How to find and choose a reputable restaurant interior designer
Before we look at the creative aspect of hiring a restaurant interior designer, set your budget. Fees will play a big part in your decision making and you need to be realistic about what you can afford. When you begin to engage an interior designer, ask them how they structure their fees to see if their approach works with your project. An interior designer will provide costs for drawings and concepts, as well as any fees for sourcing materials and features.
Look for synergy
When you start your search for an interior designer, the key is to look for someone with tangible experience in restaurant interior design. Search for a designer or company that appears to share the same values as your restaurant brand. Study their website gallery to see real examples of how they have delivered a similar project.
It’s recommended to shortlist at least three interior designers. This will increase your chances of finding an interior designer or design firm that has synergy with both your restaurant and your project. If you are looking to do something different, make sure the designer you choose is open to new ideas.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are always one of the best ways of finding an interior designer. If you do not have suitable contacts, then check their online reviews to gain clarity on real-life client experiences.
If you have seen a restaurant concept that inspires you then enquire at the venue to see who designed their interior scheme. Ask them about how they worked and whether they would be willing to share their contact details.
Ethos and experience
When you engage with an interior designer, ask them to send you their portfolio with some visual examples of previous jobs. It’s important to make sure you use someone who has credible experience of designing for restaurants and hospitality settings.
Once you have shortlisted your preferred designer(s), arrange a meeting. Ideally, although not essential, this works better face to face as you will be more able to gauge whether they are a good fit for your project.
In your meeting, ask them to explain previous restaurant designs and concepts, including any elements that were key to the brief. If you are interested in sustainable design, for example, talk to the interior designer about their ethos and practice.
Discuss your concept
When you are discussing restaurant concepts with interior designers, it’s important to have a strong vision and brand identity. This will enable your interior designer to create a concept that resonates with your objectives for the restaurant’s aesthetics.
As an example, we were asked to design seating for a restaurant called Amazonico. Created by renowned restaurateur, Juan Santa Cruz, this venue offers an immersive dining experience and was inspired by the Amazon rainforest. The concept behind Amazonico was based on three pillars – culture, nature and cuisine. Read more…
If you already have a restaurant chain, or you are intending to build a regional or national presence, look at how you can connect each venue. Although your individual restaurants can have different décor schemes, there is usually a visual connection across the chain.
We designed several areas of seating for the Giggling Squid in Oxford, for example, where the aim was to create intimate dining areas. Our beautiful light green faux leather banquettes featured deep button back diamond detail. The seating created a sense of flow throughout the restaurant and connected with this Thai restaurant chain’s colour palette. Read more…
Choose your furniture
When you have selected your interior designer, you can start the design process. While in the concept stage, it is helpful to discuss other elements of your restaurant interior. Along with the vision, colour palette and decorative theme, consider your restaurant furniture.
The style of seating you will choose will depend on the concept of your restaurant. An experienced interior designer for restaurants will understand the nuances between seating designs. Banquette seating, for example, is more common for intimate dining experiences, while bench seating is popular for social environments. Booth seating creates privacy for couples, families and groups, and can be an efficient way to utilise space.
Whether you need fixed or freestanding seating for your restaurant, we are passionate, reliable and committed to every one of our clients. Contact us to discuss your requirements.