Executive Director of Design – Hospitality Portfolio

About the role

The Executive Director of Design will lead the design function for a portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and mixed‑use hospitality assets, ensuring design quality, consistency and commercial viability from concept through delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design function across multiple hospitality projects from concept to construction.
• Establish and maintain design standards, governance processes and quality benchmarks.
• Provide strategic direction to architects, interior designers, landscape architects and specialist consultants.
• Review and guide design proposals at all development stages.
• Balance design excellence with operational requirements, commercial objectives, programme schedules and buildability.
• Chair design reviews, offering recommendations for design development and value optimisation.
• Promote innovation, sustainability and best practices across architecture, interiors and public realms.
• Collaborate with development, technical, commercial and future operator teams throughout project delivery.
• Build and lead a high‑performing design team, fostering consistency and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Inspirational design leader with strong creative instincts and ability to influence senior executives.
• Background in a respected architectural practice followed by senior design leadership roles on the developer or consultancy side.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design functions for large‑scale hospitality, luxury hotel and resort portfolios.
• Master’s degree in Architecture or a related discipline.
• Approximately 20 years of experience delivering large‑scale hospitality or mixed‑use developments.
• Proven portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts or high‑end mixed‑use projects.

Required skills