Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: IHG

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Architecture Operations

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage regional hospitality design initiatives, from conceptualization through successful implementation, focusing on prototype designs and renovation programs.

• Drive the development and regional execution of innovative design strategies that integrate guest, owner, brand, and operational insights to enhance the guest experience.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Brand Management, Architecture & Design, Global Design, Procurement, Legal, owners, consultants, and vendors, to translate brand strategy into commercially viable and technically sound design outcomes.

• Serve as a key representative for the design team, effectively communicating project priorities, design intent, pipeline status, owner feedback, risks, and strategic recommendations in various internal and external forums.

• Apply expert hospitality design knowledge and technical judgment to proactively resolve design, construction, FF&E, supplier, and brand standards issues, ensuring a balance between guest experience, owner value, operational needs, schedule, and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within IHG's Americas Design and Construction division, reporting to the Regional Director of Design Strategies. It requires a strong blend of creative design leadership and operational execution, with a clear emphasis on translating global design intent into regionally specific, commercially successful hotel projects. The "Operations" category is applied due to the role's focus on process, standards, and cross-functional execution within a large hospitality organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead regional hospitality design initiatives, encompassing prototype design, renovation programs, model room development, brand guideline refinement, and owner-facing design solutions for new development and existing hotel projects.

• Foster strong partnerships with Brand Management, Architecture & Design, Global Design, Procurement, Legal, owners, consultants, vendors, and project teams to ensure the seamless translation of brand strategy into executable and profitable design outcomes.

• Clearly articulate project priorities, design intent, pipeline status, owner feedback, identified risks, and strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders through compelling presentations and concise communication.

• Leverage extensive hospitality design expertise and technical acumen to adeptly resolve complex design, construction, FF&E, supplier, and brand standards challenges, while meticulously balancing guest experience, owner value, operational efficiency, project timelines, and budget constraints.

• Contribute to the development, refinement, and regional implementation of robust brand standards, comprehensive design documentation, strategic SRD (Site Requirement Document) programs, detailed FF&E specifications, and effective design tools to ensure consistent and high-quality execution across the Americas region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design leadership, requiring the manager to not only conceptualize but also drive implementation and problem-solving. The emphasis on "commercially viable and buildable design outcomes" and "balancing guest experience, owner value, operational needs, schedule, and budget" underscores the operational rigor expected in this role within IHG's business model.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.

• AIA (American Institute of Architects) or ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) certification is preferred.

• An Architectural or Interior Design License is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in design, architecture, or a related field, with a significant focus on hospitality environments.

• Demonstrated experience in brand implementation, managing renovation projects, and new development projects within the hospitality sector.

• Proven track record of managing design workstreams, coordinating effectively with owners, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

• Substantial experience in translating complex design intent into commercially viable and buildable solutions.

• Mandatory: Proven experience in successfully completing hospitality projects.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in hospitality design principles and application within diverse brand portfolios.

• Strong project management capabilities, including planning, execution, and budget oversight.

• Proficiency in translating brand strategy into tangible design outcomes and standards.

• Deep understanding and application of interior design and architectural best practices.

• Advanced technical proficiency in 3D modeling and design documentation software, specifically:

  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp or equivalent 3D software
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Bluebeam
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Comprehensive knowledge of FF&E (Furnishings, Fixtures, and Equipment) and OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment).

• Ability to interpret and develop construction drawings (architectural, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical).

• Skilled in reading and creating design boards and specifications.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and resources effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.

• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability, with an understanding of innovation and guest experience implementation challenges.

• High level of credibility in influencing peers and senior management across functions and regions.

• Confident, diplomatic, and skilled in working across all organizational levels.

• Strong analytical and interpersonal communication skills.

• Commercially astute with the ability to develop credible ROI (Return on Investment) for design initiatives.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of various brand standards within the IHG portfolio.

• Familiarity with FF&E specification writing software.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current trends and innovations in the hospitality sector.

• Understanding of national building codes and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. Preferred Skills:

• AIA or ASID certification.

• Architectural or Interior Design License.

• Experience with construction trends and annual continuing education in related fields.

• Ability to provide free-hand renderings, layouts, or other drawings to clarify design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative design talent, technical software proficiency, and robust project management and business skills. The explicit mention of "proven experience of completing hospitality projects" and detailed software requirements are critical for candidates to highlight. The "5+ years of progressive design..." requirement, combined with the AI-derived experience level of "5-10", suggests this role is mid-level, requiring significant autonomy and demonstrated success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Hospitality Project Execution: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant hospitality projects (new development or major renovations) that you have personally managed from concept to completion. Clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and the scope of work for each project.

• Showcase Design Strategy & Innovation: Include examples of how you have developed and implemented innovative design strategies, prototype designs, or unique renovation solutions that were informed by guest, owner, brand, or operational insights. Detail the problem, your approach, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Provide case studies or examples demonstrating your ability to effectively partner with diverse stakeholders (owners, brand managers, architects, vendors, legal, etc.) to achieve design objectives, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts.

• Quantify Impact with Metrics & ROI: For each project or initiative presented, include quantifiable results. This should focus on business outcomes such as ROI for design initiatives, adherence to budget, schedule adherence, guest satisfaction improvements linked to design, or operational efficiency gains achieved through design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of established design workflows you have implemented or optimized, illustrating how you streamlined processes for concept development, design documentation, FF&E selection, and construction administration.

• System Implementation & Automation: If applicable, detail instances where you have implemented or leveraged design software (Revit, AutoCAD, etc.) or FF&E specification tools to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, or improve collaboration within the design process.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you have measured the success of design initiatives, including tracking against brand standards, budget adherence, schedule performance, and post-occupancy evaluations or guest feedback related to design elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a robust portfolio is crucial. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just design aesthetic, but also the ability to manage complex projects operationally, deliver tangible business results, and navigate the intricate stakeholder landscape of the hospitality industry. Showing how processes were improved or systems were utilized to achieve better outcomes will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and considering the responsibilities outlined for IHG, the estimated salary range is $94,000 - $105,000 per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee Discount Programs: Significant discounts on IHG hotel stays worldwide.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education relevant to design and hospitality.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided coverage.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance in-office collaboration with remote work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The role requires flexibility to manage urgent owner requests or critical project deadlines, which may occasionally extend beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on AI data for similar roles in Atlanta and the experience level specified. It's crucial for candidates to verify current compensation directly with IHG during the interview process. The benefits listed are typical for a large hospitality corporation like IHG and are designed to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Hotels and Resorts)

Company Size: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a global hospitality company with a vast network of over 6,000 hotels across more than 100 countries. This signifies a large, established, and complex corporate environment.

Founded: 1946 (as InterContinental Hotels)

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: This role reports to the Regional Director of Design Strategies, Americas Design and Construction.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design Manager will work closely with Brand Management teams, Global Design, Architecture & Design departments, Procurement, Legal, and directly with hotel owners, consultants, and vendors. This indicates a highly collaborative and matrixed operational structure.

• Geographic Focus: The role is specifically focused on the Americas region, requiring an understanding of regional market nuances, owner needs, and regulatory environments.

Methodology:

• Insight-Driven Design: IHG emphasizes using guest, owner, brand, and operational insights to inform design decisions, ensuring commercial viability and alignment with brand experience goals.

• Brand Standards Focus: A core methodology involves developing, refining, and implementing consistent brand standards across a diverse portfolio of hotels.

• Prototype and Model Room Development: The role involves creating and refining standardized design solutions (prototypes, model rooms) that can be efficiently rolled out across multiple projects.

• Commercial Viability & ROI: Design solutions must be commercially sound, technically feasible, and demonstrate a clear return on investment for owners and the company.

Company Website: https://www.ihgplc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: IHG's scale means that design operations are highly structured, process-oriented, and focused on delivering consistent brand experiences globally while catering to regional specifics. The culture likely values efficiency, adherence to standards, and strong stakeholder management due to the franchise/owner-centric model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is a mid-to-senior level position within the design and construction operations function. It requires significant independent judgment, project leadership, and the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels. It sits above junior design roles but below director-level strategic leadership.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Regional Director, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the Americas Design and Construction team. Collaboration will extend horizontally to various departments and externally to owners and partners.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the physical guest experience and the operational efficiency of IHG properties in the Americas. Their work directly impacts:

• Revenue Generation: Well-designed hotels attract more guests and command higher rates.

• Brand Equity: Consistent and appealing design reinforces brand identity and guest loyalty.

• Operational Efficiency: Thoughtful design can improve staff workflow, reduce maintenance needs, and optimize resource utilization.

• Owner Investment Value: Delivering commercially viable and aesthetically pleasing designs ensures owner satisfaction and future development opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior/Director Roles: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Regional Director of Design Strategies, or similar leadership positions within IHG's global or regional design and construction teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific IHG brands, renovation strategies, or sustainable design practices.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into roles within Brand Management, Procurement, or Development operations, leveraging design insights.

• Global Mobility: IHG's global presence offers potential opportunities for international assignments or roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a structured corporate environment. The emphasis on operational impact (ROI, efficiency, brand consistency) suggests that candidates who can demonstrate business acumen alongside design skills will be most successful in advancing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Atlanta, GA, with a hybrid work structure requiring three (3) days per week in the office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming, and project reviews.

Office Location(s): The specific office address is Three Ravinia Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30346. This location likely offers modern amenities and is situated within a business district.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration among design, construction, brand, and procurement teams. Regular in-person interaction will be key for project alignment and problem-solving.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam) and corporate IT infrastructure will be standard.

• Project-Focused: The workspace will likely be geared towards project work, with meeting rooms, presentation areas, and potentially shared studios or workstations.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of project-based work in hospitality design often requires flexibility to meet deadlines, respond to urgent owner queries, or attend project meetings, which may occasionally extend beyond typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is typical for large corporations, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with employee flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment with clear expectations around office presence and availability for critical project needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A direct interview with the Regional Director of Design Strategies to delve into experience, technical skills, project examples, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their design portfolio, focusing on hospitality projects, design strategies, problem-solving approaches, and quantifiable results. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical application of skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Brand Management, Procurement, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration capabilities and understanding of broader business needs.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve senior leadership or a final discussion on terms and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Hospitality: Select projects that specifically showcase your experience in hotels, resorts, or similar hospitality environments. Emphasize projects that demonstrate understanding of brand standards, guest experience, and owner value.

• Structure as Case Studies: For each key project, present it as a case study: Problem statement, your role and responsibilities, design solution/strategy, challenges faced and how you overcame them, and measurable outcomes (ROI, guest satisfaction, operational improvements, budget adherence).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam. Show examples of how these tools were used to effectively communicate design intent and solve problems.

• Emphasize Collaboration and Influence: Demonstrate instances where you successfully influenced stakeholders, managed competing priorities, and drove consensus among diverse groups to achieve project goals.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use numbers and data to support your claims about project success, cost savings, efficiency gains, or revenue impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge relevant to IHG brands, requiring you to outline a strategic approach, consider brand standards, operational needs, and commercial viability.

• Problem-Solving: Expect questions about how you've handled difficult design challenges, budget constraints, or conflicting stakeholder requirements in past projects.

• Brand Knowledge: Brush up on IHG's various brands, their target audiences, and their core design principles. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure brand consistency while allowing for regional adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role at a company like IHG will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical application and demonstrable results. The portfolio review is a cornerstone, so candidates must prepare thoroughly to showcase their capabilities in a compelling and data-driven manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & Design Documentation: Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp (or equivalent 3D software). Proficiency is essential for creating detailed architectural and interior design plans.

• Visual Communication & Presentation: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for creating mood boards, renderings, and presentation materials.

• Document Collaboration & Review: Bluebeam for efficient PDF markup, collaboration, and integration with construction workflows.

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, proficiency in using data from project management software, budget tracking tools, and potentially BI tools for performance analysis will be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) or enterprise-level project management systems used in construction and design is likely required for workflow management and task tracking.

