Senior Store Designer (New York City Metropolitan Area)

We are a lifestyle brand!

We are on a mission to provide the world with simple, wholesome food and beverage items that fit today's lifestyle, offering an intimate - yet fast and consistent - experience to our customers.

We love and take pride in what we do, and we currently offer an exciting opportunity to join a thriving and ever-growing brand in this industry.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Store Designer with a strong Interior Architecture and Hospitality Design background to support our West Coast restaurant development projects.

This is a senior, hands-on role within a fast-paced, high-growth rollout environment . The ideal candidate has proven experience taking restaurant or hospitality projects from initial concept through Design Development, Construction Administration, and opening.

This role goes well beyond furniture selection, basic space planning, or schematic design. Our Design team develops detailed Design Development (DD) sets internally , coordinates the production of 3D renderings, and works closely with the Architect of Record (AOR), consultants, millworkers, vendors, Real Estate, Construction, and our internal FF&E Procurement team throughout the development process.

The Senior Store Designer is responsible for leading the design process for assigned projects from initial concept through completion, maintaining design intent, technical accuracy, and brand standards while working within aggressive rollout schedules. We are looking for someone who is technically strong, highly responsive, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design process for assigned restaurant projects from initial concept through project completion.
• Develop comprehensive internal Design Development (DD) packages, including floor plans, reflected ceiling and lighting plans, elevations, sections, millwork details, finish plans, schedules, sketches, and other documentation required to clearly communicate design intent.
• Coordinate the production and review of 3D renderings, ensuring they accurately represent the approved design, materials, architectural conditions, and details.
• Coordinate closely with the Architect of Record (AOR) on existing conditions, surveys, initial plan studies, code requirements, landlord criteria, and other project-specific requirements.
• Review AOR permit sets for accuracy and coordination, ensuring the approved design intent, layouts, details, and project requirements are properly incorporated.
• Coordinate with lighting consultants, millworkers, signage vendors, equipment consultants, and other project partners throughout the design and documentation process.
• Maintain responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and completeness of Design documentation and ensure all deliverables meet company standards.
• Collaborate closely with Real Estate and Construction throughout project development to address site conditions, project requirements, schedules, and design-related issues.
• Provide extensive Construction Administration (CA) support during the construction phase, including reviewing RFIs, submittals and shop drawings, responding to design-related questions, coordinating with the AOR and consultants, and resolving design issues that arise during construction.
• Participate in site visits during construction as required to review existing conditions and design execution.
• Coordinate with the internal FF&E Procurement team throughout the procurement and installation process to ensure furniture, fixtures, and equipment align with the approved design, specifications, and project schedule.
• Manage multiple active projects simultaneously and proactively identify design or coordination issues that could impact permitting or project timelines.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness, urgency, accountability, and follow-through across all assigned projects.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 8+ years of professional Interior Architecture / Interior Design experience, with significant experience in restaurant, hospitality, or similar commercial environments.
• Proven experience working on projects from concept through Construction Administration and opening.
• Multi-unit rollout experience strongly preferred, particularly within a high-growth restaurant, hospitality, or retail organization.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating hospitality/restaurant design, technical detailing, and completed built projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of interior architecture, including space planning, millwork, lighting, finishes, detailing, FF&E, and construction documentation.
• Demonstrated experience developing detailed DD drawing packages and reviewing architectural permit sets.
• Strong Construction Administration experience, including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, field coordination, and collaboration with Construction teams and GCs.
• Experience coordinating with AORs, consultants, millworkers, vendors, and other external project partners.
• Ability to read and critically review architectural, consultant, millwork, and shop drawings.
• Working knowledge of accessibility requirements, building codes, permitting, existing conditions, and constructability.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and aggressive timelines simultaneously in a fast-moving environment.
• Highly organized, proactive, and responsive, with the ability to work independently and drive the design process forward without extensive follow-up.
• Strong communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel to project locations as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

This is not primarily a furniture specification, space planning, or conceptual design position. We are looking for a technically experienced hospitality designer who understands how a project moves from concept and DD through permitting, Construction Administration, installation, and opening.

The right candidate will be comfortable working in a high-volume rollout environment where priorities move quickly, multiple projects are active at the same time, and strong communication and responsiveness are essential. They should be able to identify issues early, coordinate with the appropriate teams, and independently drive the design process forward while maintaining a high standard of design and documentation quality.

BENEFITS:

• Health & Wellness – Medical, Dental & Vision
• PTO
• Discounted Meals
• Growth Opportunities
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match

The general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job classification are contained in this job description. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, essential job functions, duties, skills required and other job requirements of personnel in this role. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time.

Pura Vida Miami is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We believe that building a team with diverse perspectives and experiences makes us stronger, more creative, and more connected to the communities we serve.

Agency Disclaimer

We’ve got this covered! At Pura Vida Miami, our Talent Acquisition team leads all hiring efforts internally. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, we mean it. Any resumes sent our way without a signed agreement in place (including those sent directly to our team or hiring managers) will be considered property of Pura Vida Miami and we won’t be responsible for any fees. If you’re interested in partnering with us, reach out to our Talent team first. We’re happy to connect the right way!

Salary Range: $100,000-$105,000