Breaking Ground: 4RM+ULA's Journey to Transform Urban Design
For over two decades, 4RM+ULA, an architectural firm based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, has shaped the Twin Cities’ infrastructure with a commitment to culturally relevant and sustainable design.
Founded by James Garett Jr, and Erick Goodlow in 2002, the firm started as a bold vision between two longtime friends — Garett with a background in architecture and Goodlow, an emerging business professional. They began with an ambitious goal to develop properties that would reflect and serve their communities, but the path to success has been anything but straightforward.
"We barely made any money for the first 15 years," Goodlow recalls. "But we stayed committed to our purpose." The firm's breakthrough came in 2005 when it landed a subcontractor role in designing stations for Minnesota's expanding light rail system. That project marked the turning point, demonstrating their competence and positioning them as leaders in transit-related design.
Cultural Relevance in Architecture
From its inception, 4RM+ULA has placed cultural relevance at the heart of its work. "There's not a lot of us in this space," Goodlow acknowledges, referring to the underrepresentation of minority-owned firms in architecture. This is evidenced in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2023 Demographics Report, as only 2.5% of registered architects identify as Black or African American.
Despite this, 4RM+ULA has maintained its commitment to representing minority communities within the breadth of opportunities in the design space. The firm's philosophy challenges traditional industry norms, emphasizing that communities of color deserve market-rate developments that cater to professionals as much as they do to lower-income populations.
This approach stems from a deep understanding of how architecture influences community identity and well-being, as well as their own lived experiences. “We’ve always wanted to be developers — not just designers — so we have a stake in the structures we create. That way, we can ensure they truly reflect the needs of the people who will use them,” Goodlow explains.
4RM+ULA is one of the few full-service firms in the U.S. that is 100% minority-owned, with a staff that is 90% composed of minority professionals, including women. Goodlow says the firm actively recruits and retains diverse talent, recognizing that representation at every level of leadership fosters innovation and a more inclusive design process.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Despite accolades and proven expertise, 4RM+ULA still faces skepticism, a common challenge for minority-led firms. "Even 22 years later, we still get questioned about our qualifications," Goodlow notes. "But our work speaks for itself." His partners are AIA Fellows — one of the highest distinctions in architecture — yet the firm frequently encounters industry gatekeeping.
With a willingness to serve their community, 4RM+ULA has successfully taken on projects that directly impact minority communities. Notably, they have partnered with the City of Minneapolis in the development of George Floyd Square, named to memorialize Floyd, the Minneapolis native who was slain by a police officer in 2020 — an incident that sparked a global dialogue on police brutality and systemic racism.
Speaking specifically on this project, 4RM+ULA Project Manager Iyssa Washington said, "Instead of focusing solely on the street redesign, we shifted the conversation to include the community and understand their needs so they can be implemented into the plans." Washington adds, "This project is really centered on racial healing, community, and economic vitality ensuring that those who live here can thrive here!"
The company has developed several other notable projects, including the Minnesota Latino Museum, which highlights the Latino community's contributions to both Minnesota and the nation. The 4RM+ULA team also designed Juxtaposition Arts, an innovative youth-focused space that combines an artist studio, gallery, and retail shop.
A Partnership Rooted in Trust
Access to capital has been another key obstacle in 4RM+ULA's journey. "At one point, we were running into barriers with traditional lenders. Even with $4 million plus in revenue, we were being asked to put second mortgages on our homes just to secure business loans," Goodlow shares.
Their search for a financial institution that truly understood their business led them to Old National Bank. Introduced through an operations consultant, the partnership with Old National was a game-changer. "From the start, they treated us like partners. It wasn’t just about signing paperwork — they took the time to understand our business and what we needed to grow."
Old National’s support extended beyond traditional banking services, offering access to office space and networking opportunities. "That kind of relationship makes all the difference. When your financial institution is invested in your success, it opens doors to opportunities you wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, 4RM+ULA aims to expand its national presence. While currently licensed in Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey, the firm is actively working on licensing in California and exploring new opportunities beyond the Twin Cities.
"Our goal is to become a mid-range, double-digit million-dollar firm while staying true to our core values," Goodlow shares. "We want to continue integrating people and space — not just building structures — but creating environments that truly reflect the communities they serve."
4RM+ULA sees success not just measured in buildings but also its impact on the next generation of architects and designers. The firm has an internship program, partnering with universities, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to create opportunities for young talent. "We want students to see that there’s a black-owned architectural firm where they can envision a future for themselves," Goodlow says.
Their focus is on identifying young people with creative potential and showing them how architecture can be a path forward. "Architectural licensure takes years, so it’s important to catch that spark early and nurture it. We want to be that bridge."
With Old National Bank as a strategic partner, 4RM+ULA is poised for its next chapter, one that will not only redefine the built environment but also create a lasting legacy in architectural diversity and community impact.
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