EMEA Hospitality Design Director

IA Interior Architects; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000

Job description

At IA Interior Architects, we redefine the art of luxury and lifestyle hotel design, transforming client aspirations, brand identities, and cultural narratives into extraordinary, immersive experiences. Serving a discerning clientele in the luxury hotel and lifestyle sectors, we craft spaces that exceed expectations, blending high-performance design with exceptional visual appeal and sustainability. Our designs elevate the guest experience, setting new standards of excellence within the hospitality industry. As architects, designers, strategists, and environmental specialists within the world’s largest global architecture firm with a focus on interior design, we create environments that inspire, captivate, and seamlessly integrate form with function—ensuring each project tells a compelling story of elegance, innovation, and timeless luxury.

Role Overview:

As the Hospitality Design Director for our growing Hospitality Studio EMEA, based in London, you will lead the creative vision for the firm’s luxury and lifestyle hotel design projects. In collaboration with the Managing Director, you will steer design excellence, innovation, and luxury, ensuring that each project is executed to the highest standards. Your leadership will guide the studio’s design strategies, aligning them with broader business goals and client expectations, while maintaining quality, consistency, and seamless integration across all project phases. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in business development, identifying and cultivating new opportunities to expand IA Interior Architects’ portfolio, strengthen client relationships, and drive growth within the luxury hospitality market.

Job Responsibilities

· Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, understanding their goals and transforming them into innovative, bespoke design solutions. Ensure all projects meet performance, budget, and schedule expectations.

· Lead dynamic design presentations for key projects, confidently conveying design concepts, ideas, and vision with clarity and passion, ensuring alignment with client brand and aesthetic.

· Monitor and guide the design output for all hospitality projects, working closely with the project management and design/technical teams to ensure designs align with client goals and exceed expectations.

· Oversee the creation of space plans, design deliverables, and furniture packages, ensuring that every detail reflects luxury, functionality, and the distinctiveness of each client’s brand.

· Provide mentorship and professional development for the design team, offering constructive feedback, fostering creativity, and leading team-building initiatives.

· Actively seek out new business opportunities by leveraging industry networks, attending key industry events, and developing relationships with potential clients. Collaborate with studio leadership to define strategies for market expansion and growth within the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector.

· Cultivate long-term, strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring repeat business. Proactively identify new sectors and clients for expansion, contributing to the development of proposals and pitches.

· Work with design and marketing teams to lead project photography efforts, ensuring the firm’s work is captured and shared in the most compelling way.

Foster strong relationships across the firm, ensuring design deliverables are aligned with best practices, setting the standard for excellence in hospitality design firmwide.

Education & Work Experience

· Graduate of an accredited architecture or design school.

· Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer.

· 15+ years of progressive experience in hospitality and workplace design, with a proven track record in leading large-scale projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in design concept development and visual storytelling, with the ability to create compelling narratives that elevate the guest experience.
• In-depth understanding of all phases of design, from concept through contract administration, including building systems, local/state codes, and DDA requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of luxury hotel design principles, architectural detailing, contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment.
• Proven ability to identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in the competitive luxury hospitality market, while maintaining strong client relationships and driving revenue growth.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to guide teams and coordinate across departments.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite; expert in MS Office Suite.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, architectural detailing, contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment.

Why Join Us: At IA Interior Architects, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of luxury and lifestyle hotel design. You will collaborate with a team of world-class architects, designers, and strategists, working on high-profile projects that elevate the global hospitality landscape. Your leadership will directly contribute to the growth of our Hospitality Studio in EMEA and the expansion of our presence in the luxury hotel sector.

Join us in crafting iconic spaces where design, luxury, and innovation meet. Become a visionary leader in hospitality design and business development with IA Interior Architects, where creativity, excellence, and sophistication come together to redefine the hotel experience.