Director, Store Design

About the role

The Director of Store Design at Sweetgreen is responsible for shaping the visual and functional identity of the company's restaurant locations across the United States. This leadership role drives the creative direction for new store construction, existing location renovations, and periodic brand refreshes that keep the restaurant experience fresh and consistent. The director partners with operations, construction management, and brand teams to ensure every design decision supports both the guest experience and back-of-house efficiency. Based in Los Angeles, California, this full-time position reports into the broader real estate or design leadership team and serves as the primary design authority for all store-related projects.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new Sweetgreen restaurant locations from initial concept through final handover
• Translate the Sweetgreen brand identity and visual language into detailed architectural and interior design specifications
• Collaborate with external architects, interior designers, and general contractors to execute store buildout projects
• Manage the design budget for each project, tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality
• Develop comprehensive construction documents, floor plans, elevations, and material boards for every new or renovated location
• Conduct regular site visits during construction to monitor progress, address issues, and ensure design integrity is maintained
• Create and maintain a centralized design standards guide that governs finishes, fixtures, signage, and branding elements
• Coordinate with the operations team to optimize restaurant layouts for guest flow, order fulfillment, and kitchen efficiency
• Review and approve design proposals from vendors, consultants, and internal team members before project execution begins
• Present design concepts and progress updates to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, industrial design, or a closely related field is required
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality design leadership roles
• Demonstrated history of managing multiple concurrent design projects from schematic design through construction administration
• Thorough understanding of commercial building codes, ADA accessibility standards, and local health department requirements
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit for technical documentation and visualization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate design intent to non-design audiences
• Experience working within fast-paced development environments where timelines and budgets are tightly managed
• A portfolio showcasing successful completion of restaurant or retail design projects at scale

Nice to have

• Master's degree in architecture, interior design, or a related graduate-level design program
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices, green building certifications, or environmentally responsible material selection
• Prior experience specifically within the fast-casual restaurant or food service industry
• Knowledge of Sweetgreen's brand guidelines, restaurant concept, and design philosophy

Skills & tools

• AutoCAD for producing precise construction documents and technical drawings at various scales
• SketchUp or Revit for creating three-dimensional models and immersive design presentations
• Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for developing mood boards, renderings, and marketing-ready design materials
• Project management software for organizing design timelines, task assignments, and milestone tracking
• Understanding of restaurant kitchen equipment layouts, ventilation systems, and utility infrastructure planning
• Familiarity with lighting design principles, acoustics, and material specification for high-traffic commercial spaces

Practical notes

• This position is based in Los Angeles, California and requires regular on-site presence at the Sweetgreen office
• The Director of Store Design may need to travel to construction sites and existing restaurant locations across the country
• Standard business hours apply, with additional hours expected during critical project phases or deadline periods
• The role involves close collaboration with the real estate, operations, construction, and brand teams on an ongoing basis

About the company

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Since 2007, Sweetgreen has reimagined fast food to be fresh, flavorful, and rooted in relationships with farmers and communities.