Architects. I never thought that architects would have such a impact on my life. Alas, in Chicago, architects are one of the gate-keepers for the permit process. Permits. Every other facet of the process of opening a retail business in Chicago is straight forward and manageable, and linked to permits. Without permits there is nothing. I am fairly sure that the permit process was handed down to the leaders of our city by the ancient Aztec culture, as it is mysterious and involves animal and human sacrifice....ok, no sacrifices, but it is oddly mysterious.
We have now met with a few architects and are waiting to see some proposals, and we have also moved forward on some of the removal of old materials in the space - drop ceiling, carpeting, glass wall partitions, doors, and other odd and ends.
