Chef Fei Restaurant – San Diego
Project Overview
The project consists of the design of a new high-end restaurant located within the UTC Westfield Center in San Diego, California. The scope includes the renovation of approximately 6,700 square feet of interior kitchen, dining, and support areas, along with 1,300 square feet of exterior patio space. The design is based on preliminary information, including as-built drawings and site photos received on January 15, 2025. Both the interior and exterior improvements will be combined under a single plan check and permit set.
Project Scope
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical design scope included a comprehensive evaluation of existing site conditions and electrical infrastructure to determine available capacity and connection points. We provided a full interior electrical system design with power distribution for kitchen, mechanical, and plumbing equipment, along with Title 24-compliant lighting controls and emergency egress lighting layouts. The scope also included state lighting energy compliance documentation, a lighting circuiting plan (with final fixture layouts by the Architect), low-voltage system conduit provisions, and a complete single-line diagram to support permitting and construction.
Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical design scope focused on enhancing the restaurant’s comfort, efficiency, and code compliance. Our services included assessing existing HVAC system capacity for reuse and designing new or modified equipment as needed, including kitchen supply and exhaust fans, kitchen AC units, and restroom exhaust. We redesigned air distribution for both the dining and kitchen areas, incorporating duct modifications to suit the final ceiling layout. State mechanical energy compliance calculations and documentation were also provided to support the project’s permitting requirements.
Plumbing Engineering
Our plumbing scope began with a thorough review of the existing plumbing system, including waste, water, gas, and the grease interceptor, to confirm capacity and viable connection points for the new restaurant program. We designed new plumbing utilities to support kitchen equipment and upgraded restroom fixtures, as well as condensate drainage for HVAC systems. The resulting design ensures efficient water and waste management while aligning with health, safety, and code compliance standards for food service operations.