By Jeremy Godenzi

Restaurant design and renovation projects have a particularly complicated set of responsibilities. On the one hand, there are all the practical issues. Construction work needs to be as efficient as possible so that business isn’t unnecessarily delayed, and the final space needs to function properly for both servers and guests. The demand for sustainability is yet another growing pressure. Big chains like Chipotle and McDonald’s have recently opened eco-friendly locations, and many others are following in their footsteps.

There are also big design expectations for these kinds of projects. Imaginative interiors can quickly become the reason restaurants attract customers in the first place, as London’s famed spot, Sketch, has shown.

Balancing these demands, both practical and whimsical, is where BIM (Building information modelling) shines. The technology can help ease everything from budget issues to sustainability queries – it’s just a matter of using it to its full potential.

Optimizing layout for better workflow and customer experience

The layout of a restaurant has near-endless implications. It has to accommodate the maximum number of guests in order to support the business’s goals, be designed well for servers to move through easily, and still convey a comfortable atmosphere for customers. 3D modelling is one of BIM’s key features and a vital tool for designers and architects looking to optimize restaurant layouts.

Not only does BIM allow for better visualization of a design before construction, but many software options also allow for actual walk-throughs that help illustrate how a space would actually function. If renovations are being considered, the current layout can be modelled with BIM and then endlessly tweaked and rearranged until the best possible layout is achieved.

Reducing renovation expenses

Here are some of the ways that BIM technology can be leveraged to boost strategic planning approaches and reduce renovation expenses in the process:

The hardest part of any restaurant renovation is being able to accurately visualize proposed changes and make sure only the most necessary adjustments are being made. BIM completely transforms this process with 3D modelling so that everyone, from designers to engineers on the project, can see the impact of each tweak and be more strategic and cost-effective as a result.

One of the most useful aspects of BIM in construction is that it creates a central file of information for everyone on a project to add to and reference. Keeping everyone on the same page like this is brilliant at minimizing the risk of costly errors.

Construction sequencing is a major tool that BIM offers to help check that each subcontract on a project is on track to hit its timeline goals. This ensures that restaurants don’t lose money on renovations that take too long to complete.

The trickiest aspect of any renovation is that you have to work within constraints. Existing electrics and plumbing systems all have to be accounted for and, if missed, can quickly wrack up high costs. 3D modelling ensures that the baseline structure being renovated is mapped out with all aspects included. This means that if builders hit an electrical issue during construction, they can go back to the BIM file and see where the problem might be coming from.

Restaurant renovations always come with a unique set of problems. The kitchen needs expanding, but there’s a load-bearing pillar in the way that can’t be moved, or the current seating arrangement needs to work around where the chandelier is wired for. BIM gives creatives and construction professionals the chance to model these solutions from multiple angles so that the final renovation is the result of thorough planning and thought. This, of course, means that money isn’t wasted on half-attempted alterations.

Designing restaurants to minimize environmental impact

BIM has become a highly effective tool for sustainable construction. As environmental impact becomes an increasing concern for restaurant projects, here are some of the ways the technology can help:

3D modelling isn’t just a great way to show how things will look in a restaurant, but also how they’ll work. The technology can be used to perform energy consumption evaluations so that there’s an awareness and sensitivity toward carbon footprint from the start.
With regard to the above, different lighting solutions can also be modelled to show which would have the lowest environmental impact.

The detailed planning that BIM allows tends to mean less waste throughout the construction process.

Designing more eco-friendly restaurants requires creativity. Famed sustainable eateries such as Tramo have managed to limit waste by being extra thoughtful about their use of space and materials. BIM makes that kind of approach far more possible as it gives designers a chance to play with every inch of their design and model all the possible iterations.

Designing dining areas to meet modern customer needs

Customer needs have changed immensely over the last few years. Modern restaurant goers are far more attuned to small touches such as having charging ports in the dining areas, better accessibility for those in wheelchairs, and even the Instagrammability of a place. Meeting those needs and creating more adaptable dining areas is so much easier with BIM technology. Designers, architects, and engineers are more able to collaborate thanks to a centralized BIM file and pool their insight to visualize and construct unique, efficient restaurant spaces.

Jeremy Godenzi is an Account Executive at Microsol Resources and brings with him a history of building relationships with the architect, contractor, and engineer base. In his free time, he enjoys running, social sports leagues, and comedy shows.