Restaurant & Retail Architecture
A restaurant or shop has to welcome customers, support the staff and satisfy several layers of review. Baca Williamson Architects, PLLC helps owners and tenants turn an existing commercial space into a practical layout, coordinate the permit documents and keep design decisions connected to operations, accessibility and building systems.
Restaurant and food-service work
- Dining and customer-service layouts
- Kitchen and equipment coordination
- Takeout, counter-service and café spaces
- Restroom and accessibility improvements
- Change-of-use and occupancy review
- Expansion into adjoining commercial space
Retail and service spaces
- Stores, showrooms and sales floors
- Checkout, storage and employee areas
- Interior alterations and storefront coordination
- Accessible routes, entrances and fitting rooms
- Permit drawings and consultant coordination
- Landlord and agency review responses
Designing around the way the business works
- Learn the operation. We discuss customers, staff, deliveries, equipment, seating, storage and the atmosphere you want.
- Study the space. We document existing conditions and review the available certificate, plans, zoning and utility information.
- Develop the layout. We organize circulation, service areas and back-of-house functions while keeping code and accessibility in view.
- Coordinate the permit set. We prepare architectural drawings and work with required structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing or specialty consultants.
- Support review and construction. We respond to architectural comments and help the team keep track of revisions and closeout items.
Can an existing store become a restaurant?
Maybe, but a different use can change occupancy, parking, plumbing, ventilation, fire protection and agency requirements. A feasibility review is useful before committing to the space.
Who designs the kitchen equipment and systems?
The project may need a kitchen consultant and licensed engineers. BAWI coordinates the architectural layout with the information those specialists provide.
Do you help with expansions?
Yes. See our El Ajicito Restaurant Expansion case study for an example of a commercial hospitality project.
What should I send first?
The address, listing or lease plan, current certificate if available, a description of the business, equipment information and your desired opening schedule.
Opening or expanding a restaurant or shop?
Tell us about the space, the business and where you are in the lease or design process.
Discuss the Commercial Space