Early concept development is the part of the design process that sparks the most creativity from 53% of restaurant development + design readers, according to a survey fielded in December 2025.
An additional 25% of readers identified space planning and layout as the most creative part of their work.
As for the rest? Well, 10% said material finishes and selection sparked the most creativity for them personally; 7% said prototype refinement, 2% said lighting and ambient design elements. Just 3% listed other aspects of their projects.
rd+d regularly surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year and to contribute your opinions to the surveys.
