Who must Even Hotels franchisees commission and pay directly for architectural services?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
At least 210 days prior to ground break, you must submit preliminary plans. Holiday will approve your construction plans for conversion or new development if they meet the requirements of the License and the Standards. You may not start construction until you obtain Holiday's approval. Construction or remodeling costs and arrangements are your responsibility alone. Holiday may in the future require use of prototype plans, but Holiday does not currently provide or mandate them. You must commission and pay your architect directly.
At least 120 days prior to ground break, you must submit final plans, specifications and drawings for the Hotel, including its proposed equipment, furnishings, facilities and signs, with the detail and containing the information that Holiday requests, and to commence construction. Unless Holiday grants your request for an extension to your construction completion deadline, you must complete construction and furnishing and obtain Holiday's authorization to open a new development hotel for business within 18 months from the date of commencement of construction and within 24 months from the date of the License.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 70–82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for commissioning and directly paying their architect for architectural services. Specifically, the FDD states that franchisees must commission and pay their architect directly for construction plans. This means that Even Hotels does not handle the payment or selection of the architect; this is solely the franchisee's responsibility.
This requirement has several implications for prospective Even Hotels franchisees. First, franchisees will need to budget for architectural services as part of their overall development costs. Second, franchisees will need to source and vet their own architects, ensuring that they are qualified and experienced in hotel design and construction. Third, franchisees will need to manage the relationship with their architect and ensure that the plans meet both the franchisor's standards and all applicable local codes and regulations.
While Even Hotels does not provide or mandate prototype plans currently, they may require the use of prototype plans in the future. Franchisees must submit preliminary plans at least 210 days prior to ground break and final plans at least 120 days prior to ground break. These plans must meet the requirements of the license and the brand standards, and construction cannot begin until Holiday's approval is obtained. This highlights the importance of selecting an architect who is familiar with the Even Hotels brand standards and can work effectively with the franchisor to ensure plan approval.