Design Manager

About the role

The Design Strategies Manager supports IHG’s efforts in accelerating guest and owner insight-driven design initiatives in the Americas region. This role helps establish original and innovative design strategies, including prototype designs, and integrates them into the Americas region for new development hotels and renovations. Reporting to the Regional Director of Design Strategies, Americas Design and Construction, the role advances hospitality design initiatives informed by guest, owner, brand, and operational insights.

This position partners with global and regional teams to develop and implement prototype designs, renovation solutions, brand standards, and owner-facing design programs for new development and existing hotel projects. It ensures solutions are commercially viable, technically sound, and aligned with brand experience goals while bridging global design direction and regional execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional hospitality design initiatives from concept through implementation, including prototype design, renovation programs, model rooms, brand guidelines, and owner-facing design solutions.
• Partner with Brand Management, Architecture & Design, Global Design, Procurement, Legal, owners, consultants, vendors, and project teams to translate brand strategy into commercially viable and buildable design outcomes.
• Represent the design team in internal and external forums by communicating project priorities, design intent, pipeline status, owner feedback, risks, and recommendations.
• Apply hospitality design expertise and technical judgment to resolve design, construction, FF&E, supplier, and brand standards issues while balancing guest experience, owner value, operational needs, schedule, and budget.
• Support the development, refinement, and regional implementation of brand standards, design documentation, SRD programs, FF&E specifications, and design tools to enable consistent execution across the Americas.
• Build trust and alignment with owners, senior leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders through clear presentations, concise written communication, sound recommendations, and strong executive presence.
• Assist Brand Management Teams in the design and procurement of Brand Design Scheme FF&E needed for the IHG Investor’s Conference.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design, Architecture, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. AIA or ASID certification preferred. Architectural or Interior Design License preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive design, architecture, or related experience, with a strong emphasis on hospitality environments, brand implementation, renovation, and new development projects.
• Proven experience completing hospitality projects, including managing design workstreams, coordinating with owners, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders, and translating design intent into commercially viable, buildable solutions.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment as part of a collaborative team while balancing consumer, managerial, and ownership perspectives.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and resources effectively.
• High degree of personal drive, self-starter mentality, and ability to work independently without regular direct/local management.
• Inquiring mind with an understanding of innovation, design, and guest experience, as well as strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability.
• Extensive and credible appreciation of brands, with the ability to assess the scope of implementation of proposed innovation/design proposals quickly and accurately.
• High level of capability and credibility in influencing peers and senior management across functions and regions, with strong analytical and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to develop credible ROI for design initiatives and a practical sensibility when applying strategic solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of brand standards and a full understanding of the differences in various brand standards manuals.
• Ability to read design documentation and construction drawings, including architectural, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler systems, and electrical drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FF&E (furnishings, finishings, and equipment)/OS&E (operating supplies and equipment), with the ability to interpret design boards, specifications, and provide free-hand renderings or layouts as needed.
• Knowledge of national building codes, ADA requirements, and current construction trends through annual continuing education.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage large-scale design projects and budgets with minimal direction, including project management experience from conception through implementation.

Skills

• Strong technical proficiency in 3D modeling and design documentation tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp or equivalent 3D software, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to clearly communicate design intent through drawings, visual presentations, written narratives, and stakeholder-facing materials.
• FF&E spec writing software experience.

Schedule

This role follows a hybrid work structure with an expectation of three (3) days in the Atlanta office. This expectation may be adjusted based on the changing needs of the business.

Travel

10-20% travel is required for this role.