• Efficiency Meets Excellence in Kitchen Design

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  • Harmonizing Style and Function in Food Service Design

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  • Restaurant Interiors That Serve Exceptional Experiences

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  • Restaurant Branding that Sells Your Concept

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Leading Restaurant Design Consultant in the Greater Bay Area

Welcome to Susan McDonnell & Associates, your trusted partner in creating successful restaurant interiors and food service kitchens for over 30 years. As a premier restaurant design consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are committed to transforming your culinary vision into a thriving reality.

How We Can Help

With a reputation built on quality and innovation, we specialize in delivering creative solutions that meet the unique needs of restaurant owners both locally and nationally. Our expertise extends beyond just designing inviting dining environments; we also focus on creating efficient kitchen layouts and equipment specifications for all back-of-the-house operations.
We aim to complete every project on time, within budget, and to the highest level of customer satisfaction. You can trust us to provide exceptional services while taking the following roles:
  • Restaurant Design Consultant
  • Food Service Equipment Design Consultant
  • Fe3 Food Service Energy Efficiency Expert
  • On-Site Project Coordinator
  • Pre-Site Inspector
  • Event Organizer
  • Restaurant Design Instructor

Our Services

We cater specifically to those in the Northern California Bay Area, from Santa Rosa to Carmel, who are looking to open a new restaurant, remodel an existing establishment, or upgrade kitchen equipment to enhance profitability. Our comprehensive suite of services includes:
  • Restaurant Design Drawings and Documents
  • Concept Branding Development
  • Interior Design and specifications
  • Ceiling-Lighting Design Drawings and Documents
  • Food Service Equipment Design Drawings and Specifications
  • Food Service Equipment Electrical and Plumbing Drawings
Specific Deliverables
Our detailed approach ensures you receive the necessary deliverables to bring your project to life. The following are the essential documents we provide:
  • Site and Project Overview with Quick Evaluations
  • Demolition Plan
  • 1/4" Scaled Interior Floor Plan
  • Interior Finish Plans and Finish Schedule
  • Reflected Ceiling/Lighting Plan
  • Interior and Exterior Wall Elevations
  • Detail Drawings for Custom Cabinetry and Fixtures
  • Furniture and Equipment Specifications
  • Door, Window, and Equipment Schedules
  • Interior and Exterior Renderings (if desired)
  • Interior and Exterior Finish Samples
  • Equipment Plumbing (roughs)
  • Equipment Electrical (roughs)
  • Consultant Supervision
  • Working Documents for Construction
  • Health, Planning, Building, and Fire Department Submittal
  • Fe3 Energy Efficient Equipment Design and Specification

Consult a restaurant design professional.

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About Susan McDonnell

Education
  • Associate of Arts Degree – Delta College Stockton, CA
  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Interior Design San Jose State University San Jose, CA
Certifications
  • Certified Interior Design in the state of California 1993 – Present
  • Fe3 Certified (Food Service Technology Center and other PG&E; locations 1999 – Present)
Experiences
  • Facility’s Planning – Restaurant Design Instructor at Mission College 1993–Present
  • Special Event Planning (1990–Present)

What Our Past Clients Have Written About Us

★★★★★
"Susan is a very knowledgeable designer - in fact, she may be the most knowledgeable designer that we work with - and we really appreciate that! It takes a lot of effort to learn and implement efficient kitchen design practices. Susan puts in the effort and is designing Case Study quality kitchens!" see case study: FSTC - Resources
Richard Young, Fe3, Director at Frontier Energy
★★★★★
"I first met Susan approximately thirty-five years ago... After we finished our first project together I knew that I would never work with anyone but her again. Since then Susan and I have done approximately ten major 100% remodels averaging approximately One million each...I seek her advice not only on the 100% design but also her advice on-site location and consultation on final menu revisions."
John D'Ambrosio, Owner of Fulfillment Systems (They have been working with Susan McDonnell & Associates for over 35 years.)

Talk to Us

Contact us today for more information on how we can elevate your culinary space to the next level.