Next Step Design is best known for our work in world-class restaurants, high-end hotels, resorts, and cutting-edge workplace dining. We translate the ideas of the most forward-thinking architects, designers, chefs, and operators into actionable specification documents with unprecedented detail. We lay out every piece of equipment, connection, and workspace through Revit® and AutoCAD®, and then we contrast that design against the real-life culinary expertise of the former chefs, servers, and kitchen managers who make up our team. We understand the end goal — consistent, high-quality food preparation delivered with efficiency in an atmosphere that delights the senses.
Next Step Design is an innovative and influential force in foodservice design, best known for our work in world-class restaurants, high-end hotels, and cutting-edge workplace dining. We translate the ideas of the most forward-thinking architects, designers, chefs, and operators into actionable specification documents with unprecedented detail. We layout every piece of equipment, connection, and workspace through Revit® and AutoCAD®, and then we contrast that design against the real-life culinary expertise of the former chefs, servers, and kitchen managers who make up our team. This level of accuracy and functionality keeps change orders to a minimum while preserving project timelines and budgets. We understand the end goal — consistent, high-quality food preparation delivered with efficiency in an atmosphere that delights the senses.
I: Schematic Design
After initial introduction to the project, we develop a layout that focuses on the flow of goods, program, and menu-driven equipment.
Services
Meet with Key Team Members
Concept and Menu Review
Scheduling, Programming and Critical Path Coordination
Equipment Analysis
Design Team Drawing Integration
Develop Initial Layouts and Provide Block Drawings
Schematic Design Presentations with Concept Images
Order of Magnitude Budget
Estimate MEP (Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing) Loads
II: Design Development
Layers of detail are added to the layout, including the coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing information, which is geared toward budget and plan-lock approvals.
Services
Equipment Selection
Further Develop Floor Plans
Number and Schedule Equipment
Deliver Itemized Equipment Budgets
Achieve Plan-Lock and Budget Approval
Provide Cost-Saving Options as Required
Special Conditions Plans
Exhaust System Criteria
Refrigeration System Engineering
Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In Plans
Issue Cut-Sheet Volumes
Issue Coordinated MEP Submittal
Design Development Coordination with Team
III: Construction Document
Equipment data is finalized and translated into a permit quality drawing package, which is ultimately used for construction in the field.
Services
Dimension Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In Drawings
Guarantee Health Department Approval
Detail Custom Fabrication and Manufacturer’s Drawings
Develop Final Equipment Specifications
IV: Bid & Negotiation
After qualifying, soliciting, and analyzing bids for the purchase and installation of the equipment package, we make a KEC (Kitchen Equipment Contractor) recommendation to our client.
Services
Prequalify and Select Potential KEC
Finalize All Specifications and Details
Issue RFP (Request For Proposal) to Potential KEC, Including Complete Construction Document Plans, Specifications and Bid Instructions
Review and Respond to Bidder RFI (Request For Information) and Issue Required Addendums
Review, Level and Analyze KEC Bids
Provide a Formal KEC Recommendation
Facilitate Interview and Negotiations with KEC
V: Construction Administration
Provide on-going quality control and coordination with the KEC and project team, conducting site visits at major milestones, culminating with a final punch list.
Services
Review and Respond to Relevant Project RFI
Issue Detailed Bulletins and Coordinate Revisions as Required
Issue Submittal Schedule to KEC
Review Submittals and Shop Drawings, Coordinate Revisions, Omissions, and Additions
Site Visits to Ensure Quality Installation and Design Intent
Conduct On-Site Punch List to Ensure KEC Obligations are Met
- Nationwide
"Our project came in on time, within budget & was handled with expert care. Our efficiency, productivity & culinary team morale have all been enhanced by a great design. A once antiquated kitchen in a historic building is now a source of pride."
Mitchell Platt
GENERAL MANAGER, COSMOS CLUB
"The Next Step team thinks like operators and chefs and understands how kitchens flow and what guests will see."
Jeffrey Beers
FOUNDER & CEO, JEFFREY BEERS INTERNATIONAL
When you work with Next Step Design, you get all the benefits of a large firm with a boutique firm’s approach. Russell Stilwell is brilliant and thinks of things in the kitchen that I overlook. He is a true professional in every sense of the word and I work with him on all my projects, small and large.
Franklin Becker
CHEF/OWNER, THE LITTLE BEET