Most readers expect per-project design spend to stay the same (28%) or increase modestly (42%) in 2026 compared to 2025, according to a restaurant development + design reader survey fielded in March.
Another 20% expect per-project design costs to decrease modestly in 2016. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 10% expect per-project design costs to increase significantly in 2026. Just 1% expect it to decrease significantly.
What does it mean? The fact that 20% of rd+d readers expect price decreases is notable, but overall, the March survey painted a picture of readers holding steady and moving forward cautiously.
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.
