Director of Design & Architecture

Call Your Mother Deli•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Director of Design & Architecture leads the creative and technical development of Call Your Mother shops, from early site evaluation through opening. The role translates the company’s brand vision into thoughtful, functional, and executable physical spaces, working closely with Marketing to apply established brand standards and develop new design ideas for review and approval. The Director owns and continuously improves the company’s architectural and design standards, prototype, specifications, and repeatable design tools. This hands-on design leadership role covers early site planning, shop and kitchen layouts, interior and exterior design development, design visualization, and architectural coordination. The Director partners with Real Estate, Brand, Operations, Construction, IT, Supply Chain, New Shop Openings, and external architects and consultants to drive timely design decisions, improve documentation, and protect design intent through each shop’s opening. The role also leads the Design + Architecture function and helps develop internal design talent as the team grows.

Requirements

5+ years of experience leading restaurant or hospitality design projects from early planning through construction and opening.
Understanding of how kitchen equipment, team workflow, guest experience, and construction realities shape a shop.
Ability to translate a brand vision into plans, materials, elevations, and renderings, and explain the design rationale.
Ability to direct architects, engineers, and other consultants while advancing design decisions and documentation.
Ability to balance creativity with durability, cost, schedule, and the needs of people who use the space.
Ability to identify site constraints and coordination issues early, develop practical solutions, and follow through in the field.
Ability to build useful design standards while allowing room for each shop’s personality.
Alignment with the company’s BIG V.I.B.E.S.: Vibrancy, Integrity, Belonging, Energy, and Seize the Moment.

Responsibilities

Lead early fit plans and space planning for potential and approved sites, including kitchen layouts, front- and back-of-house flow, guest experience, and exterior and signage opportunities.
Lead the design portion of site investigations, coordinating field verification and technical input from architects and consultants to identify constraints early.
Develop preliminary shop design packages with plans, elevations, finishes, sketches, and visualizations; partner with Brand on site-specific ideas and secure approvals before architectural documentation advances.
Bring Operations, Construction, IT, Supply Chain, and New Shop Openings into design decisions at the appropriate time.
Direct external architects, engineers, and design consultants from approved design through construction documents; review their work for design intent, completeness, and coordination.
Partner with Construction on constructability and value engineering, balancing brand impact, team needs, durability, cost, and schedule.
Stay engaged during construction by reviewing design-related submittals, RFIs, substitutions, and field conditions to help ensure the finished shop reflects the approved design.
Create and improve the company’s prototype, Design Guide, specifications, and other repeatable design tools.
Maintain the Design Change Matrix and apply lessons from construction and open shops to future projects.
Lead the Design + Architecture function and help develop internal design talent as the team grows.

Benefits

Competitive salary of $130,000 plus annual bonus opportunity and stock options.
Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
Unlimited paid time off.
100% paid 12-week parental leave.
401(k) with 4% company match.
Free English and Spanish classes, plus Duolingo reimbursement.
Early Wage Access of up to 50% of eligible earned wages before payday.
Wellness and fitness membership through Classpass.
Confidential therapy and professional resources for mental health, legal guidance, financial wellness, and more.
Free bagels and 50% off when off the clock.