According to Itan, what qualifications must the architect and general contractor have?

According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the architect and general contractor hired for the construction of an Itan salon must be appropriately licensed and bonded to the extent required by applicable law. Itan also retains the right to designate or approve the architect used for the project.

This means a prospective Itan franchisee needs to ensure that any architect and general contractor they consider hiring meets the legal requirements for licensing and bonding in their specific location. Additionally, franchisees must be prepared to either use an architect pre-approved by Itan or seek approval for their preferred architect. This approval process adds a layer of complexity and potential delay to the build-out process.

The requirement for Itan's approval over the architect ensures that construction aligns with Itan's brand standards and operational needs. While this protects brand consistency, it also limits the franchisee's autonomy in selecting service providers. Franchisees should clarify with Itan the specific criteria used for architect approval and the process for obtaining this approval to avoid potential issues during the salon development phase.

It is common in franchising for franchisors to maintain some control over the construction and design process to ensure uniformity and brand standards. However, franchisees should carefully evaluate the restrictions and requirements imposed by Itan to understand the potential costs and limitations involved in setting up their salon.