Frequently Asked Questions

Experience & Support

1. How many Assisted Living projects has R2 Studios completed?

We’ve completed more than 200 Assisted Living Facilities licensing projects across Minnesota, each meeting strict MDH, DLI, and Fire Marshal requirements.

2. Do you offer support after the facility is licensed?

Yes. We provide post-licensing support for remodels, expansions, or compliance updates, keeping your facility inspection-ready.

3. What makes your woman-owned firm different from others?

As a woman-owned architectural firm, we combine precision and compliance expertise with a human-centered approach, prioritizing clarity, trust, and speed.

4. Can you work with facilities outside the Twin Cities area?

Yes. We manage projects across Minnesota using digital coordination and remote documentation tools, maintaining the same level of service statewide.

5. Do you help with future expansions or remodels?

Absolutely. We can extend your existing plans or design new wings, ensuring each addition remains compliant with MDH and DLI requirements.

Value & Payments

1. How much does it cost to prepare licensing documents for an ALF?

Pricing depends on your facility’s size and scope, but our packages are designed to be affordable while meeting every MDH and DLI requirement.

2. Is pricing based on square footage or number of residents?

We assess complexity by building area, chosen package, and the level of documentation required for licensing.

3. Do you offer packages that include MDH, Fire Marshal, and DLI documentation?

Yes. Our full compliance packages cover all three, giving you a complete set of plans ready for submission without needing multiple consultants.

4. How does hiring R2 Studios save me time and money?

Our expertise ensures your plans are correct the first time, avoiding costly rejections, delays, and repeat fees during inspection.

5. What payment methods do you accept, and can I pay in stages?

We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and invoices via secure payment links. Most projects are divided.

Project Timeline & Process

1. How do we get started once I contact R2 Studios?

We begin with a short consultation to understand your facility’s scope and compliance status, then outline your deliverables, timeline, and pricing before moving into production.

2. What information do I need to provide before starting?

You’ll need your building’s address, floor measurements, and existing plans (if available). We handle everything else, including code review and documentation.

3. How long does it take to receive my final stamped plans?

Once all initial information is provided, we typically deliver stamped documents within 3–5 weeks. Expedited options are available.

4. How does your team communicate progress during the project?

We maintain transparent communication through email, shared folders, and scheduled updates, ensuring you always know where your project stands.

5. Can you fast-track projects close to inspection deadlines?

Yes. We offer priority processing for time-sensitive licensing needs, minimizing downtime and helping you stay on track with opening schedules.

Architectural Services

1. What kind of architectural drawings do you provide for ALF licensing?

We provide full architect-stamped sets, including Site Plans, Floor Plans, Kitchen Layouts, Reflected Ceiling Plans, and Evacuation Routes, all aligned with MDH and DLI standards.

2. Are the plans stamped by a licensed architect?

Absolutely. All our documents are stamped by a licensed architect authorized to submit to MDH, DLI, and local building departments in Minnesota.

3. Can you design my kitchen layout according to MDH standards?

Yes. Our Kitchen & Appliance Layouts are specifically enlarged and formatted per MDH Food Code requirements, ensuring every appliance, fixture, and clearance meets regulation.

4. Do you offer site assessments or evacuation plans?

Yes. We conduct site assessments, evacuation plan design, and fire compliance mapping, helping you pass inspection efficiently and safely.

5. Can R2 Studios update existing drawings to meet new regulations?

Yes. If your facility has older plans, we can review, correct, and restamp them to align with current MDH or Fire Marshal requirements.

Licensing & Compliance

1. What documents are required to get MDH approval for my Assisted Living Facility?

We prepare all required documentation, including architect-stamped Construction Documents, Evacuation and Fire Plans, Kitchen & Appliance Layouts (MDH), Accessibility Reviews, and Code Summaries, everything you need for MDH and Fire Marshal submission.

2. Can R2 Studios help me determine if my facility falls under Statute 144D or 144G?

Yes. We analyze your project type, services, and resident structure to identify whether it qualifies as Housing with Services (144D) or Assisted Living Licensure (144G), ensuring the right compliance path from the start.

3. How long does the licensing process take?

Most projects are completed in 4–6 weeks, depending on review times with MDH, DLI, and Fire Marshal. Our experience helps reduce back-and-forth, accelerating your approval timeline.

4. Do you coordinate directly with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)?

Yes. We prepare all submittals according to MDH guidelines and ensure your plans meet every detail of the Food Code and facility standards for a smooth review process.