Associate Director of Design jobs in the United States

ABOUT ROSEWOOD HOTEL GROUP

Rosewood Hotel Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, encompasses various brands: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Carlyle & Co., Asaya, and New World Hotels & Resorts®. Its combined portfolio consists of more than 40 hotels in 19 countries. Known for distinctive, refined service in cultures throughout the world, we want to be progressive in our service yet remain timeless. Whether you work with us or stay with us Rosewood Hotel Group creates enduring relationships in engaging environments.

ABOUT OUR DEPARTMENT / TEAM

The Design and Project Services Department spearheads the creative development process across all brands from the initial stages of pre-development through successful design, completion and opening of each hotel. A diverse and multi-skilled range of expertise and specialists that provide a one-stop portfolio of services to support hotel owners / developers in the creation of our collection of hotels for new builds, conversions and renovation projects. The Design Team specifically works with the hotel owner/ developer; design professionals and Rosewood Hotel Group operations team throughout the design process to ensure that our design philosophy, brand standards and brand integrity are maintained.

THE IMPACT OF THIS ROLE 

The Director of Design acts as a brand guardian in all areas related to Design & Project Services. This role ensures that the brand design philosophy and standards are maintained through detailed design reviews as well as giving guidance to all key consultants. A key contributor who provides design, operational and brand direction for assigned projects from kick-off meeting through to project completion and hotel opening. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As Director of Design, lead the design and oversee all aspects of creative development for the company's hospitality properties. Responsible for managing and overseeing the creative development process within the Design and Project Services Department at Rosewood Hotel Group. 

• Collaborates with internal Rosewood Operations teams, Product & Concept Development team, owners, and design professionals to ensure the adherence to the brand's design vision, standards, and integrity throughout the design process.

• Takes the lead in coordination of 5-6 hotel projects at any one time for all RWHG brands in various phases of design and construction.

• Establishes, coordinates and updates Area Programs throughout the duration of the project.

• Prepares desktop reviews and Property Improvement Plans (PIP) for potential projects including conceptual sketch designs to assess their viability.

• Reviews drawings and specifications, budgets and schedules submitted by design consultants. Produces written documents, sketches and CAD drawings to communicate effectively with key consultants.

• Oversees the design direction for all Heart of House areas for each brand. Prepares Heart of House sketches / CAD layouts and specifications to ensure these meet our brand philosophy, Design Standards and functionality.

• Liaises with owners’ Project Management team in all project matters including critical path and design deviations. 

• Develops and updates Design Standards and Best Practices related to the division/ department for implementation in the field while ensuring compliance and consistency. 

• Mentors junior team members while fostering collaboration and innovation in design. 

• Exercises and develops leadership, communication and presentation skills for clients, consultants and internal departments. 

• Keeps up to date with the newest design innovations, consultants and projects worldwide.

• While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the duties involved in this position, the company reserves the right to add, remove or alter duties when business need dictates with mutual agreement. 

CRITICAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor or Masters Degree in Architecture or Interior Design.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in greenfield projects or renovations with an understanding of project management. Hospitality project experience in an Architectural Design field is required.

• Both AutoCAD and hand drawings skills are essential.

• Strong Graphic skills for presentations, markups and visual communications. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software.

• Best in class presentation skills, communication skills and able to build relationships with various stakeholders, including owners.

• Frequent regional and international travel will be required.

DEVELOPMENT PATH 

In this role the Director of Design will be an active and key member of a team that focuses on growing our brands and continuing to differentiate them in the market through our unique and bespoke approach to the designs of each of our properties. This role will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills as well as working with world class international designers, giving guidance and providing constructive critique to push the boundaries of Hospitality Design and create Best-In-Class Guest Experiences.