Director Design

Job Description

Design Leadership & Strategy

Develop and direct interior architecture design concepts for hotel projects including lobbies, guest rooms, suites, public areas, restaurants, bars, and amenity spaces. Lead design vision from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with client brand standards, market positioning, and guest experience goals. Establish design direction that balances aesthetic excellence with operational efficiency and budget parameters.

Project Management & Execution

Oversee all phases of interior architecture development including schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including MEP engineers, lighting designers, FF&E consultants, and branding specialists. Manage project timelines, deliverables, and quality standards throughout the design and construction process.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as primary design liaison with hotel owners, operators, and brand representatives. Present design concepts and solutions to C-suite executives and investor groups with clarity and persuasion. Incorporate stakeholder feedback while maintaining design integrity and project objectives.

Technical Expertise

Produce and review architectural drawings, specifications, and construction details for interior environments. Ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, life safety requirements, and hospitality industry regulations. Integrate sustainable design principles and wellness-focused strategies into project deliverables.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and mentor design teams including architects, interior designers, and junior staff members. Foster collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth. Conduct design reviews and provide constructive feedback to elevate team performance.

Required Qualifications

Education & Licensure

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design. Professional architecture license or NCIDQ certification strongly preferred. Continuing education in hospitality design trends and building technologies.

Experience

16-18 years of experience in interior architecture with minimum 8-10 years focused on hospitality design. Proven portfolio demonstrating leadership on upscale or luxury hotel projects. Experience with international hotel brands and boutique properties preferred.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp for architectural documentation. Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite for presentations and design visualization. Knowledge of 3D rendering software and virtual reality presentation tools. Understanding of FF&E specifications, material libraries, and procurement processes.

Professional Competencies

Deep knowledge of hospitality design standards including guest room layouts, back-of-house requirements, and operational flow. Understanding of hotel economics including construction budgets, value engineering, and ROI considerations. Familiarity with major hotel brand standards (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor, etc.).

Key Attributes

Exceptional design sensibility with ability to create memorable, Instagram-worthy spaces that enhance brand value. Strong communication and presentation skills for articulating design vision to diverse audiences. Diplomatic approach to managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations. Detail-oriented with commitment to design excellence and quality control. Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify design opportunities that drive commercial success.