Christian Talavera
Director, Global Architecture & Design @Dine Brands Global
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WORK HISTORY
Director, Global Architecture & Design @Dine Brands Global
Los Angeles, CA, US
Lead global design strategy, tenant coordination, and prototype modernization for IHOP, Applebee’s, and Fuzzy\'s Tacos, impacting 3,500+ restaurant locations across North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. Develop scalable design systems integrating modularity, guest insights, and brand evolution — setting the standard for growth-ready environments. 80+ Gross new openings in 2025 Opened 32 dual-brand restaurants in 2025 from the creation of the dual-brand design, with at least another 50 expected in 20•••03 Applebee\'s restaurants remodeled in 2025, a 57% increase in remodel velocity from the development of the \"Lookin\' Good\" SOW, with another 100 expected in 2026 $92M in Capital Returns compared to $43M in FY 2024 $879M in Revenue compared to $812M in FY 2024In-Role Responsibilities:+ Company & Franchised Development, Domestic & International+ Non-Traditional (Universities, Travel Centers/Plazas, Casinos, Airports, Hotels, Co-Branded Venues)+ Traditional+ Tenant Coordination + Lease obligation delivery+ Property Management Handover+ Domestic & International Market Design Adaptation+ New Builds, Remodels, Refresh, and Conversions+ Market Re-Investment+ Franchisee Support & Interface+ Interior Design, Space Planning & Exterior Architecture and Brand Image Development+ Construction oversight, guidance, and adaptation+ Emerging Concepts (Urban Inline-Flip\'d By IHOP, Dual Brands)+ Design Guide & Standards development+ Artwork & Creative Program development+ Management & Update of Life Cycle Programs and Store Concepts+ New & Remodel Prototype Adaptation+ Consultant Management & Training+ Vendor Qualifying, Compliance & Review+ Design Submittal Review & Approval+ Design Engineering & Specification (FF & E)+ Design Post Audit+ Design Trends & Market Insights+ Cost Control & Value Engineering
EDUCATION
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelors, Interior Design & Architecture
Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus
Associates, Liberal Arts / Pre-Interior Design
SKILLS
ABOUT CHRISTIAN TALAVERA
Architecture & Design | Construction | Restaurant & Retail | Tenant Coordination | Franchise Development | Brand Prototypes | Global Rollouts | Capex Strategy | AUV Growth | Cross-Functional Leadership | Site Planning | Design Ops | Scalable Environments | Market Reinvestment | Market design more than spaces—I architect growth. With 20+ years leading design and development for top restaurant and retail brands like IHOP, Applebee’s, Taco Bell, and Westfield, I deliver scalable solutions that drive growth and operational excellence.I bridge design, construction, and business strategy to accelerate franchise expansion, control costs, and maintain brand consistency across all asset types. My approach empowers franchise partners, supports rapid market entry, and creates memorable consumer experiences.Currently, my focus is on future-ready systems that blend brand storytelling with operational efficiency, distilling the complex and the abstract into strategic execution —helping companies scale smarter and faster.
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