Architectural Design Manager, Restaurant Development & Programming

The Architectural Design Manager at Wonder will be responsible for overseeing store layout and design, ensuring that all restaurant locations have a cohesive design perspective. This includes managing the design development processes with architecture firms, refining current designs based on lessons learned, and ensuring consistent material standards across the brand. The role also involves template management using BIM 360/Revit, aligning architectural drawings with MEP templates, and working closely with engineering and real estate teams.

Candidates for the Architectural Design Manager role at Wonder should have an architectural or interior design background, with at least 4-5 years in a design-focused role within the commercial sector. Familiarity with the restaurant and hospitality industries is essential, along with fluency in design and drafting software such as CAD, Revit, and Rhino. Project management experience and strong problem-solving abilities are highly valued, significantly aiding in the rapid development and rollout processes.

The Architectural Design Manager plays a crucial role in the expansion of Wonder's restaurant brand by leading the design development of new locations. This involves creating layouts that not only optimize customer experiences but also align with the Fast-Fine dining concept. By continuously improving store designs and ensuring that brand standards are met, the manager helps maintain Wonder's reputation for exceptional dining experiences in a fast-paced environment.

An effective Architectural Design Manager at Wonder should possess strong organizational and project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously. A sharp eye for detail and critical reasoning skills are necessary to make informed design decisions. The ability to communicate effectively with vendors and design firms is crucial, along with a problem-solver's mindset to tackle challenges that arise during the design and development processes.

The work environment for the Architectural Design Manager at Wonder is dynamic and fast-paced, mirroring the startup culture. As part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovation in the food-tech space, the manager will engage with various stakeholders, navigate challenges, and adapt to quick changes. This role encourages creativity and flexibility, fostering a supportive atmosphere for growth and professional development.

When addressing this question, focus on a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple facets of a project. Discuss the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed to overcome them, and the positive outcomes that resulted, emphasizing your role in the project's success.

To answer this question, showcase your attention to detail and processes you have in place for maintaining brand standards. You might mention working closely with brand teams, using design templates, and routinely reviewing designs against established guidelines to ensure cohesion across all restaurant locations.

Discuss your proficiency with BIM and the specific design software mentioned in the job description. Provide examples of how you've utilized these tools in previous projects, especially in managing templates or collaborating with engineering teams to ensure that designs are executed accurately.

Emphasize your communication skills and experience in working with external teams. Describe a situation where you successfully collaborated with an architecture firm to achieve a design goal, detailing the steps you took to ensure alignment of vision and expectations throughout the project.

Describe a specific incident where you had to pivot due to unforeseen changes, detailing your immediate response and the steps you took to ensure that the project stayed on track. Highlight your agility, decision-making process, and how you communicated changes to stakeholders effectively.

When answering this question, share your insights into current trends such as sustainability, technology integration, or experiential dining. Illustrate your awareness of how these trends can be adapted to enhance Wonder's design concepts, thereby driving innovation at the company.

Share your strategies for balancing multiple projects, including tools you use to manage timelines and task lists. Highlight your organizational and time-management skills, perhaps mentioning how you set priorities based on project deadlines, stakeholder needs, and resource availability.

Discuss the importance of design as not just aesthetics but as a crucial aspect of customer experience. Explain how thoughtful design can create inviting spaces and optimize customer flow, contributing directly to increased satisfaction and repeat business.

Illustrate a successful partnership with team members or external vendors where you achieved a significant outcome. Detail the goals of the collaboration, your specific contributions, and the final results, emphasizing what made the collaboration successful.

Express your enthusiasm for Wonder's mission and how your personal values align with the company's goals. Mention your passion for innovative dining concepts and how you can leverage your skills and experience to contribute to the brand's success in revolutionizing the dining experience.