• Familiarity with FF&E specification writing software is explicitly mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD/BIM software, graphic design tools, and collaboration platforms crucial for architectural and interior design operations. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate proficiency and discuss how they leverage these tools to enhance design processes and project outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest-Centricity: A fundamental value is prioritizing the guest experience in all design decisions, ensuring comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the distinct identity and standards of each IHG brand is paramount.

• Operational Excellence: A commitment to efficient processes, technical soundness, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with internal teams, owners, and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas and technologies that can enhance design, guest experience, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with various departments (Brand, Procurement, Legal, etc.) to ensure all project aspects are aligned.

• Stakeholder Alignment: A key aspect is building trust and alignment with hotel owners, consultants, and senior management through clear communication and well-reasoned recommendations.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture of constructive feedback is likely encouraged to refine designs and processes, particularly during project reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: IHG's culture, as reflected in this role, is likely a balance between corporate structure, brand consistency, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its hotel owners. Values will center around delivering exceptional guest experiences through well-executed, brand-aligned, and commercially viable design solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing the often-conflicting priorities of guests, owners, brand standards, and operational requirements.

• Navigating a Large Corporate Structure: Effectively influencing and collaborating across numerous departments and geographic regions within a global organization.

• Driving Innovation within Standards: Introducing new design concepts and technologies while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and technical specifications.

• Managing Project Timelines and Budgets: Ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of projects in a dynamic and often unpredictable industry.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Staying current with evolving hospitality trends, technology, and guest expectations while ensuring solutions are practical and sustainable.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Specialization: Deepen expertise across IHG's diverse brand portfolio, becoming a subject matter expert for specific brands or market segments.

• Advanced Design & Technology: Access to training on emerging design software, sustainable design practices, and innovative construction methods.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Opportunities to develop strategic planning, stakeholder management, and team leadership capabilities.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in hospitality design conferences, trade shows, and professional development programs to stay abreast of industry best practices and network.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with teams in procurement, operations, and marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing design operations in a large, multi-brand hospitality company. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professional development and career advancement within IHG.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting priorities between an owner's request, brand standards, and operational efficiency. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you approach developing a prototype design for a new hotel concept? What key factors do you consider to ensure its success across multiple markets?" (Prepare to discuss your process for concept development, feasibility analysis, and scalability.)

• "Imagine a situation where a brand standard is hindering a crucial operational need for a hotel. How would you approach advocating for a modification or exception, and what data would you use to support your case?" (Demonstrate your ability to influence and present data-driven arguments.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about IHG's brand portfolio, and which brands do you find most exciting from a design perspective? Why?" (Research IHG's brands and be ready to discuss their design ethos.)

• "How do you see the role of design evolving in the hospitality industry, and how would you incorporate innovation into IHG's existing design framework?" (Showcase your forward-thinking and understanding of industry trends.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with remote and in-office team members. What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication and project alignment?" (Address the specific work arrangement for this role.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for 2-3 key projects. Clearly define the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the ROI, budget adherence, schedule performance, or guest satisfaction improvements achieved. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase Technical Skills Visually: Integrate visuals (renderings, floor plans, mood boards, construction details) that clearly demonstrate your design capabilities and proficiency with tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples or discuss how you partnered with owners, brand teams, and vendors to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Be Concise and Focused: Tailor your presentation to the requirements of the role, highlighting hospitality experience and operational considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of hospitality design operations, strong project management skills, the ability to influence stakeholders, and a clear grasp of commercial viability and brand adherence. The portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to showcase your practical experience and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position at IHG:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the IHG careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, such as "hospitality design," "prototype development," "brand standards," "Revit," "AutoCAD," "project management," and "stakeholder management." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases 2-3 of your most relevant hospitality design projects. Ensure each project includes a clear description of the challenge, your role, design solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present this digitally or in person.

• Research IHG Brands: Familiarize yourself with IHG's diverse portfolio of brands, their target demographics, and their unique design philosophies. This will be crucial for interview discussions.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, impactful, and clearly communicates your qualifications and experience. Be prepared to discuss your design process and problem-solving approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.