The Best Restaurant Architects in San Jose, California

Last updated on October 30th, 2024 at 06:36 am

Alongside ever-changing, delicious menus, diners expect a restaurant’s atmosphere to also enhance the dining experience. Today, architects are faced with the challenge of creating spaces that will promote its business by feeding the eyes of the consumers. Luckily, designing new restaurants or revamping existing ones is easy with the help of the right professionals, and San Jose is filled with experienced architects who can meet those needs.

To help you, we’ve curated a list of the best architects in the area. Our team took into consideration each firm’s expertise, recognitions, and years of service. To get your diner, bistro, or up and coming food hub designed with the utmost care, check out the list below!

Brad Cox, Architect

1155 Meridian Ave. Suite #208, San Jose, CA 95125

Brad Cox, Architect, Inc. opened its doors in 2011 to provide Silicon Valley with architectural services beyond compare. The firm’s services include sustainable design, interior design, historic renovations, and virtual reality services among others. Brad Cox founded the firm banking on his 20+ years of architecture practice and diverse leadership experience. 

Brad Cox, Architect, Inc.’s team is adept in bringing concepts to life through practical planning. Its projects range from private residences to spiritual communities to restaurant spaces. Take a look at The Source located at Willow Glen, one of Brad Cox, Architect’s impeccable restaurant projects. The interior is influenced by the local vegan community featuring encaustic tile floors, extensive shelving, and an accordion door opening the restaurant to the outdoor space.  

DKIM Architect, Inc.

1580 Oakland Rd. Suite C212, San Jose, CA 95131 

DKIM Architect, Inc. is an architectural practice based in San Jose with a prime focus on retail and restaurant designs. Donghyun “Daniel” Kim is at the helm of the architectural firm. He is a graduate of the Hanyang University in Seoul with a degree in Architecture. His 20+ years of profound architectural experience has helped him develop the firm’s approach to design.

Since its founding in 2014, DKIM Architect, Inc. has completed many projects in the area. Its designs vary from traditional restaurant spaces to more modern diners. A perfect example of this is its newest project, the La Victoria Taqueria. Regarded as the home of the famous “Orange Sauce”, the South Bay icon collaborated with DKIM to design its Hayward branch. Its design included a partially enclosed patio, enhanced landscaping, and a contemporary style with floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone veneer finish. The La Victoria Taqueria will be a part of Hayward’s Development Pipeline project moving towards creating more housing units and commercial businesses in the city.

Habitec Architecture & Interior Design

2290 N. 1st St. Suite #304, San Jose, CA 95131

Innovative spaces and sustainable environments have characterized Habitec Architecture & Interior Design’s works. Since its inception in 1972, the firm has specialized in the architecture and design for a multitude of industries. Habitec Architecture & Interior Design is a practice under the leadership of Jim Starkovich. The firm’s ability to create innovative spaces has built its reputation among clients and peers in the industry.  

The firm is one of North America and Canada’s leading firms with clients ranging from local restaurants to companies like Google, Tesla, and PayPal. One remarkable project in its portfolio is the Olla Cocina in San Jose. It truly resembles a Spanish diner with its eccentric details like Spanish ceramic tiles, decorative block dividers, warm festive tones, and open space for large gatherings.    

Restaurant Design Concepts, Inc.

595 Park Ave. Suite #302, San Jose, CA 95110

Restaurant Design Concepts Inc. is an architectural practice with a primary focus on designing restaurants that are efficient and code-compliant. Its strengths in design rely on its knowledge of the food industry. Under Jeff Young’s leadership, its well-versed team of designers collaborates to create a design that will best suit business and consumer needs. 

Tasso’s Greek restaurant located in San Jose is just one of the many diner projects designed by the Restaurant Design Concepts’ team. The restaurant and bar bring a Mediterranean look into the city with its interior and menu. Notable elements of this restaurant include white quartz tiles, a luminescent bar and lounge area, an outdoor fire pit table, and a patio capturing the upscale modern feel of the Greek tavern. 

TOPA Architecture

1150 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95112

TOPA Architecture has always put excellence in design its top priority since opening its doors in 2007. The AIA accredited firm, led by Ramiro Torres, has designed numerous commercial, residential, and religious spaces in San Jose. Having profound industry experience, its team of designers aims to build strong relationships with clients through collaborative designs. 

Designs with purpose and maximum efficiency are crucial elements in TOPA Architecture’s works. Lifted from its restaurant portfolio is its San Patricio’s bar and resto project. The bar collaborated with the firm to revamp its exterior and interior design. TOPa Architecture gave the space a fresh look while maintaining its Mexican and Irish historic fusion. Notable elements of this restoration included uncovering original finishes and reusing original materials.