Many people ask what a Commercial Kitchen Designer actually does? This is an honest account of the work of a Commercial Kitchen Designer.
Surveying the Site
To begin planning a kitchen, the designer surveys the site to establish the actual measurements of the available space. These will include ceiling height, door openings, position of waste and drainage outlets, space for gas and electric supply points, and room for necessary ventilation routes. The designer then uses these exact measurements to create the kitchen design.
Mapping the Workflow
Create a ‘flow plan’ that maps out the route of each product through the kitchen, from receiving goods to washing up, and plan out the layout to suit a smooth service. Identify potential bottlenecks in the workflow around points where staff will be crossing paths. Design the kitchen layout around specific ‘stations’ in the flow plan to maximise efficiency.
Specifying the Right Equipment
With your kitchen’s workflow mapped out your designer can now list the majority of the equipment required for your specific needs, i.e. for the style or type of cuisine you serve and for the number of covers that you serve on a regular basis. A key point here is that your designer will list the majority of equipment required. He or she will be able to suggest some brands that are of high quality and would be suitable for your business; however this is not their main role. Their main role is to work out what you need in the first place and then to suggest the best brands available to meet your specific requirements.
Checking Compliance
Commercial kitchen design must meet the conditions of food hygiene legislation and ventilation standards. The designer checks the proposed kitchen design against the requirements for different types of food businesses to ensure that surfaces, drainage, handwashing facilities, extraction, etc. meet the necessary requirements.
Producing Drawings for Other Trades
These plans are then given to be able to give to the other trades such as plumbers, electricians and builders to carry out the works as stated in the plans. If you are looking for Commercial Kitchen Design, see https://www.targetcatering.co.uk/commercial-kitchen-designers.
A good designer will design a kitchen which will work properly from the first day of service.
