Architectural Design Manager

Role: Senior Manager – Architectural Design

Location: Remote (Preference for candidates located in the Dallas, TX area)
Duration: 4 Months

Position Overview

Client is seeking an experienced Senior Manager – Architectural Design to support the Design & Construction Department in overseeing architectural design initiatives for branded hotel properties. This role will focus on franchise renovation projects, new construction, property conversions, and compliance with brand standards across multiple hospitality brands.

The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial architecture expertise, hospitality project experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. This individual will also provide leadership support to junior staff and external consultants while driving design quality and operational consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural plans, specifications, and design submittals for renovation, conversion, and new construction projects.
• Conduct Property Improvement Plan (PIP) site visits for both new and existing hotel properties.
• Develop and document PIPs aligned with brand standards and operational requirements.
• Lead and oversee junior staff members, consultants, temporary workers, and interns.
• Create and improve internal design processes, documentation, and workflow efficiencies.
• Independently solve complex design and construction challenges while making time-sensitive decisions.
• Develop conceptual renovation and architectural design solutions for hospitality properties.
• Support franchisees and external consultants by interpreting and communicating design guidelines and brand standards.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across various stages of development and construction.
• Apply brand-specific architectural standards across multiple hotel brands and property types.
• Produce renderings, sketches, diagrams, and presentation materials using tools such as Bluebeam, Photoshop, SketchUp, and Revit.
• Maintain prototype plans and specification manuals.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal departments to align development and brand objectives.
• Conduct construction-phase site inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans, fixture placement, and prototype standards.
• Travel extensively to project sites as required.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture required.
• Architectural Licensure preferred but not mandatory.

Experience

• 8–10 years of commercial architecture experience.
• Strong experience with hospitality projects preferred.
• Additional experience with multifamily and retail developments is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.

Required Technical Skills

• Proficiency in:
• AutoCAD
• Bluebeam
• Adobe Acrobat
• Photoshop
• SketchUp
• Revit
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience using digital photography and photo-editing software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to develop creative and practical architectural solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Leadership & Functional Expectations

• Ability to mentor and guide junior team members and consultants.
• Strong independent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Experience handling diverse architectural and operational challenges.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
• Ability to coordinate with internal departments, franchise owners, contractors, and consultants.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50% travel, including overnight travel.
• Must be comfortable with frequent flying and driving rental vehicles to project sites.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work extended periods sitting, standing, or walking.
• Capability to visit active construction sites and hotel properties.
• Ability to manage multiple interruptions while maintaining professionalism and customer service standards.
• Must have strong visual acuity, hearing ability, and depth/color perception.