Project Design Architect (Hospitality) (MBJ0213)

Project Designer / Project Design Architect

Department: Architecture

Reports to: Design Director, Architecture

Role Summary

The Project Designer / Project Design Architect is at the forefront of shaping design narratives for world-class hospitality and destination projects. The role serves as both a visionary and strategic thinker, translating client aspirations into architectural concepts while balancing creativity with technical precision.

Responsibilities include leading design efforts, collaborating with project teams, and ensuring the delivery of innovative, functional and contextually appropriate design solutions that reflect our client's standards of excellence.

What You'll Do

Design Excellence

• Develop design concepts and details for luxury destinations, working independently and under senior guidance.
• Contribute to all phases of the design process, from conceptual sketches to detailed drawings, construction documents and client presentations.
• Guide spatial planning, faade articulation, material palettes and overall composition.
• Interpret and develop client briefs through workshops and stakeholder discussions.
• Produce drawings, models and visualisations using software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino and Photoshop.
• Apply knowledge of computational design tools, such as Grasshopper, where appropriate to support design innovation.
• Ensure design deliverables meet established QA/QC standards.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in client workshops, meetings and presentations, clearly communicating design ideas.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to interpret aspirations and translate them into design solutions.
• Shadow senior architects during client or consultant meetings to gain experience.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Mentor and support junior designers, fostering creativity and innovation within the team.
• Adapt leadership style as needed-working independently on smaller projects or collaboratively under a Lead Architect for larger initiatives.
• Coordinate with design and specialist consultants to ensure design intent is maintained and technically executed with accuracy.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, contractors and regulatory agencies to support seamless project execution.

Technical Coordination and Documentation

• Coordinate with the technical team to convert design intent into workable solutions.
• Support technical detailing and integration of systems into the design.
• Produce, review and update drawing sets based on mark-ups from senior staff or consultants.
• Maintain a clear and accurate record of design decisions, changes and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement our client's standards in reports and drawings.

Quality Assurance

• Review drawings and documents to ensure accuracy and alignment with design intent.
• Provide feedback to consultants and internal team members to uphold quality standards.
• Support compliance with codes, accessibility and sustainability benchmarks.

Project Management

• Manage project tasks and timelines to ensure efficient delivery.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress and resolve design challenges.
• Assist in reviewing consultant mark-ups and integrating changes.
• Review shop drawings and submittals for design compliance.
• Support construction administration with design-focused input as required.

Research and Professional Development

• Conduct precedent and typology research to support design direction.
• Source, evaluate and document appropriate materials and finishes aligned with project goals.
• Attend office-led training sessions covering software, codes and standards.
• Stay current with evolving design tools, technologies and sustainability practices.
• Play an active role in business development by identifying potential clients and showcasing the firm's expertise.

Who You Are

• 9-11 years of professional experience in architecture, with a focus on hospitality and destination design.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture preferred.
• Licensed or registered architect with AIA, RIBA, ARB or equivalent professional accreditation, as applicable by region.
• Working knowledge of professional standards and deliverables required by accrediting bodies, including RIBA, AIA, ARB or equivalent.
• Experience in hospitality and destination design, applying knowledge of hospitality programming, FOH/BOH planning and brand standards to ensure these requirements are upheld through consultant coordination, project scheduling and client/operator deliverables.
• Skilled in visual storytelling and communicating design concepts.
• Proficient in industry-standard software including Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino or comparable 3D software.
• Knowledge of Grasshopper is advantageous.
• Skilled in Bluebeam for drawing mark-ups, coordination and design review.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, for communication and task documentation.
• Strong presentation skills for client interaction.
• Experience in technical detailing, construction drawings and coordination with structural, MEP, civil, landscape and interior consultants.
• Advanced knowledge of materials, structural systems and sustainable design principles.

Beyond the qualifications, the Project Designer / Project Design Architect role requires an individual who:

• Inspires and motivates teams through design excellence.
• Fosters a positive, collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Delegates and manages tasks effectively for junior designers and drafters.
• Applies business acumen by contributing to project acquisition and business-development efforts.
• Communicates ideas clearly and professionally, with strong interpersonal and listening skills.