Job Description

The Director of Design will lead interior design strategy and execution for new development, renovation, repositioning, and capital projects across the company's hotel portfolio. In partnership with senior and executive leadership and project managers, this role will create exceptional guest experiences that align with brand positioning, operational objectives, and financial goals. The Director of Design will serve as the creative and design lead for assigned projects and initiatives, providing strategic direction, designoversight, and expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle. In addition, this role will provide hands-on management of assigned projects ensuring quality, design intent, schedule, budget, and deliverables areachieved. Reports to Senior Director of Design.

• Lead interior design efforts for assigned development, renovation, and repositioning projects, ensuring alignment with brand standards, guest experience objectives, operational needs, and project budgets.
• Translate project goals into effective design solutions through oversight of design concepts, space planning, material selections, FF&E, artwork, and finish packages.
• Provide expert design guidance throughout project execution, balancing aesthetics, functionality, constructability, and return on investment.
• Direct the design process from project inception through completion, reviewing design deliverables, construction documentation, specifications, mock-ups, and shop drawings to ensure quality and adherence to design intent.
• Partner with senior and executive corporate and property leadership on the development, construction, operations, procurement needs to resolve design challenges, evaluate alternatives, and maintain project schedules and budgets.
• Conduct project reviews and site visits to monitor implementation and support successful project delivery.
• Serve as the primary design liaison for assigned projects, fostering productive relationships with owners, operators, architects, interior design firms, vendors, and other external consultants.
• Develop design briefs, communicate project objectives, and provide direction and feedback to consultants throughout the design process.
• Present design concepts, recommendations, and project updates to leadership and project stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent application of company and brand design standards across projects while supporting innovation and continuous improvement.
• Monitor hospitality design trends, products, materials, and best practices, incorporating relevant opportunities into project solutions.
• Support sourcing, procurement, and value-engineering efforts while preserving the intended guest experience and overall design quality.
• Oversight of Design Project Managers and FF&E Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Interior Design and Architecture or related field required

Experience

• 10+ years' progressive interior design experience with significant hospitality, hotel, resort, or mixed-use project experience
• 5+ years experience in project leadership role with responsibility for project budget and schedule
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale hotel renovations and new development projects
• Experience managing external design consultants and influencing cross-functional project teams
• Strong understanding of hospitality operations, guest experience design, FF&E procurement, and project delivery processes

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence decision-making across multiple stakeholder groups
• Strong relationship-building skills with consultants, vendors, and internal partners
• Strong design sensibility with the ability to evaluate both creative and operational considerations
• Proven project leadership and organizational capabilities; ability to management staff and external consultants
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Financial acumen and understanding of capital project budgets

Licenses / Certifications

• NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA certification or equivalent professional credential preferred
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required

Physical Requirements

Speak and hear to communicate effectively and use both near and distance vision. Use close and distance vision for computer work, document review, and office/property navigation. Frequently sit, stand, and walk extended distances across large properties. Regularly lift and carry up to and exceeding 50 lbs. (files, supplies, equipment, FF&E). Continually use gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills for computer use and office tasks.

Working Conditions

In-office position based in a corporate environment with individual workspaces and shared common areas which support focused work while encouraging regular interaction among colleagues. Regular travel required for property site visits and stakeholder meetings. Construction site visits may include extreme cold and heat. Standard business hours with extended availability during major projects.