Franchised Restaurant Design for Shaaz Indian Cuisine in Whitby

Full-Service Architectural and Engineering Design for Restaurant Expansion and Building Permit in Whitby, Ontario

Located at 114 Dundas St E, Unit 103A, Whitby, this project focused on the expansion and complete redesign and functional optimization of an existing restaurant unit for Shaaz Restaurant by combining Unit 103A with adjacent Unit 103, resulting in a total floor area of approximately 345 square metres. The scope of work included the architectural reconfiguration of the dining area, the full redesign of a new commercial kitchen, and the development of circulation and seating layouts of a large size restaurant that maximize efficiency, workflow, and customer capacity.

A key priority for the client was exceptional ventilation performance. To achieve this, Deltoid Consulting engineered a comprehensive mechanical strategy ensuring that both new enlarged kitchen and dining space received high-quality, balanced air distribution. The system was designed to effectively remove cooking exhaust, control heat and odour migration, and maintain comfortable indoor air quality under peak operational conditions.

This included:

• Design and sizing of a new commercial kitchen ventilation system in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and NFPA 96.
• Integration of appropriate make-up air units, carbon filtration, and air balancing to prevent negative pressure
• Routing and coordination of exhaust ductwork, with attention to fire safety, structural penetrations, and rooftop equipment placement
• Full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination for high-demand kitchen operations
• Fire suppression system design for the kitchen hood

From an architectural standpoint, the interior was re-organized to support maximum functional output on a regular basis and for large private parties. The kitchen layout, prep zones, service areas, and dining arrangement were developed to improve staff workflow, increase seating efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. The design emphasized durability and cleanability while maintaining a refined, cohesive aesthetic throughout the restaurant.

All applicable Ontario Building Code provisions—including ventilation standards, fire separation requirements, occupant load calculations, accessibility compliance, and safety systems—were applied throughout the design process. Deltoid Consulting prepared the full architectural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permit package and coordinated the submission process with the Town of Whitby to facilitate building permit approval.

Through integrated architectural and MEP design, this project successfully transformed the existing unit into a high-performance, code-compliant, and operationally efficient restaurant environment. Deltoid Consulting continued to support the client through construction, ensuring adherence to approved drawings and providing technical guidance from start to completion.