Can I select any architectural firm to prepare the drawings for my Bambu shoppe?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Note 3: Final Architectural Drawings, Permits, and Approvals. You must prepare all final architectural drawings required by the jurisdiction where your shoppe is located and have signed approval by us based on our standards and specifications. This includes a full set of plans for permitting and approvals, which must be approved by us, the governmental authority that issues the permits and approvals for your jurisdiction, and your landlord. You will select the architectural firm to prepare your architectural drawings design, who must be approved by us. We will not withhold our approval of your architectural firm provided it can demonstrate it has sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work to ensure that the plans, approvals and permits are obtained, and overview of the project is accomplished. Once we approve the final plans, they cannot be changed without our prior written approval. If you change the plans or the construction of your Bambū shoppe without our knowledge or prior written approval, we may require your Bambū shoppe to conform to the approved plans before you can open your Bambū shoppe to the public.
Source: Item 7 — (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, you are able to select the architectural firm to prepare the architectural drawings for your shoppe. However, Bambu must approve your selection. Bambu will not withhold approval as long as the firm can demonstrate sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work. This ensures that the plans, approvals, permits are obtained, and the project is properly overseen.
The architectural drawings must adhere to Bambu's standards and specifications and must be approved by Bambu, the relevant governmental authority, and your landlord. These drawings include a full set of plans for permitting and approvals. The estimated cost for these architectural drawings, permits, and approvals ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, payable before opening to other suppliers.
Once the final plans are approved by Bambu, they cannot be changed without prior written approval. If you alter the plans or construction of your Bambu shoppe without their knowledge or prior written approval, Bambu may require you to bring the shoppe into compliance with the approved plans before you can open to the public. This ensures that all Bambu locations maintain a consistent brand image and meet all necessary regulatory requirements.