Design Director (Hospitality/Hotel Design) (MBJ0185)

Our client, a global architecture and interior design firm specialising in luxury and lifestyle hotels, transforms client aspirations, brand identities, and cultural narratives into extraordinary, immersive experiences. Serving a discerning clientele in the luxury hotel and lifestyle sectors, they craft spaces that exceed expectations, blending high-performance design with exceptional visual appeal and sustainability. Their work elevates the guest experience and sets new standards of excellence within the hospitality industry, creating environments that inspire, captivate, and seamlessly integrate form with function.

Role overview - Los Angeles

Portico Recruitment is partnering with our client to appoint a Hospitality Design Director for their growing US Hospitality Studio, based in Los Angeles. As Hospitality Design Director, you will lead the creative vision for luxury and lifestyle hotel projects, collaborating closely with the Managing Director and wider leadership team. Your leadership will steer design excellence and innovation, aligning project outcomes with broader business objectives and client expectations while maintaining quality, consistency, and cohesion across all phases. You will also play a pivotal role in business development, identifying and cultivating opportunities to expand our client's portfolio, strengthen client relationships, and drive growth within the luxury hospitality market.

Key responsibilities

• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, understanding their goals and translating them into innovative, bespoke design solutions while ensuring projects meet performance, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Lead inspiring design presentations for key projects, clearly conveying concepts, ideas, and vision, ensuring alignment with client brands and aesthetics.
• Monitor and guide design output across hospitality projects, working closely with project management and design/technical teams to ensure outcomes align with client goals and exceed expectations.
• Oversee the creation of space plans, design deliverables, and FF&E packages, ensuring every detail reflects luxury, functionality, and the distinctiveness of each client's brand.
• Provide mentorship and professional development for the design team, offering constructive feedback, fostering creativity, and leading team-building initiatives.
• Actively seek new business opportunities by leveraging industry networks, attending key industry events, and developing relationships with potential clients; collaborate with studio leadership on strategies for market expansion and growth in the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with existing clients, supporting repeat business and contributing to proposals and pitches.
• Work with design and marketing teams to lead project photography efforts, ensuring the studio's work is captured and communicated most compellingly.
• Foster strong relationships across the firm, ensuring design deliverables align with best practices and set the standard for excellence in hospitality design firmwide.

Education and experience

• Graduate of an accredited architecture or design school.
• Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in hospitality and workplace design, with a proven track record leading large-scale projects.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Expertise in design concept development and visual storytelling, with the ability to create compelling narratives that elevate the guest experience.
• In-depth understanding of all phases of design, from concept through contract administration, including building systems, local/state codes, and accessibility (DDA/ADA) requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of luxury hotel design principles, architectural detailing, contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment.
• Proven ability to identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in the competitive luxury hospitality market while maintaining strong client relationships and driving revenue growth.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to guide teams and coordinate effectively across departments.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, with strong skills in MS Office.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, architectural detailing, contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment.