Architectural Design Manager - Premium Brands

Co-manage hotel projects, aligned with Renovation Manager and Interior Design Manager, for an assigned territory of franchised hotels which may include Property Improvement Plan (PIP) renovation projects and/or new development (ND) hotel construction projects. Serve as a recognized architectural, design and construction expert for a segment of upscale and upper-upscale IHG brand hotels. Manager, Design & Plan Review will focus primary responsibilities on Architectural Design Management discipline as assigned per hiring manager. 

Your day to day 

Responsibilities include approving (or not approving) project plans, life safety plans and other related project submittals for a broad range of complex PIP and ND projects to ensure conformance with Hotel Brand Vision and Hotel Design Guidelines, Hotel Brand Standards, IHG Brand Safety Standards, hotel functionality, efficiency, and other related design criteria. Provide architectural and design guidance/assistance to IHG franchisees and their consultants through all phases of the PIP or ND projects, ensuring timely and successful completion of projects while promoting Great Hotels Guests Love. Assist IHG Franchise Sales Team with architectural and design-related questions for potential franchisees before signing. Review or prepare draft hotel facility area programs, review early concept plans for functionality and brand appropriateness, and provide conceptual hotel imagery and layouts.

• Co-manage hotel projects with Renovation Manager and Design Manager. Effectively manage an assigned territory by evaluating a steady flow of proposed ND and PIP renovation project designs, including evaluation against IHG Brand Standards, suitability of designs, materials, style and coordination for all areas of a hotel project.
• Project size – Typical PIP may cost owner from $1M to $15M+ and involve a 60 to 400 room hotel. Typical New Development may cost an owner $20M to $75M+.
• Perform Design Review for submittals received for all projects within your assigned territory provide appropriate written responses to owner. Review site plans to ensure compliance with applicable laws, IHG Brand Standards, and provide suggestions on required changes or improvements to such plans. Monitor milestone dates for ND and PIP renovation projects to ensure projects are progressing on schedule. Ensure that all documentation is maintained with project file.
• Thoroughly review PIP documents to gain familiarity with project requirements as set forth by the PIP prior to commenting to franchisee on project submittals sent in for Design Review. Manager has the authority to accept submitted design modifications that are not as specifically listed in the PIP if the submitted design meets the intent of the PIP.
• Ensure design and construction milestones are monitored on a proactive basis and information is communicated to the appropriate IHG parties (e.g. Hotel Openings, Plan Review, Quality, etc.). Manage electronic project management systems (eg. Digital Project Manager (DPM), etc.) for executed projects for content and accuracy of input for assigned projects.
• Perform courtesy reviews to pre-determine a project's potential suitability as an IHG branded hotel to assist Franchise Sales in pursuing acceptable properties for conversion and development, and to assist potential Franchisees / Owners in their initial plan layouts. Provide presentations describing potential solutions to assist Franchise Sales in pursuing acceptable properties for conversion and development.
• Lead and conduct initial and periodic meetings with Principal Correspondents (Owners), architects, designers, and contractors to discuss renovation requirements, construction direction, and design plans for specific projects. Consult with/guide the project team members through the design process and into the construction/renovation phase to ensure consistency of product. 
• Attend Brand Studio Meetings on a regular basis, providing feedback to the Brand Design team on product and prototype design related issues, request feedback on specific project issues, and provide input towards improvement and growth of the Brand Studio team structure. Communicate design or construction trend changes or improvements in order to keep the brand’s Architecture & Design requirements current and competitive.

What we need from you

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. Architectural licensure preferred.
• 8+ years progressive work-related experience in design, architecture or construction management, with at least three years prior experience in hotel building design and planning, within upscale or higher chain scale. Must have prior project management experience in order to coordinate design management of projects within a given territory.
• Project management experience in organizing, planning and executing complex, large-scale projects from conception through implementation. 
• Ability to communicate supportive program details (presentation, analysis) to present a persuasive argument or to effectively negotiate a position, and to clearly explain specific requirements for active projects.
• Experience with Bluebeam, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word preferred. Experience with Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe InDesign may be helpful.
• Ability to read blueprints including architectural, interior design, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and electrical drawings. Ability to interpret design boards, specifications, and layouts or other drawings to clarify design issues or as the need arises. Ability to remain current with construction trends, code requirements and design.
• Ability to prioritize project details and manage time usage to track active renovation, conversion and new development properties, and to determine if plans have been submitted in a timely manner. Must make time available to return telephone calls and work with franchisees when problems arise regarding project development, Brand standards or vendor-related issues.
• Knowledge of national building codes and accessibility laws.

Travel – up to 15%

Location – Atlanta, GA: Our hybrid work structure is an expectation of three (3) days a week in office. This expectation may be adjusted to evolve with the changing needs of the business.

The salary range for this role is $94,000.00 to $109,000.00.  This role is also eligible for bonus pay (as applicable). We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and other benefits to employees.  

#LI-YM1