Job Description

Job Overview:
As a Freelance Kitchen Designer, you will be responsible for designing efficient, safe, and code-compliant commercial kitchens that support our restaurant operations and growth strategy. This role involves close collaboration with chefs, operations managers, architects, and construction teams to deliver high-performance kitchen environments for new builds, renovations, and prototype updates.
You'll play a strategic part in ensuring our kitchen designs support consistent food quality, staff efficiency, and compliance across all locations.
Key Responsibilities:

• Design and plan commercial kitchens for new restaurant locations and remodels, ensuring optimal workflows.
• Develop kitchen layouts including prep areas, cooking lines, cold and dry storage, dishwashing areas, and service pass-throughs.
• Select and specify kitchen equipment appropriate for concept, volume, and service model.
• Prepare detailed equipment plans, mechanical schedules, utility connection diagrams, and installation documentation.
• Ensure all kitchen designs meet local health and safety regulations, building codes, ADA compliance, and brand standards.
• Coordinate with architects, MEP engineers, and general contractors to integrate kitchen design into overall project plans.
• Conduct operational reviews with culinary and operations teams to validate kitchen layouts.
• Maintain and update kitchen design templates and standards as the brand evolves.
• Conduct site visits during construction and post-opening to verify implementation accuracy.
• Research new equipment and technologies that enhance productivity, food safety, and energy efficiency.
• Assist in budgeting and procurement processes by sourcing cost-effective and reliable equipment.
• Support franchise development with adaptable kitchen designs for various restaurant formats (mall, standalone, food court, etc.).

Other Duties
Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by the company from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.
Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the organization.
Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Design, Commercial Kitchen Design, Culinary Architecture, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in designing commercial kitchens for restaurants, hotels, or foodservice brands.
• Proficient in design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, KCL, or similar kitchen layout software.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards (HACCP), local health codes, and restaurant kitchen best practices.
• Familiarity with kitchen ventilation, fire suppression, and energy-efficient equipment.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate clearly with both design and operations teams.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Portfolio of kitchen designs or as-built examples is required.

Skills Required