architecture of a distillery's outdoor space

Why an Architect for a Distillery Project Needs Vast Knowledge

A distillery is unlike most other projects. A distillery is often a bar, gift shop, manufacturing facility, and tour business all in one. Few other businesses have as many elements as a distillery or brewery. You need an architect who knows all the needs and regulatory requirements of such a facility. Granted, there isn’t a class or classification that recognizes …

inside a modern airport

Modern Airport Design

Earlier this year, the Biden Administration added another $1 billion in grants to improve airport infrastructure at 114 airports nationwide on top of the $2 billion granted since 2021. Many cities and states are also pledging tax dollars to help with the updates and modern airport design. If you are one of those airports with the funds to update, your …

tables and chairs in a restaurant when planning the architecture

Restaurant Seating Design

Whether you’re building a space from the ground up or repurposing and remodeling an existing space, you need to address the seating needs with your architect earlier in the process than you may realize. Once you have your preliminary layout, it’s time to look at your restaurant seating design. Start with Types of Seating Most restaurants have a mix of …

airport architecture

How to Avoid Airport Design Mistakes

There are countless elements in an airport that the public never sees. Behind the scenes, there are administration, airline and badge offices with many needs. Additionally, the rental car service center, baggage areas, and TSA areas, as well as law enforcement and maintenance facilities need to be functional and accessible. When they’re not, staff can’t get their jobs done, or …

church architecture

Finding the Right Commercial Architect for Your Church

If your church is ready for a new building, you and your building committee have a lot of work to do before breaking ground. One of the most important steps is finding the right commercial architect, ideally one with experience in worship center design. Of course, finding one you and your building committee feel comfortable with is important as well. …

craft brewery in action & architecture

Brewery Architecture 101

Whether you’ve been creating craft beer in your home or garage or you’ve successfully opened other breweries, you know that the process takes time, tools and space. If this is your first commercial venture, there is a lot more to consider regarding your brewery architecture and design than you may realize. As a commercial architecture firm, it’s our job to …

keys in the door to your dream home

Getting Started on Your Dream Home Design

If 2024 is the year you start working on your dream home design, your next step should be choosing an architect. It takes some research to find the right one – if you’re not sure what questions to ask during your search, click here for some suggestions. Once you choose your architecture firm, they’ll begin asking questions, offering suggestions, and …

fitness space architecture

Space Considerations for Fitness and Activity Based Businesses

Today’s families are busier than ever. That’s because they see the importance of extra-curricular activities and fitness for the whole family. Whether you’re planning to open a gym or an activity-based center like a martial arts or dance studio for children or something with multiple spaces that serve the entire family, you need the help of an architect. They can …

craft distillery architecture and interior design

Craft Distillery Design Considerations

Unlike many commercial spaces we plan as an architecture firm, those we do for craft distilleries vastly differ from one another. That’s because each craft distillery owner has a different vision and plans for the customer experience. Some plan that the distillery is a destination with tours and tastings. Others see their space as a gathering space with a tasting …

church building renovation Florida

Steps to a Successful Church Renovation

When your building lacks the right space or feels dated, you may wonder if the right option is to find a new facility. If it is still the right size for you congregation, consider a church renovation. With the help of a skilled architect, an engineer, designer and contractors, you may be able to remake your space for a fraction …

restaurant layout and architecture

How Layout Impacts Your Restaurant

If you ask someone what they like best about their favorite restaurant, they’ll likely talk about the exceptional food, a favorite dish, or possibly a great server. Sometimes people talk about the ambiance. Chances are good they never talk about how the restaurant is laid out. Whether they notice the layout or not, it does impact the restaurant and that …

Medical Facility Design & Practice Efficiency

Whether you’re remodeling your current medical practice or moving to a new space, you likely have several goals. One of them should be an exceptional patient experience. However, you also want any changes you make to benefit the practice as a whole. And, you want everyone to feel comfortable and safe and that their privacy is protected during exams and …

open concept floor plan

Closed or Open Concept Floor Plan – Which is Better?

If you’re planning a custom home and working with an architect, you’ll have many conversations and answer many questions. One of the biggest that impacts the design is whether you’ll have an open concept floor plan or separate rooms (sometimes called a closed floor plan). There are pros and cons to both, however, depending on your lifestyle, family, and the …

building a custom home - Sandbar Architecture

Building a Custom Home? Hire a Residential Architect

Building a custom home is a huge undertaking. You get to decide what you want in every aspect. However, without some guidance and expertise of a residential architect, you may miss out on little things that will make your home even more perfect for you.  Here are just a few of the many reasons you want an experienced architect helping …

medical facility design

The Architect’s Role in Medical Facility Design

A medical facility, whether it be a small family practice or a hospital, has unique design requirements. As medical care evolves, so does healthcare architecture. Not only must a patient be able to navigate the facility, but they have an expectation of privacy and safety. You want them to feel comfortable and cared for. Of course, the doctors, nurses and …

theChapel - church architecture

Design Tips for a Modern Church

Whether your congregation is big or small, you want them to feel welcome and comfortable in the space. No longer do you walk into the vestibule and continue on into the sanctuary all within just a few feet. Church architecture has changed in part because of technology and also how we worship and congregate at church. As you and your …

Sandbar commercial architecture

How to Choose a Commercial Architect

Whether you’re designing and building a new facility from scratch, remodeling an existing space, or adding onto your building, you need a commercial architect. Choose the wrong one and you may not have the functional space you need. When you choose the right one, you will likely love the space and it will serve you well for many years. Just …

myths and architects

5 Myths About Architects

As experienced architects, it’s always interesting to hear what people think about our profession. Most people know that we go to college and most of us have neat handwriting. However, some of the things that people assume they know about architects is far from accurate. We thought we’d help you know the facts. Myth #1 – My Contractor Can Do …

architects and engineers

You May Need Both a Licensed Architect & Engineer for Your Project

If you’re looking for someone to design your new home, an office building, or an addition to an existing space, you need the assistance of many people. Every project needs a licensed architect and some will need an engineer. Of course, a designer is also essential and we talked about how your architect works with your designer previously. Education & …

adding on to your home

Adding on to Your Existing Home

If the highly competitive housing market has you considering a home addition, you’re not alone. Whether you only want a home addition or are remodeling and want both a new layout and more space, you should work with an experienced architect. As an architecture firm, we’re working with many homeowners on a variety of different home additions, however, there are …

home architecture and nature

Your New Home in Harmony with Nature

When building a custom home, you may first think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. Then you may begin thinking about other special needs or features you want in your home. But, how much thought are you putting into what your home will look like on your property? Architects don’t only design a functional interior, but also …

Architect Interior Designer 021122-3

Architect and Interior Designer: Different Roles, Shared Goal

If you’re looking to design a custom home, you’ll want to hire both an architect and interior designer even before you hire a builder or contractor. Although they share the same goal to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional home, they have different roles in the process. The Architect’s Role Your architect’s role is to create plans for the construction …

SBA.GR.0122 Why Do I Need An Architect

Why Do I Need an Architecture Firm?

You may be surprised at all an architecture firm does before the general contractor can begin his work on your building, for your home or business. In fact, architects are helpful in more than just new building construction, they also help with repurposing or remodeling of buildings and homes. Let’s, however, for this article, talk about why you need an …

Permit Permission

Potential clients call to discuss their projects on a routine basis. Most of the conversations are similar. They almost always ask about experience, timing and pricing. Often, people who have had prior experience with their local Building Officials would ask some form of this question: “Have you ever dealt with the AnyCity, USA building department? They can be especially difficult.” …

Treat Yo Self!

We spend our days, and often nights, working to help other people. The clients that we serve are out there doing the same for the needs of their clients and customers. Over the past few months we have thought a lot and have decided that a change is necessary so that we can continue to improve the services that we …