cOMMERCIAL

Spaces that work as hard as the people who use them.

At Firm Ground, we partner with small businesses, developers, and entrepreneurs to create environments that reflect identity, enhance functionality, and support long-term growth. Whether it's a workplace, retail space, hospitality venue, or government related, our designs balance brand expression with operational efficiency, always with sustainability and adaptability in mind.

Through close collaboration and deep listening, we deliver commercial spaces that are purposeful, welcoming, and ready for what’s next.

education & religious

Learning, reflection, and connection - places where communities come together to gather and grow.

Our work in educational and religious architecture is guided by empathy, respect, and collaboration. Whether designing a classroom, a worship space, or a cultural center, we listen deeply to understand the values and goals of each institution. Projects like Red Lake Nation College have taught us the importance of honoring heritage, amplifying identity, and fostering environments that feel both inclusive and inspiring.

Each space is tailored to its community - functional, welcoming, and adaptable for the future. Through thoughtful design and sustainable practices, we help our clients shape environments that nurture both the mind and the spirit.

healthcare

Supporting dignity, healing, and connection.

Clinics and specialty care environments are carefully designed with a deep understanding of how space influences the experiences of patients, providers, and families. By aligning each design with operational needs, wellness objectives, and the values of the organization, spaces are created to be intuitive, inclusive, and capable of supporting long-term success. Thoughtful planning ensures that each environment fosters comfort, safety, and healing, while also promoting efficiency for staff and caregivers.

Every healthcare project is driven by empathy, shaped through close collaboration with stakeholders, and elevated by sustainable design practices that prioritize both functionality and aesthetic value. The result is spaces that enhance the well-being of all who use them, while supporting the mission and goals of the healthcare provider.

hospitality & entertainment

Spark curiosity, delight the senses, and leave a lasting impression.

From immersive dining experiences to one-of-a-kind entertainment venues, our work is bold, imaginative, and finely tuned to today’s audiences. Projects like Betty Danger’s (a restaurant-meets-theme-park with its own Ferris wheel and mini-golf course) showcase our ability to bring unexpected ideas to life, crafting environments that surprise, engage, and entertain.

We work closely with clients to understand their brand, business goals, and guest experience, translating vision into vibrant, purposeful design. Always attuned to what’s current and what’s coming next, our spaces are trend-aware yet timeless, functional yet full of personality - designed to stand out and stand the test of time.

And when the goal is comfort over spectacle, we know how to craft spaces that feel inviting, effortless, and just like home.

housing & mixed use

Shaping Places Where People Live, Work, and Thrive.

We design residential and mixed-use environments that support a wide range of lifestyles, including affordable housing, market-rate developments, and senior living communities. Each project is shaped by the people who will live there, with careful attention to comfort, functionality, and long-term value.

Mixed-use developments are approached with an emphasis on balance - creating places where living, working, and gathering naturally fit together. Our goal is to make spaces that feel practical, welcoming, and well-suited to everyday life.

Firm ground architects & Designers

275 Market St., Suite 368 Minneapolis, MN 55405