Business Details
Award-Winning Self-Storage Facility Design Services Nationwide
ARE Associates is a multi-year Inside Self-Storage Best of Business award-winning architectural firm specializing in self-storage facility design. Our approach combines dedicated project management, advanced CADD technology, and principal involvement to deliver efficient, high-quality solutions. With over 35 years of experience, we focus on maximizing rentable space while navigating complex permitting processes and site challenges. Our nationwide services include architectural design, early consultation, and full project oversight, ensuring client goals align with regulatory requirements.We maintain low overhead to offer competitive fees without compromising quality, supported by a team licensed in six states. Our portfolio demonstrates expertise in optimizing unique sites, from urban gateways to constrained lots, while achieving rapid client ROI through strategic design. Client testimonials highlight our ability to transform challenging projects into market-leading facilities through innovative problem-solving and technical precision.
Services
Self-Storage Design
Architectural Design
Design Consultation
Permit Processing
Project Management
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized self-storage design experience
- Nationwide licensing and project execution capabilities
- Competitive fee structure with principal-level involvement
- Proven track record of maximizing client ROI
- Integrated CADD technology for precise, efficient deliverables
What people say
Maximized leasable space effectively
Achieved highest ROI for holdings
Quick project leasing success
Excellent problem-solving capabilities
Proven regulatory expertise
Services
Self-Storage Design
We create optimized self-storage facilities that maximize net leasable area while meeting zoning requirements. Our designs incorporate vertical solutions, climate-controlled units, and security features. Each project balances developer ROI with municipal aesthetics through contextual design elements and efficient space planning.
Project Management
Our firm provides comprehensive project oversight from concept through completion. This includes coordinating consultants, managing timelines, and ensuring code compliance. Principal involvement guarantees design integrity remains intact throughout construction phases and budget parameters are maintained.
Permit Processing
We navigate complex entitlement processes across multiple jurisdictions. Our team prepares documentation, addresses agency concerns, and secures approvals efficiently. This expertise reduces delays for projects facing unique zoning challenges or multi-agency oversight requirements.
Design Consultation
Early-stage consultation identifies site potential and regulatory constraints. We provide feasibility studies, massing options, and cost-benefit analyses for vertical expansion versus single-story configurations. This guidance helps clients make informed investment decisions before committing to full design.
Architectural Design
Our full-service architectural practice addresses challenging sites through creative problem-solving. We develop functional, code-compliant designs for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. Each solution balances aesthetic considerations with operational efficiency and long-term maintainability.
People
Ken Carrell
Principal Architect
With over 35 years of architectural experience, Ken Carrell leads all projects at ARE Associates. A licensed architect in six states, he specializes in self-storage solutions and previously served as Lake Forest's Planning Commissioner.
Questions
Do you specialize exclusively in self-storage architecture?
While we focus on self-storage facilities, our expertise extends to commercial, retail, and residential projects. Our specialization in storage solutions differentiates our design approach.
How do you handle multi-state project requirements?
Licensed in six states and operating nationwide, we manage cross-jurisdictional projects through local code expertise and established municipal relationships to streamline approvals.
What sets your firm apart from general architectural practices?
Our exclusive focus on storage facility efficiency, combined with 35+ years of hands-on principal involvement, creates designs that optimize both operational performance and investor returns.
Can you modify existing building designs for storage use?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse projects like the 2001 Pasadena warehouse conversion, transforming structures into high-value storage facilities with specialized climate and security features.
How do you address challenging site configurations?
Our portfolio demonstrates success with irregular sites through creative massing, vertical solutions, and contextual integration that turns constraints into design advantages.
