Design Director (Hospitality/Hotel Design) (MBJ0184)

Our client, a global architecture and interior design firm specialising in luxury and lifestyle hotels, partners with leading international brands to create immersive, experience-driven hospitality environments. Operating across key markets in the US and worldwide, the studio blends high-performance design, storytelling, and sustainability to elevate every guest journey.

Role Overview

As theHospitality Design Directorfor the growing US Hospitality Studio, you will lead the creative vision for the firm's luxury and lifestyle hotel design projects. In collaboration with the Managing Director, you will steer design excellence, innovation, and luxury, ensuring that each project is executed to the highest standards. Your leadership will guide the studio's design strategies, aligning them with broader business goals and client expectations, while maintaining quality, consistency, and seamless integration across all project phases. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role inbusiness development, identifying and cultivating new opportunities to expandour client'sportfolio, strengthen client relationships, and drive growth within the luxury hospitality market.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, understanding their goals and transforming them into innovative, bespoke design solutions. Ensure all projects meet performance, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Lead dynamic design presentations for key projects, confidently conveying design concepts, ideas, and vision with clarity and passion, ensuring alignment with client brand and aesthetic.
• Monitor and guide the design output for all hospitality projects, working closely with project management and design/technical teams to ensure designs align with client goals and exceed expectations.
• Oversee the creation of space plans, design deliverables, and furniture packages, ensuring that 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 out new business opportunities by leveraging industry networks, attending key industry events, and developing relationships with potential clients. Collaborate with studio leadership to define strategies for market expansion and growth within the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector.
• Cultivate long-term, strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring repeat business. Proactively identify new sectors and clients for expansion, contributing to the development of proposals and pitches.
• Work with design and marketing teams to lead project photography efforts, ensuring the firm's work is captured and shared in the most compelling way.
• Foster strong relationships across the firm, ensuring design deliverables are aligned with best practices, setting the standard for excellence in hospitality design firmwide.

Education & Work 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 in 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 DDA 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 across departments.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite; expert in MS Office Suite.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, architectural detailing, contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment.