[Hiring] Architect - Director of Hospitality @LaBella Associates

Role Description

We are currently hiring a Managing Director of Hospitality and Branded Environments within our Architectural Studio, for projects located in various regions of the country. A Managing Director (MD) of Hospitality and Branded Environments is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic growth, creative vision, and operational success of the firm’s hospitality and branded environments studio. Leaders in this role bridge the gap between high-level business development and design execution, ensuring that projects align with brand identity, luxury standards, and financial performance targets.

• Collaborating with clients, managing design and technical teams.
• Ensuring projects meet budget and timeline requirements while maintaining high aesthetic and functional standards.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in hospitality design, luxury hotel development, or high-end branded environments.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale projects and teams, requiring licensure (Architect or Interior Designer).
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Deep understanding of current trends in hospitality, branded environments, and the competitive luxury market.

Requirements

• Strategic Leadership and Business Development
• Market Expansion: Develop and execute business plans to grow the hospitality practice portfolio, identifying new sectors and opportunities for expansion.
• Business Development & Relationship Management: Actively identify new business opportunities, cultivate relationships with elite hotel brands and developers, and lead project pursuits and interviews to secure new business opportunities.
• Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, owners, and operators, navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Thought Leadership: Act as a public speaker and brand ambassador, promoting the firm’s expertise at industry events and conferences.
• Pursuits and Proposals: Lead RFP responses, presentations, and fee negotiations to secure projects.
• Creative and Brand Direction
• Design Quality Assurance: Collaborate with Firm Design leadership to oversee the creative vision and design output for hospitality projects, ensuring a high standard of excellence from concept to completion.
• Brand Alignment: Guide the development of unique "branded environments" that combine interior design and architecture to create immersive guest experiences.
• Technical Knowledge: Ensure designs comply with relevant building systems, codes, and operational standards (e.g., FF&E specifications, ADA requirements).
• Operational and Financial Management
• Profitability Management: Drive the studio's financial performance, including setting project fees, managing budgets, and monitoring profitability.
• Process Implementation: Establish operational processes to make the studio effective, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.
• Risk Assessment: Take an objective and rigorous approach to assessing project risk, including contractual and technical liabilities.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to staff, fostering a culture of innovation, creative inspiration, and career development.
• Resource Management: Determine staffing needs, oversee project team compositions, and direct the work of architects and designers to drive maximum performance.
• Project Delivery Support
• High-Level Advisory: Partner with developers, operators, and consultants in the early stages of projects to evaluate planning and design concepts.
• Technical Oversight: Ensure that design concepts are translated into feasible, high-quality built products that meet all code, sustainability, and operational requirements.

Benefits

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health/Dental Insurance
• 401k Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Leadership Development Program
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Team Building Events
• Community Service Events