LaBella Associates

Director of Hospitality – Architect

LaBella Associates

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: North Carolina • United States

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Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • 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. Nurture strong relationships with hotel brands, operators, owners, and developers to secure repeat business.
  • 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.
  • 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. Work closely with clients to translate their brand identity, culture, and operational requirements into physical environments. Ensure that projects, whether new developments or renovations, reflect the client’s guest-centric philosophy and brand identity.
  • Technical Knowledge: Ensure designs comply with relevant building systems, codes, and operational standards (e.g., FF&E specifications, ADA requirements).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Requirements

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

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
hospitality designluxury hotel developmentbranded environmentsRFP responsesdesign quality assuranceFF&E specificationsADA requirementsproject fee managementbudget managementrisk assessment
Soft Skills
communicationnegotiationstrategic thinkingrelationship managementmentorshipleadershipclient managementcreativityinnovationteam management
Certifications
Architect licenseInterior Designer license