Dara Nel-McIntosh has been with Foundry Kitchens for nearly seven years and has worked in commercial kitchen design since 2013. With a background in architectural technology, which covers building systems, construction methods, and materials, and experience in both design and project coordination, she brings a practical mindset to every project, with a close eye on how a kitchen needs to function once service begins.
At Foundry, Dara designs kitchens and bars from early concepts through detailed construction drawings. Her work is guided by flow, operations, and the challenges of building in existing spaces, where surprises are common until walls come down.
Below, Dara discusses her path to kitchen design, her approach to problem-solving, and the value of an integrated team.
Commercial kitchen design is a pretty specialized field. How did you find your way into it?
“Commercial kitchen design isn’t really a recognized career path. It’s not something you’re taught in school, and in architecture, kitchens are usually treated as ‘by others’ because they’re so specialized. What drew me in was that specialization. Rather than designing an entire building, I liked the idea of zooming in on a single space with its own logic, flow, and rules.
I studied architectural technology, and the technical skills I gained there helped me get my start in the industry in a hybrid project management and design role. It was in that role that I realized design was the right fit for me. I could use the technical side of my background, but also focus on the part I enjoy most, which is the creative side of solving and designing.”
What does your role at Foundry involve day-to-day?
“I handle everything from the initial client meeting to research, preliminary design, equipment selection, and assembling all the necessary service drawings and schedules. It starts with the concept and ends with ensuring the team has what they need to build it.”
What do you enjoy most about this kind of work?
“I enjoy the initial design phase … figuring out the layout and how the space works. I also like solving the unique challenges each project brings and making the space as functional as possible.”
On projects like the Marine Drive Golf Club, what are you thinking about first as a designer?
“I think about serving everyday meals and handling large events. My focus is on flow, prep, storage, and service, making sure the kitchen operates smoothly without bottlenecks.”
What makes renovation work different from designing in a new space?
“You never know what you’ll find until walls come down, so you always leave room for surprises. Renovation means staying flexible and ready to adapt to what you uncover.”
How does Foundry’s integrated setup affect the way you work as a designer?
“Having different teams makes a big difference. Estimators, project managers, and designers each contribute their expertise, allowing me to focus on design while relying on others. It ensures all elements come together smoothly.”
What’s one thing people outside the industry often don’t realize about kitchen design?
“Kitchen design isn’t just about fitting equipment in a room. It must work for daily users and consider movement, service, storage, utilities, cleaning, and food flow. There are many layers.”
What does your dream kitchen look like?
“More space and counter space are always ideal. After doing this work, practical details matter most.”