Hospitality Designer

About the role

Empire and Co. is a leader in delivering innovative workplace solutions nationwide. With over 80 years of industry experience and more than 565 full-time employees, we partner with leading architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to create high-performing, cost-effective environments that solve business challenges and activate brands. Our continued growth reflects our commitment to operational excellence, client service, and delivering complex projects with precision and professionalism.

Overview

Empire and Co. is seeking a Hospitality Designer to join our growing Creative Studio in our NYC office. This role supports a diverse portfolio of projects across multifamily, senior living, student housing, residential model homes, and amenity-driven commercial environments. This position sits at the intersection of hospitality, residential, and workplace design, translating elevated concepts into actionable, client-ready solutions that balance aesthetics, performance, budget, and speed-to-market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop holistic FF&E and furniture solutions aligned with project vision, brand identity, and target demographic.
• Translate conceptual direction into fully realized design packages, including finish palettes, material boards, and styling concepts.
• Produce client-ready presentations supported by specifications and pricing documentation.
• Curate furniture, accessories, artwork, and specialty items.
• Support projects from concept through installation, ensuring design intent is executed accurately.
• Partner with sales, project management, and procurement teams to drive project success.
• Develop space plans, furniture layouts, and renderings.
• Participate in client meetings to understand project goals, constraints, and expectations.
• Work across multifamily, senior living, student housing, hospitality, and commercial environments.
• Bridge hospitality-driven design with contract furniture execution and operational requirements.
• Contribute to the development of Empire’s Creative Library.
• Stay current on design trends, materials, and industry innovations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturer partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in hospitality interior design or a related field.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating FF&E, space planning, and design storytelling.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, CET, or similar design tools.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Office tools.
• Understanding of contract furniture, materials, and specifications.
• Knowledge of ADA guidelines and industry standards.

Key Traits for Success

• Strong hospitality-driven design sensibility with attention to detail.
• Ability to balance creativity with budget constraints and project timelines.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative with strong communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.

Pay

$95,000 – $130,000, based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position.