When customers enter your restaurant, they should feel welcome and excited to soak up the ambiance. If you’re planning a restaurant construction, you may wonder how to curate the ultimate experience for your patrons. Use these architecture tips to build an impressive and efficient facility.

3 Architectural Design Tips for Restaurant Construction

1. Don’t Underestimate the Dimensions of the Kitchen 

A patron might view the dining room, bar, or lounge as the majority of the property. While these areas are important, they must still leave enough room for the kitchen.

For efficient operations, you’ll need to allot at least 30 to 40% of the square footage for cooking spaces. This leaves enough room for the appliances, assembly lines, islands, and serving stations. 

2. Consider Illumination

While you might associate lighting with interior design, the architectural plans for the building could also contribute to the brightness of the space.

For example, skylights could create spotlights throughout the dining area, while a glass ceiling or solarium-style dining room could maximize your use of natural light. The direction in which windows face also plays a role—south-facing windows offer the best angle for sunlight.

3. Simplify Entryways & Exits

Traffic regulation in a restaurant is crucial to maintaining a relaxing and accommodating atmosphere. The space shouldn’t lead guests to bump into wait staff, hosts, and other patrons.

You can control the way people move through the layout by avoiding multiple doorways. Create a single entrance that leads guests to the host stand, and consider a separate exit near the restroom or coat check to direct the flow away from the front of the room.

If you’re planning a restaurant construction project, turn to Jackola Engineering & Architecture today. They serve clients in Vancouver, WA, and Kalispell, MT, drawing from over 50 years of experience. From architecture and engineering to interior design, they help with every aspect of your commercial build. Visit their website to learn more about their services. Call (360) 852-8746 today to start planning your project in Vancouver, or (406) 755-3208 to reach the Kalispell office.