People Centered Design
At Firm Ground, we design with intention—always beginning from the client’s perspective. Guided by integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to quality, we work closely with our clients to bring their visions to life, whether for small businesses, senior living communities, multi-family housing, or restaurants.
Rooted in collaboration and driven by a passion for thoughtful, sustainable design, our team brings diverse perspectives and deep expertise to every project. We stay ahead of evolving design practices and materials to create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but built to last—for people and the planet.
We offer architecture, interior design, 3D rendering, and specification writing—tailored to meet your budget, aesthetic, sustainability, and cultural goals. Our strength lies in listening deeply and building strong, communicative teams for projects of all sizes and types.
Inspired by the words of Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” we believe in turning bold ideas into enduring spaces.
MARKETS WE SERVE
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.
Spaces created to foster connection and belonging.
Our community-focused architecture projects are rooted in a deep respect for the diverse ways people come together to connect, reflect, and celebrate. From worship spaces that honor spiritual traditions to civic centers that foster dialogue and inclusion, each design is shaped by the values and rhythms of the communities they serve. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure that every space -whether sacred or social—embodies dignity, accessibility, and a sense of belonging. These environments are crafted to be welcoming and intuitive, supporting both quiet reflection and vibrant interaction.
In parks and public gathering spaces, our designs emphasize openness, sustainability, and connection to nature. We create environments that encourage movement, play, and shared experience, while also offering moments of calm and contemplation. Whether it's a neighborhood plaza, a cultural pavilion, or a multi-use green space, our work supports the evolving needs of communities and enhances the quality of life for all who engage with it. Through thoughtful planning and design, we help shape places where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Testimonials