Associate, Restaurant Design

El Pollo Loco • Costa Mesa, CA

6d

About The Position

The Design Associate will support the Design & Construction Teams for both company and franchise remodel projects. The role requires strong organizational skills, technical design knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneously.

Requirements

• Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in restaurant, hospitality, or retail design, and construction administration.
• Proficiency in CAD, Bluebeam Revu, Smartsheet, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of IBC, Health Code, and ADA compliance.
• Familiarity with remodel, conversion/TI, and ground-up construction processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills; ability to speak, write, and comprehend basic English.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to travel to corporate project site visits, punch walks, conferences, and franchise support activities, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact for company and franchise remodels to execute EPL Design Standards across architectural, civil/site design, kitchen layout, and interior design disciplines.
• Support development goals by maintaining the remodel pipelines in Smartsheet and driving schedules.
• Maintain and update FF&E standards and documentation for system-wide distribution.
• Conduct product and construction method research to support design solutions.
• Manage RFP coordination and formal project communications.
• Review and process construction administration documents.
• Prepare design-related presentation materials for consultants, franchisees, and executive leadership.
• Attend site visits, scope walks, punch walks, conferences, and other development-related functions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree