Design Manager – Hospitality

About the Role
In this role, you will act as the key liaison between clients, design consultants, contractors, and internal teams, driving the successful delivery of world-class hospitality projects. The Design Manager – Hospitality will lead the design process for luxury hospitality projects, ensuring the highest standards of architectural and interior design excellence. This position requires a dynamic professional with extensive experience in managing luxury hospitality developments and a strong background working with international companies and PMC environments. You will oversee the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet the client’s vision and luxury standards.

What You'll Be Doing:

Design Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the architectural and interior design process for luxury hospitality projects, ensuring alignment with the client’s vision, luxury standards, and operational requirements.
• Develop innovative design concepts reflecting global luxury trends, guest experience enhancements, and brand-specific aesthetics.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to design teams, ensuring high-quality outcomes and consistency across all design elements.

Project Coordination & Collaboration:

• Collaborate with international consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure harmonized integration of all design aspects (architecture, interiors, MEP, landscaping) into the project.
• Act as the key point of contact between the client, design teams, and PMC project management, ensuring clear communication and alignment of objectives.
• Lead design coordination meetings to resolve technical and design challenges, ensuring project goals are met without compromising luxury standards.

Luxury Design Execution:

• Manage selection and specification of high-end materials, finishes, furnishings, and bespoke design elements to create iconic, luxurious spaces that exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure alignment of all design elements with operational requirements for luxury hospitality, including functionality, comfort, and efficiency, while maintaining superior aesthetics.
• Oversee development of detailed design documentation and construction drawings, ensuring precision and attention to detail in line with the high standards of luxury hospitality.

Quality Control & Standards:

• Implement rigorous quality control processes to ensure compliance of all design work with international luxury standards and client-specific brand requirements.
• Regularly review design deliverables, providing feedback and ensuring all project milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance of all design elements with local and international building codes, sustainability requirements, and PMC quality protocols.

Client Relationship Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison with the client, ensuring their vision for the project is fully understood and realized through design solutions.
• Prepare and present design proposals, concepts, and updates to the client, incorporating their feedback while maintaining the integrity of the luxury design vision.
• Manage client expectations throughout the project lifecycle, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring satisfaction with the final design.

Budget & Schedule Management:

• Work closely with the PMC project management team to ensure design solutions align with project budgets and timelines without compromising on luxury standards.
• Review cost estimates for design elements, ensuring material selections and construction details are financially viable while meeting the luxury project’s requirements.

Sustainability & Innovation:

• Integrate sustainable design practices and technologies into the project, enhancing both environmental performance and guest experience without sacrificing luxury.
• Stay updated with global hospitality design trends, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative design solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the luxury hospitality market.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 16 years of experience in architectural and interior design management, with a strong focus on luxury hospitality projects.
• Extensive experience working with international companies and managing global projects, particularly in the luxury sector.
• Proven experience working in a PMC environment, with a deep understanding of PMC processes and client-focused project delivery.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Expertise in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and proficiency in 3D visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of luxury hospitality design standards, including high-end materials, custom finishes, and bespoke furnishings.
• Knowledge of international building codes, sustainability practices, and hospitality operations.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and drive high-performance teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively articulate design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• A keen eye for detail and an innate understanding of luxury aesthetics and client expectations.
• Professional certification in Architecture or Interior Design.
• Experience working with globally recognized hospitality brands or luxury hotel chains.
• A deep understanding of international luxury hospitality standards and brand identity requirements.