Director of Architecture and Design

Are you a design leader who understands construction—and a construction leader who still loves getting hands-on with design?

We are seeking an accomplished Director of Architecture and Design to lead the design, construction, reimaging, remodel and equipment/FF&E strategy for a growing multi-unit restaurant organization.

This is not simply a project-management position. We need a leader who can design, build, challenge costs, improve prototypes and drive projects from concept through opening while protecting brand standards, operational functionality and the guest experience

Director of Architecture and Design responsibilities

You will lead restaurant design and construction across new locations, remodels, reimages, conversions and other development initiatives, while directly leading Construction Managers and Equipment/FF&E functions. 

• Lead and evolve restaurant prototypes, remodel/reimage programs, building formats and non-traditional concepts. 

• Remain hands-on in design, developing and modifying concepts, floor plans, elevations, exterior treatments, finishes and presentation materials. 

• Utilize AutoCAD, SketchUp and current 3D rendering/visualization tools to test and communicate design solutions. 

• Drive value engineering and design-to-cost strategies that produce measurable capital savings. 

• Lead franchise design reviews and architectural plan approvals. 

• Manage the development pipeline from design and permitting through bidding, construction, turnover and opening. 

• Own project budgets, cost controls, capital forecasting, schedules and construction performance. 

• Oversee restaurant equipment and FF&E strategy, specifications and procurement. 

• Lead, coach and develop Construction and Equipment/FF&E team members. 

• Establish KPIs and provide executive-level reporting on pipeline, budgets, risks and project performance.

Director of Architecture and Design Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering or a related field preferred. 

• 8–12 years of progressive experience within restaurant, retail, hospitality or another multi-unit development environment. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience across both design and construction. 

• Strong restaurant design portfolio covering architecture, interiors, branding, operational flow, constructability, prototype evolution and remodel/reimage work. 

• Current, hands-on proficiency with AutoCAD and SketchUp or comparable design/rendering platforms. 

• Proven success in value engineering and design optimization, including measurable capital savings implemented in actual construction. 

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, estimating, bidding, scheduling, change orders, project closeout, restaurant equipment, FF&E and procurement. 

• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects across a geographically dispersed portfolio. 

• Experience leading Construction and/or Procurement teams. 

• Franchise restaurant experience strongly preferred. 

• Ability to travel as required.

Jeffrey Tryzbiak

Salary : $180,000