Delivering Your Vision is Our Mission

core values

Acting with Integrity & Generosity

We lead with honesty and give generously - because strong relationships and trust are the foundations that matter.

Building a Culture of Collaboration

Great things happen when we create together. We listen actively, share openly, and build solutions as a team. We believe communication is a creative act, and collaboration is the engine of progress.

Driving a Positive Impact

We design with intention to make a positive difference, supporting communities while caring for our world environmentally, culturally, and economically. 

Inspiring Creative Curiosity

We explore boldly, think differently, and never stop learning because curiosity drives innovation and beauty. We design cool spaces for cool people!

design excellence

At Firm Ground Architects & Designers, design excellence isn’t just about drawings or blueprints - it’s about people. Every project has a story: a small business ready to grow, a community wanting a place to gather, residents and families who need communities that nurture well-being and belonging, a school shaping the future, or a clinic providing care with dignity. Those stories guide us. They remind us that design is about creating spaces that support and inspire the people who use them every day.

We bring that idea to life by working alongside you as true partners. We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and stay engaged from start to finish so your goals become our goals. Our team blends creativity with technical know-how to solve challenges, keep budgets on track, and deliver on schedule - all while making sure your project feels meaningful. From the big picture to the smallest detail, we’re committed to creating spaces that are practical, imaginative, and built to last.

our services

Firm Ground is comprised of an experienced group of architectural and interior design professionals committed to creating livable and valuable environments for our clients and their communities. Our diverse backgrounds and collective resources allow us to deliver functional, profitable, and timely solutions to meet each client’s unique situation.

We closely collaborate in all areas of architectural and technical disciplines in order to establish a comprehensive consistency throughout the project. From master plan to completion, we make sure the project scope, programming, and aesthetics are in sync with the programmatic needs and cultural sensitivities of our clients. This integrated approach enhances the potential for imaginative and successful solutions to every project, and it forms the foundation of the wide range of services we provide. Here’s a closer look at the services we offer to bring projects to life:

  • Architecture and Supporting Engineering Services

  • Interior Design

  • Rendering

  • Lender Building Inspections

  • Due Diligence Pre-Purchase Property Inspections

  • Master Planning

  • Space Planning

  • Art Consulting

  • Site Inspection

  • Preservation and Renovation Services

  • Entitlement

  • Connection to Broker Services for Land Acquisition

  • Networking with Financial Institutions

  • Construction Administration

  • Consulting

  • Graphic Design

  • Lighting Design

Process

PARTNERSHIP IN DESIGN

At Firm Ground Architects & Designers, every project begins with understanding our clients’ goals and vision. We believe the best outcomes come from open communication, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose that builds confidence from the start. This approach is centered on the client journey. Through dialogue and visual listening, we gain insight into not only what is needed today but also how the space should serve in the future. That understanding guides every step forward — ensuring the final result is clear in intent, aligned with priorities, and authentic to the client’s vision.

OUR APPROACH

Each project deserves the right team. Firm Ground offers proven expertise in architecture, interior design, and planning, giving us the ability to manage projects of all scales. When additional specialties are required, we draw on trusted and vetted contacts to strengthen the team with confidence. Our focus is on assembling the right mix of skills and perspectives, so collaboration feels seamless, and outcomes are strong. This approach ensures we meet technical demands while also delivering environments that reflect aspirations, respond to community needs, and integrate sustainable practices that add long-term value.

We are NCARB certified and licensed in the following states:

  1. Arizona

  2. Colorado

  3. Florida

  4. Illinois

  5. Indiana

  6. Iowa

  7. Kansas

  8. Minnesota

  9. Missouri

  10. Nebraska

  11. New Jersey

  12. North Dakota

  13. Ohio

  14. Oklahoma

  15. South Dakota

  16. Tennessee

  17. Texas

  18. Washington

  19. Wisconsin

Locations

At Firm Ground Architects & Designers, Inc., distance does not limit how we work. With more than 40+ years of experience and based in Minneapolis, we partner with developers and operators across the Twin Cities and throughout the country. We are currently licensed in 19 states and continue to expand where our clients need us.

Our national work is grounded in the same approach we bring to local projects – early feasibility, clear code analysis, and coordinated consultant teams. That structure allows projects to move forward with fewer surprises, regardless of location.

We use digital tools to stay closely connected to our clients and project teams, and we travel when in-person work adds value. The goal is always the same: consistent communication, reliable delivery, and projects that perform the way they were intended to.

Go ahead - reach out

We get excited about new ideas,

but we’ll keep our cool (and our structure sound).