Director of Design and Architecture

Dutch Bros. Coffee•Tempe, AZ

63d•$156,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Design, Architecture is responsible for leading the architectural and design strategy for Dutch Bros Coffee's rapidly growing portfolio of retail locations. This role ensures that every store environment reflects the Dutch Bros brand, delivers exceptional customer experiences, and supports operational excellence. The Director oversees design standards, architectural documentation, prototype development, and team leadership, while collaborating across departments to drive scalable, high-quality growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field required; Master's preferred.
8-10+ years in architectural design leadership within retail, QSR, hospitality, or related industries.
Proven track record in prototype development, site adaptation, and rollout programs.
Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and external consultants.
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Bluebeam, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Strong knowledge of building systems, zoning, permitting, and construction processes.
Must have a valid driver's license; ability to travel as needed.
Ability to occasionally move or lift items up to 25 pounds, such as files or equipment, which may be necessary while working in various office environments or while traveling.
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while traveling.
Must be able to stand, stretch, twist, and reach.
Must be able to work effectively in diverse environments including various offices and hotel rooms and adapt to different settings while traveling, including driving or flying.
Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms to perform job duties, including during travel or remote work situations.
Vision must be good or correctable to ensure the ability to perform essential job duties, such as reading documents, navigating travel routes, and utilizing office technology.
Hearing must be good or correctable to facilitate understanding of spoken information and effective communication, both in office settings and during travel.
Ability to read and write in English is essential for processing paperwork, documenting travel-related activities, and following up on necessary actions.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (e.g., calculators, copy machines) to perform job functions effectively, including while traveling.
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, clients, and other stakeholders via email, video conferencing, and other in office or remote communication tools.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain Dutch Bros' architectural and design standards across all store formats.
Oversee prototype design development, site adaptation, and construction documentation.
Ensure brand identity and customer experience are consistently represented in all physical environments.
Direct and approve architectural drawings, elevations, and design packages for permitting and construction.
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of architects, designers, and external consultants.
Develop design guidelines, tools, and workflows to improve efficiency, scalability, and quality.
Partner with Real Estate, Construction, and Operations to align design with business and operational goals.
Manage consultant and vendor relationships, including architects, engineers, and design partners.
Work closely with Real Estate to evaluate new site opportunities and optimize layouts.
Collaborate with Construction to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Engage with Marketing to integrate brand storytelling into store design.
Collaborate with Operations to ensure optimal space planning and operational flow.
Represent design interests in entitlement, permitting, and community outreach processes.
Contribute to long-term development strategies, ensuring design scalability for rapid growth.
Prepare and present design concepts, updates, and standards to senior leadership.
Monitor industry trends, materials, and technology to drive innovation.
Establish and manage design budgets and resource allocation.
Must be able to collaborate in-person with occasional impromptu in-person meetings