Am I allowed to use a substitute architect for my Annex Brands franchise build-out?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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You must use a contractor and an architect that we designate in the build-out of your retail center. The contractor will coordinate with the architect, design and plan the premises, interact with local officials for appropriate building approvals, and complete the build-out of the premises (including electrical, painting, equipment package installation for your retail center, and also possibly including interior and exterior signage installation). The architect will design the premises of your retail center according to our specifications and prepare plans that meet local requirements. You may use a substitute licensed contractor if we approve the licensed contractor in advance. It is not our regular practice to approve substitute contractors. The factors we consider to approve or disapprove a substitute contractor are licensing experience, commercial tenant improvement experience, pricing, reputation and scheduling availability. If we approve and you use a substitute contractor, you must pay us a $2,500 construction consultation fee before construction begins. You may not use a substitute architec
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 39–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Annex Brands franchisees are required to use an architect designated by the company for the build-out of their retail center. The designated architect will design the premises according to Annex Brands' specifications and prepare plans that meet local requirements.
While franchisees may request to use a substitute licensed contractor, approval is not regularly granted. If a substitute contractor is approved, Annex Brands requires a $2,500 construction consultation fee before construction begins. The FDD explicitly states that franchisees may not use a substitute architect.
This restriction ensures that all Annex Brands locations adhere to the company's design standards and comply with local building codes, maintaining brand consistency and potentially streamlining the build-out process. Prospective franchisees should factor in this requirement when budgeting for their initial investment, as they will not have the option to seek alternative architectural services, even if they believe they can find a more cost-effective solution.