Design Manager

Criterion Capital is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design phase of office-to-hotel conversion projects. The Design Manager will be responsible for managing the entire design process, ensuring that design solutions meet client expectations, project goals, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a passion for design, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to lead design teams to deliver innovative and functional solutions within the defined scope, budget, and timeline.

Job Overview

• Lead the design process for office-to-hotel conversion projects, ensuring all designs meet the project’s functional, aesthetic, and technical requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the project management team to ensure designs are aligned with project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Challenge conventional design approaches to deliver creative and practical solutions that enhance the guest experience and meet the specific requirements of hotel conversions.
• Manage and oversee the work of external consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment with project goals
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters related to the project(s), communicating effectively with clients, project managers, and construction teams.
• Facilitate design review meetings with stakeholders to present concepts, obtain feedback, and refine designs to achieve final approvals.
• Oversee the preparation of design documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Review and challenge design proposals, ensuring that they are both innovative and practical, with a focus on cost-efficiency, buildability, and operational feasibility.
• Ensure that all design elements are delivered to the highest standards of quality, meeting both functional and aesthetic goals.
• Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, fire safety regulations, and hospitality-specific requirements.
• Manage the process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities, working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure a smooth approval process.
• Collaborate with project managers and cost consultants to ensure that design solutions are cost-effective and within budget.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design quality or functionality.
• Proactively address potential design challenges that could impact costs, timelines, or project feasibility.
• Incorporate sustainable design principles into all projects, ensuring that designs minimize environmental impact and adhere to green building standards where applicable.
• Oversee the production of all design documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and clarity in all project drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Ensure that all design records are organised, up-to-date, and meet the standards required for regulatory approval and construction execution.
• Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that design deliverables are executed to the highest standards.
• Ensure that designs are feasible and aligned with construction methodologies and timelines, providing design support and oversight during the construction process.

About You:

• A minimum of 5 years’ industry experience in consultancy, architecture and/or design manager roles within main contract or developer business’
• Experience as a Design Manager or Senior Architect working on RIBA stage 5 packages, preferably in hospitality, commercial-to-residential conversions, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, or a related field.
• Ability to manage design teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of design processes, through detailed design and documentation.
• Experience in managing design projects within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Understanding of construction methods and how design choices impact project feasibility and costs.
• Ability to challenge traditional approaches and offer creative, innovative design solutions tailored to the hospitality industry.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and familiarity with project management tools.