re: Architect recommendations (BR area) for small business design?

If it's a commercial/retail buildout you'll need to get permits from the city and Fire Marshal. The drawings will need to have a professional stamp. If there are any structural changes, that you will need professionally stamped structural drawings. If the plumbing, mechanical or electrical work is $15,000 or more (I think), those will need to be professionally stamped as well. If not, then a licensed complany can do the work. This is not a job for an architectural student. They would not have a stamp or liability insurance and wouldn't know the applicable codes. Does the occupancy need to be fire separated? Does it need a fire alarm system? Does it need to be sprinklered? You also need to make sure that the property is zoned for that specific occupancy. The zoning will also tell you if you meet the parking requirements, etc. Hire an architect.