What do the 'Design Standards' cover for a Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham facility?
Hawthorn_Suites_By_Wyndham Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
you open the Facility under the System, you fail to meet the deadline for completing the Facility specified in this Schedule because you do not submit a properly completed Certification, or if you submit a false or fraudulent Certification. We will delay the Opening Date until you submit the properly completed Certification. We shall not be liable to you or any third party if the Certification is improperly completed or the Facility is not built or operated in compliance with ADA.
1.4 Improvement Plans.
(a) Prototype Plans. We will provide your designated architect with a set of "Prototype Plans" for the construction, renovation or furnishing of the Facility, which your architect can use for creating the construction documents. To receive the Prototype Plans, you will be required to electronically designate an architect who must electronically accept the Prototype Plans Agreement. Within 15 days after we electronically receive the signed Prototype Plans Agreement, we will deliver to your architect a complete set of our Prototype Plans. Your architect and you will create construction documents (including a project manual and working drawings) for construction of the Facility based upon the Prototype Plans, System Standards and this Agreement so that it conforms as closely as possible to the Prototype Plans and System Standards, and then submit them for our approval before starting improvement of the Location. We will not unreasonably withhold or delay our approval, which is intended only to test compliance with System Standards, and not to detect errors or omissions in the work of your architects, engineers, contractors or the like, who must exercise their own independent professional care, skill and diligence in the design and construction of your Facility. Our review does not cover technical, architectural or engineering factors relating to the Location, or compliance with federal, state or local laws, regulations or code requirements, including without limitation, compliance with the ADA, for which your architect is responsible. You must allow for 10 days of review each time you submit plans to us.
We will not be liable to your lenders, contractors, employees, guests, others, or you on account of our review or approval of your plans, drawings or specifications, or our inspection of the Facility, before during or after construction or any subsequent renovation. Any material violation from the Approved Plans requires our prior written approval.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to 'System Standards' when constructing, renovating, or furnishing their facilities. Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham will provide Prototype Plans to the franchisee's architect to aid in creating construction documents that conform to these System Standards. These construction documents, including a project manual and working drawings, must be submitted for approval before any improvements begin.
The review process by Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham is intended to ensure compliance with System Standards, but it does not cover errors or omissions in the work of the franchisee's architects, engineers, or contractors. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their facility complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and code requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The franchisee's architect must certify that the facility's plans and specifications comply with ADA requirements using specific ADA Certification Forms.
If a franchisee chooses to purchase design items from a supplier not approved by Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham, a Custom Interior Design Review Fee of $6,000 may be charged to review custom interior design drawings for compliance with interior design standards. Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham also has the right to inspect work in progress and direct changes if it deviates from the Approved Plans or System Standards. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to termination of the franchise agreement.