At Mitsch Design, we thrive on creating spaces that are not just functional but also inspiring. Our recent collaboration with School of Rock, a leading music education franchise, perfectly encapsulates our ability to navigate the complexities of franchise requirements while tailoring solutions to individual franchise owners.

A Harmonious Partnership

Our journey with School of Rock began through a connection with Steve McFarland, a franchise owner who operates multiple locations in the greater Indianapolis area, including Fishers, Carmel, and Zionsville. Steve, an experienced business owner, sought a design partner who could align with the established brand guidelines of School of Rock while also catering to the specific needs of his locations.

Designing for Franchise Success

One of the key values Mitsch Design brought to the table was our expertise in working with franchise standards. Franchise businesses operate with a structured set of guidelines that dictate everything from branding to layout specifications. Our team seamlessly translated these standards into practical design solutions, ensuring that each School of Rock location was not only compliant but also optimized for its unique space and community.

For instance, at the Carmel location, Steve needed to relocate his existing school to a larger space. The new site, which previously housed a restaurant, required extensive modifications to accommodate School of Rock’s unique programming needs. Mitsch Design conducted field verifications, leveraged Matterport scans, and crafted strategic space plans to ensure the new location met both the franchise’s aesthetic and functional requirements.

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Balancing Brand Consistency and Creative Adaptation

While School of Rock provides a well-established brand framework, it also allows some room for customization. Our team worked closely with Steve to integrate franchise-mandated design elements while enhancing the space’s functionality and appeal. A standout example was the use of specialty materials such as acoustically optimized garage doors—an element that presented both design opportunities and challenges. By collaborating with the contractor, we ensured that these doors met School of Rock’s performance expectations without compromising cost or feasibility.

Another area where we provided significant value was in design refreshes for some of Steve’s existing locations. While these sites didn’t require full-scale renovations, our team offered strategic design updates to keep them visually appealing and aligned with the evolving brand standards.

The Power of Construction Administration

A crucial component of our service offering is construction administration. While Steve was an experienced franchise owner and had a solid understanding of construction processes, many franchisees do not. Our involvement helped bridge the gap between the franchise requirements and the on-the-ground execution, providing expert oversight and troubleshooting during the build-out phase.

From working through architectural and MEP challenges to advising on finish applications for franchise-standard materials like panelized faux brick, our team played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.

Supporting Franchise Growth

Our work with School of Rock highlights our ability to support franchisees in making informed decisions, optimizing their spaces, and bringing their brand vision to life. For franchisors and franchisees alike, partnering with an experienced design and architecture firm like Mitsch Design ensures that brand standards are upheld while allowing for the customization necessary to create an engaging and successful space.

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Whether you’re launching a new franchise or optimizing an existing one, our expertise in design, branding, and construction administration makes us the perfect partner to bring your vision to life.

Interested in learning more about how Mitsch Design can support your franchise expansion? Reach out to us today!