Freelance Kitchen Designer

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.

Youll 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.).
  
  

• 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.