them, Speed is King!" ~Mike

CLICK FOR AN IMMEDIATE ZOOM CALL WITH MIKE!

KNOWLEDGE TO HELP YOU LOOK LIKE A PRO!

THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR HESITATIONS & UNSURENESS WHEN PLANNING YOUR PROJECT:

The secrets to an accurate PROJECT BUDGET?

Why will my project go faster if I decide on all of my FF&E now?

What should I know BEFORE I SIGN a COMMERCIAL LEASE?

Why do a FEASIBILITY STEP TO EVALUATE the site and the project? (this should scare you)

Why do I need to provide this LIST when asking for an ARCHITECT QUOTE?

GET FACTS TO HELP YOU HIRE THE RIGHT PRO!

THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR FEARS & CONCERNS WHEN HIRING AN ARCHITECT:

When is the right time to HIRE a COMMERCIAL ARCHITECT?

What will I be asked when WDS is QUOTING my PROJECT?

Do you understand the difference between your ARCHITECT QUOTES?

WATCH BEFORE YOU HIRE YOUR CONTRACTOR!

THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR FEARS & CONCERNS WHEN HIRING AN ARCHITECT:

Do you know the DO's & DONT's of Opening you Building or Storefront?

Why is my Construction Cost more than my Landlord Allowance?

Do you understand the difference between your ARCHITECT QUOTES?

What are the basic differences in Contractor Estimates & the Risk in going with Cheapest price?

FOLLOW WDS HERE FOR MORE INSIGHTS INTO PERMITS, TIMELINES & COSTS...

MOST SMALL BIZ OWNERS THAT WE SPEAK WITH HAVE FAILED BEFORE THEY EVEN GET STARTED, DUE TO MISINFORMATION! PLEASE LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES & OUR MANY YEARS OF PLANNING+DESIGNING+PERMITTING+(NOW)BUILDING PROPERTIES & STOREFRONTS!

TUNE-IN & SUBSCRIBE TO MAKE OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR BUSINESS'S NEXT LOCATION A HUGE SUCCESS:

WDS Architecture on YouTube

WDS Commercial on YouTube

WDS Architecture on Facebook

WDS Architecture's Portfolio & Reviews on Yelp

WDSmikemarden on Instagram

Review Mike Marden's Industry Experience & Resume on LinkedIn

THIS GIG IS 24/7! SO IF YOU ARE WORKING, IM PROBABLY WORKING!

WDS IS LOCATED IN ARIZONA AND SERVE APPROXIMATELY 20 LOCAL JURISDICTIONS. WE ARE BECOMING THE PREFERRED COMPANY OF CHOICE IN THE PHOENIX-METRO AREA FOR COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE & GENERAL CONTRACTOR!

WDS Architecture PLLC

1101 W. Kaler Dr. - Phoenix, AZ 85021

mike@wds.Build

WDS Commercial LLC Contractor

1130 E. Missouri Ave, Bldg 200, Suite 200 - Phoenix, AZ 85014

mike@wds.Build

Let us help you Build it at https://wdsCom.com

Phoenix AZ Architect for Commercial Construction Drawings & Building Permit

Phoenix Arizona Commercial Tenant Improvement Architect

Is WDS ARCHITECTURE the right fit for your project?

Assisting with the following project types...

Why WDS for your Construction Plans & Building Permit?

What is WDS Architecture?

Is WDS Architecture for you?

The Problem small business owner tenants face

The Solution WDS provides for your business location

Our Story

I have helped 1,000+ people like you with their dream!

Tell me about the Business you want to open or expand...

Food & Beverage

Businesses assisted by WDS "Commercial" Architecture

Would you like WDS to assist you?

"Great Idea to Grand Opening!" Success Stories

Strong Foundations Academy

The Cookie House

Molly's House of Little Feet

Sonoran Serenity Spa & Holistic Wellness Center

Orange Tommy

Outcast Doughnuts

To work with WDS our prices typically range as follows:

PROJECT FEASIBILITY

Feasibility - Basic

Feasibility - Advanced

TENANT IMPROVEMENT

General (Office, Retail, etc)

Restaurant, Medical or Manuf.

Space 5,001-10,000sf

Space 10,000sf +

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL WITH SITE

10,000sf or less / 1-story / <2 acre

Larger, multi-story or more acres

Learning Centers

Assisted by WDS with Franchisor or State Licensing

"BASIC SERVICES" - provided to most Business Owners

Conceptual Design

Preliminary Design

Preliminary Design

Preliminary Design

Preliminary Design

Preliminary Design

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Construction Drawings - Engineering

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Construction Drawings - Architectural

Retail

Startups and Small Businesses drawn & permitted by WDS

"PLANNING & BUDGETING" - for Startups 3-36mo. prior to Lease

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Finding your location and Signing a Commercial Lease!

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Determining if your Project is Feasible and if so, is the Timing Right?

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Conceptual Design

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Assembling the Right Professionals and a Complete Team early in the Process!

Fitness & Dance Studio

Clients helped with Feasibility, Drawings and Permits by WDS

"ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE" required for Key Businesses

Interior Materials & Finishes

Interior Materials & Finishes

Interior Materials & Finishes

Equipment Selection & Layout

Interior Materials & Finishes

Interior Materials & Finishes

Health Department Requirement

Health Department Requirement

Health Department Requirement

Permit Processing

Health Department Requirement

Health Department Requirement

Mike Marden & "Great Idea To Grand Opening" in the Media

Voted Best Architects in Phoenix