Project Architectural Designer

Waterstone Human Capital; Sandy (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterstone Human Capital is seeking an Architectural Project Designer in Sandy, Utah to lead restaurant design projects from concept through construction documentation. You will balance brand vision, operational needs, budgets, and construction realities, often adapting existing spaces and working with a multi-disciplinary team.

You will own projects from start to finish, manage multiple timelines, and refine test fits, floor plans, elevations, and interiors while coordinating with architects,

Qualifications

• 6+ years in architecture, interior architecture, or restaurant/hospitality/retail design.
• Commercial project experience; multi-unit brand rollouts or prototype development preferred.
• Strong experience developing test fits, floor plans, elevations, and construction documentation.
• Knowledge of zoning, entitlement, permitting, and building codes.
• Track record of owning projects independently from start to finish.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong communication and organization.
• AutoCAD required; Revit preferred; SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, Procore a plus.
• Comfort discussing design vision with executives and technical details with contractors/engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead restaurant design projects from concept through construction documentation.
• Review as-built drawings and adapt designs to fit existing spaces.
• Create and refine test fits, site plans, and layouts.
• Prepare presentations for city and design review committees.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Support entitlement, zoning, design review, and permitting processes.
• Review construction documents, RFIs, submittals, and design packages.
• Refine finishes, lighting, signage, millwork, and interiors.
• Manage design schedules, deliverables, and consultant coordination.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Construction, Facilities, and Leadership.
• Evolve the restaurant prototype to support future growth.

Skills

6+ years experience

Project ownership

Strong communication

Multi-project management

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Bluebeam

Procore

Job description

$65,000 to $95,000, depending on experience

Why This Role

Most designers spend years executing someone else's prototype. This role puts you in the room where the prototype gets built. You'll own restaurant projects from first test fit through construction documents, work directly with hands‑on founders, and see your decisions show up in every new location as the brand scales to 50 to 100 openings a year. As the team grows, so does this role, with a clear path to leading a design team.

The Company

Our client is a fast casual restaurant group with a strong and growing footprint across multiple states, known for fresh, house made food prepared daily. Every location is company owned, and the business is in a high growth phase with national expansion ahead. The culture is collaborative, face to face, and high performing, with an ownership mindset expected from everyone.

Your Role

As the Architectural Project Designer, you will lead restaurant design projects from concept through construction documentation, balancing brand vision, operational needs, budgets, and construction realities. Most projects involve adapting existing and repurposed buildings, with some new construction, so strong space planning and problem solving are essential.

What You'll Do

• Lead restaurant design projects from initial concept through construction documentation
• Review as built drawings and adapt designs to fit existing spaces
• Create and refine test fits, site plans, floor plans, elevations, and layouts
• Prepare presentations for city and design review committees
• Coordinate with architects of record, engineers, consultants, and internal stakeholders
• Support entitlement, zoning, design review, and permitting processes
• Review construction documents, RFIs, submittals, and design packages
• Refine finishes, lighting, signage, millwork, and interior environments
• Manage design schedules, deliverables, and consultant coordination
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Construction, Facilities, and Executive Leadership
• Continuously improve and evolve the restaurant prototype to support future growth

What You'll Bring

• 6+ years in architecture, interior architecture, or restaurant, hospitality, or retail design
• Commercial project experience; multi unit brand rollouts or prototype development strongly preferred
• Strong experience developing test fits, floor plans, elevations, and construction documentation
• Working knowledge of zoning, entitlement, permitting, and building codes
• A track record of owning projects independently from start to finish
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once with exceptional communication and organization
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required; Revit preferred; SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Procore a plus
• Comfort discussing design vision with executives and technical details with contractors and engineers
• Familiarity with AI tools is a plus

Who Thrives Here

You take initiative without being asked, obsess over details, and think three steps ahead. You're equally comfortable refining a concept and working through permit comments. You're adaptable, curious, and energized by a fast paced, in person environment.

Why Join?

This is a rare chance to help shape a brand from the inside. You'll work alongside senior leadership with no endless layers of approval, influence the prototype from day one, and see your work come to life in communities across the country. The organization is established enough to offer real resources, yet early enough in its growth story that your impact will be visible within months and lasting for years.