Do You Need an Architect for a Tenant Improvement in Las Vegas?

If you are planning a tenant improvement (TI) in Las Vegas, this question usually comes up early:

“Do I need an architect?”

Here is the simple truth: many commercial tenant improvements do not require an architect—but many do. One of the biggest triggers is moving or adding walls. Wall changes can affect exit paths (egress), fire ratings, ADA compliance, and occupancy calculations. When those elements change, building departments typically require architect-led, code-compliant plans.

Let’s break it down in a straightforward way.

What Counts as a Tenant Improvement?

A tenant improvement is any interior modification made to adapt a commercial space to your business. Common examples include:

• Office build-outs or reconfigurations
• Retail renovations
• Restaurant or café updates
• Medical or professional office improvements
• Interior upgrades such as flooring, ceilings, lighting, and finishes

Some tenant improvements qualify as simple permit paperwork. Others trigger a full plan review. The difference comes down to scope.

The Quick Rule in Las Vegas

If your tenant improvement is limited to paint, flooring, and fixture updates, you may not need an architect.

If your scope includes walls, exits, restrooms, kitchens, or anything related to life safety, you should expect to need one.

When You Usually Need an Architect (Most Common Triggers)

1) You Are Changing Walls (Even If They Are “Not Structural”)

This is where many projects take an unexpected turn.

Moving, adding, or removing walls can impact:

• Emergency exit routes (egress)
• Corridor widths
• Travel distance to exits
• Door swings and hardware requirements
• Fire-rated walls and smoke separations

Even when a wall is not load-bearing, it can still affect life safety. That is typically when architect-led plans become necessary.

2) You Are Changing Exits, Egress, or Occupant Load

You are usually in “architect plans” territory if your project affects:

• Exit paths or emergency egress
• The number or location of exits
• Occupancy type (for example, office to medical or retail to assembly)
• Occupant load (how many people the space is designed to hold)

These elements are closely reviewed by building and fire departments.

3) Your Use Is More Regulated

Certain types of tenant improvements almost always require architect-led drawings, including:

• Restaurants and commercial kitchens
• Medical, dental, or clinical offices
• Gyms, classrooms, and assembly-style spaces
• Projects with specialized equipment or higher occupancy

4) Your Landlord or the City Requires Stamped Plans

Sometimes the requirement is straightforward. A landlord may require stamped drawings, or the jurisdiction may request a higher level of documentation for review. In those cases, an architect is required regardless of project complexity.

When You Probably Do NOT Need an Architect

You may be able to move forward without an architect if your tenant improvement is limited to:

• Cosmetic upgrades such as paint, flooring, or finishes
• Like-for-like replacements where the layout remains unchanged
• Minor non-life-safety updates that do not involve walls
• Basic repairs and maintenance work

Even in these situations, a permit may still be required—but not necessarily an architect.

How Permitting in Las Vegas Really Works

Local building departments are not focused on who drew the plans. They care about whether the plans clearly address:

• Life safety and egress compliance
• Fire-rated construction
• ADA accessibility requirements
• Clear, code-compliant documentation

If your scope touches any of these areas, architect-level drawings are usually expected. You can review general local requirements through Clark County Building & Fire Prevention.

How Burke Special Projects Can Help

At Burke Special Projects, we specialize in tenant improvements throughout the Las Vegas area. Our team helps business owners:

• Determine whether an architect is actually required
• Avoid unnecessary design costs
• Coordinate the right design professionals when needed
• Navigate landlord and permitting requirements
• Develop permit-ready plans and build efficiently

Our goal is simple: help you get open faster, with fewer surprises. If you are planning a tenant improvement and want clarity before committing to design fees, start the conversation with our team.