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Restaurant Design Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Manager, Restaurants

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

... restaurant design. We consider location and local relevance on balance with food and beverage ... Coordinate with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and ...

... restaurant design. We consider location and local relevance on balance with food and beverage ... Coordinates with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and ...

... restaurant design. We consider location and local relevance on balance with food and beverage ... Coordinates with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and ...

... restaurants, bars, hotels, multi-family, and amenity spaces. This person will work closely with the Design Director, project teams, consultants, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders to ...

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Restaurant Design Contractor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$119.5K

$154K

How much do restaurant design contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant design contractor in Chicago, IL is $119,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant design contractor?

Restaurant design contractors are professionals who specialize in the planning, design, and construction of restaurant spaces. They work closely with restaurant owners, architects, and interior designers to ensure that the layout, aesthetics, and functionality of a restaurant meet specific requirements and regulations. Their responsibilities include coordinating building permits, managing construction crews, sourcing materials, and overseeing the project from start to finish. A restaurant design contractor ensures that the finished space is both visually appealing and operationally efficient, aligning with the brand and concept of the restaurant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant design contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Design Contractor, you need expertise in architecture or interior design, project management, and familiarity with building codes, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and project management tools is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and construction teams. These skills ensure functional, compliant, and visually appealing restaurant spaces that meet client expectations and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant design contractors when working with clients and how can they be addressed?

Restaurant Design Contractors often encounter challenges such as balancing the client's vision with budget constraints, adhering to strict building codes, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like architects, engineers, and restaurant owners. Clear communication and early alignment on project goals, budget, and timelines are essential to address these issues. Additionally, having a strong understanding of local regulations and a collaborative approach with other professionals can help ensure smoother project delivery and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Restaurant Design Contractor vs Restaurant Interior Designer?

AspectRestaurant Design ContractorRestaurant Interior Designer
CredentialsTypically licensed general contractors or specialized contractors with relevant certificationsCertified interior designers with interior design credentials and licenses
Work EnvironmentFocuses on construction, renovation, and implementation of design plansFocuses on space planning, aesthetics, and interior concepts
Employer & Industry UsageHired by restaurant owners or developers for project executionHired by restaurant owners or design firms for conceptual and aesthetic design
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project execution and construction rolesUnderstanding design aesthetics and space planning

While both roles are involved in restaurant projects, a Restaurant Design Contractor primarily handles the construction and implementation of design plans, ensuring the project meets technical and safety standards. In contrast, a Restaurant Interior Designer focuses on creating the visual and functional interior space, emphasizing aesthetics and user experience. Both collaborate closely but serve different phases of the restaurant development process.

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Design Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Design Contractor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,513 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Project Manager, Restaurants

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

This is an exciting time to join our team. As we continue to grow, we are looking for talented professionals who are ready to make an impact, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and help shape the future of the built environment. If you are looking for a place where your expertise will be valued, your career can grow, and your work will make a difference, we invite you to explore what is possible with us.
We empower our employees to choose where they work whether remotely, from home or from one of our office locations because we believe flexibility, trust, and collaboration drive great results.
Whether a single restaurant location, prototype development, or program implementation, NORR knows restaurant design. We consider location and local relevance on balance with food and beverage concept, format, and brand to achieve both a successful restaurant operation and guest experience. As the sector evolves, so do we, with an evidence-based design strategies for quick service, casual and fast casual, and fine dining.
Learn more about our Restaurants Portfolio.
We are currently seeking a Project Manager to plan and manage projects to ensure that all contractual commitments are met on time and within budget. As a Project Manager, you will use your interpersonal and leadership skills and must have an understanding of project financials to determine the necessary resources required for successful project execution. In addition, you will provide leadership to a multi-disciplined team, monitor project performance, and forecast revenue.
You Will Make an Impact by
  • Negotiate, develop, monitor, and control the scope of deliverables, work plans, schedules, and budgets for all project stages
  • Develop a detailed work plan for all architectural and engineering disciplines, allocate hours to the work plan, and monitor project progress
  • Lead an integrated team of architects and engineers in the quality assurance and quality control procedures for all deliverables, specifically the construction drawings and specifications
  • Maintain a good understanding of the project scope and when changes to the scope occur, negotiate solutions to ensure outcomes meet client expectations and contractual obligations
  • Coordinate with contractor, sub-consultants, or relevant building authorities to address and document issues with constructability or owner concerns
  • Act as the primary liaison with the client, contractor, and project team and ensure close client relationships are maintained

You Will Bring to the Team
  • Architectural or engineering systems design and presentation, M&E and structural building systems, permit and building code
  • Registered with a relevant professional association is an asset
  • Experience in strategic development, business development, project management, and client management is required
  • Possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, flexibility, and resourcefulness
  • A strong understanding of project accounting is required in order to monitor project performance and forecast revenue
  • 10-15 years of project work experience
  • Experience in restaurant projects is an asset

We are:
The spaces we design and the technology we embrace shape how people live, work, learn, and connect. At NORR, you will collaborate with talented professionals to deliver projects that make a lasting impact on communities across Canada, the US, and the UK. Together we are advancing sustainable design, helping clients reduce environmental impact, and shaping a net-zero future.
As an employee-owned, integrated Architecture and Engineering firm, we support our employees to think differently, embrace innovation, and solve complex challenges together. We invest in your growth, support flexible ways of working, and create opportunities to build a meaningful career.
The hiring base salary range for this vacant position is $90,000.00 - $125,000.00 annually. Actual compensation will be based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, internal equity and skills.
NORR is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic: Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.