You go through a step-by-step process to build the perfect fast food burger.

Fast food restaurant architecture and design firms also follow a detailed, process in their efforts to build restaurants that consistently deliver on both customer and franchise expectations.

Below we’ve summarized the four key stages typically involved in restaurant architecture and design for the fast food industry.

For a detailed 50+ Point QSR Design Checklist, click here to download The Essential Quick Service Restaurant Architecture and Design Guide. On the house!

1. The Preliminary Design Stage

Your architecture and design firm will begin by meeting with you and determining the size and scope of your restaurant. They will then provide you with three sets of preliminary drawings:

I. The Concept/Floor Plan – This is a basic framework of the building indicating roughly what goes where – eg. doors, kitchen, service area, seating area, washrooms. Most franchises will provide the design firm with a template known as a Design Standard to work from. This will have to be tailored to meet the unique dimensional requirements of your particular space, and all applicable local bylaw/building code requirements. For independent restaurants, the design firm will be starting with a blank page and will create a floorplan based on your needs and vision.

II. The Site Plan – These drawings cover everything from parking to site access to utility tie-ins to pedestrian walkways. The site plan is guided by municipal zoning and land use requirements.

III. Exterior Elevations – These drawings show the building within the context of the overall development. This is where any architectural controls are taken into consideration.

2. The Development Permit Package Stage

Once the client approves the Preliminary Design drawings, additional detail is added and the drawings are submitted to the municipality for Development Permit approval.

At this stage, the City is reviewing the plans for adherence to the Land Use Bylaw, facility use, and design ‘form and function’. In addition, the planners will review the exterior design – including signage.

They will either approve the package as submitted or may require changes. Usually revisions are quite straight forward. In some cases, there may be several rounds. Experienced design firms will account for this possibility when developing their design schedule.

3. The Detailed Working Drawing Stage

Once the Development Permit package is approved, the design firm will integrate complete electrical wiring schematics and mechanical requirements into the drawings. If required, structural drawings will be provided. At this point, even greater attention goes into the exterior design. When it comes to the final drawings for a standalone restaurant, most municipalities require sign-off from an architect and engineers. An integrated architectural and engineering firm will have all capabilities in-house and will be certified to “stamp” the drawings.

4. The Construction Stage

Once the drawings have been finalized, stamped and registered with the municipality, construction can begin.

That does not mean the design team’s job is done. Far from it! The engineering and design firm will make itself available to brief the contractor and answer any questions. Ultimately, the design firm is responsible for inspecting the contractor’s work throughout key phases of construction to ensure it conforms to the approved drawings.

A full-service fast food restaurant architecture and design firm can offer complete Tender Support. They will provide a detailed package to bidders that includes all drawings, scope of work, material specifications, lease agreements and other essential documents. The firm can answer any questions the bidders may have, review all bid submissions, provide a summary of each and offer an ultimate recommendation. Some can even manage construction on your behalf.

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