Director of Architectural Design - Architecture Studio

Position Summary
The Director of Architecture - Architecture Studio is responsible for leading architectural project teams and managing the delivery of assigned projects within a multidisciplinary firm that includes interior design, procurement, and project management. Reporting to the Vice President of Architectural Design this role combines people leadership, project oversight, and technical accountability to ensure high-quality architectural design outcomes.

Each Director of Architecture Design leads a team of designers, architects and architectural associates and is accountable for establishing the design direction of each project across hospitality, multifamily, renovation, and adaptive reuse projects, including input on select Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) and ground-up developments.

Key Responsibilities:
Project & Team Leadership

Independently generate the conceptual design and/or master plan for projects and contribute to the development of project design direction.
Develop and participate in design presentations & design charettes
Work collaboratively with the project team in planning work and developing solutions to technical and design detail challenges.
Lead coordination of project efforts, administrative and technical, to assure efficient execution of projects needs
Provide leadership to contributing designers on project(s) and monitor project design development with the assistance of other Directors of Architecture
Review design and technical drawing of junior designers
Mentor and develop team members through coaching, feedback, and performance reviews.
Obtain formal approvals from clients & stakeholder teams
Coordinate and prepare project correspondence with assistance with other Directors of Architecture
Primary client liaison to bring the schedule and scope of work to completion to client satisfaction, within established project budget
Must be willing to travel

Project Delivery & Technical Oversight

Oversee architectural design from concept through construction administration.
Ensure design intent is maintained across all deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
Coordinate closely with consultants and internal disciplines.
Review drawings and specifications for quality, completeness, and code compliance.
Resolve design and technical challenges efficiently.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Work closely with Interior Design, Procurement, and Project Management teams.
Ensure architectural design documentation aligns with interior design, procurement strategies, and construction phasing.
Support integrated project delivery through proactive coordination.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects in conjunction with other Directors of Architecture.
Participate in client meetings, presentations, and design reviews.
Communicate project progress, risks, and solutions clearly and professionally.

Support of Parent Company (Ashford)

Support architectural delivery for Ashford-led PIPs, renovations, and select ground-up developments.
Coordinate with Ashford stakeholders and third-party consultants as required.
Ensure alignment with brand standards, budgets, and schedules.

Business Development Support

Support proposal development with project approach, staffing input, and technical narratives.
Assist with interviews and pursuit efforts as requested.

Leadership & Firmwide Contributions

Uphold architectural standards and best practices established by the firm.
Contribute to Design standards, QA/QC, and process improvements.
Represent the architecture team with professionalism internally and externally.
Requirements:
Qualifications:

Professional degree in Architecture.
15+ years of professional experience, preferably working on medium to large scale hospitality, mixed use and residential project types
Licensed Architect preferred.
Significant experience in hospitality, multifamily, and renovation projects.
Expert 3D Modeling skills (Rhino & SketchUp)
Proficiency in rendering software (Enscape preferred)
Proficiency with CAD/BIM documentation software (AutoCAD and Revit)
Advanced knowledge of BIM or Parametric Design is an asset (Grasshopper)
Knowledge of AI workflows in relation to Design Processes.
Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
Proficiency in Adobe Create Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
Expert knowledge of space planning methodology and building systems for hospitality, mixed-use and multi-family project types.
Ability to sketch and develop design ideas graphically (Diagramming by hand or digitally)
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects.
Strong coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to discuss and communicate ideas with verbal and graphic clarity
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines
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