Is it required to hire an architect for an Alloy franchise?
Alloy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Architect/Project Management.
You must hire an architect to assist with design, layout and architectural drawings suitable for permitting per the Alloy Design Manual.
Your plans must be approved by us before you can begin building out your Facility, but our review of your plans is only to verify compliance with our requirements and presentation of the Marks.
You and your architect must make sure that your construction plans comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The high end estimate of this range is if you elect to use preconstruction/construction management company, who will assist with design, layout and architectural drawings suitable for permitting.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 20–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Alloy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must hire an architect to assist with the design, layout, and architectural drawings necessary for permitting, as specified in the Alloy Design Manual. These plans must be approved by Alloy to ensure compliance with their requirements and the proper presentation of their trademarks. However, Alloy's review is limited to verifying compliance with their standards.
The franchisee and their architect are responsible for ensuring that the construction plans adhere to all applicable laws, ordinances, and building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The estimated cost for architect and project management services ranges from $10,000 to $32,500, payable as arranged to a preferred vendor.
Alternatively, franchisees may choose to engage a preconstruction/construction management company to assist with design, layout, and architectural drawings suitable for permitting. This option is reflected in the higher end of the estimated cost range for architect/project management services. The FDD emphasizes that franchisees are responsible for negotiating tenant improvement allowances or credits with the landlord to offset construction costs, which can vary significantly by market and vendor.