Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Marriott

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Management / Architecture / Hospitality Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06T20:12:46

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead architectural design strategy and execution for Marriott Select Business new build and conversion projects, ensuring brand vision, operational feasibility, and business objectives are met.

• Serve as a design authority, guiding concept development, evaluating design solutions, and influencing key design decisions with ownership groups and their representatives.

• Oversee internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality, innovative, and compliant design outcomes within established budgets and schedules.

• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by interpreting and adapting brand standards to diverse project conditions while maintaining brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Design Manager," its responsibilities heavily lean into operations and project management within the hospitality design and construction lifecycle. The focus on brand standards, operational requirements, budget, and schedule, along with consultant management, positions this as a critical operations-adjacent role. The "Marriott Select Business" focus indicates a specific portfolio of brands within the Marriott umbrella, requiring specialized knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design strategy and execution for multiple Marriott Select Business projects (managed and franchised), ensuring brand integrity, design excellence, operational feasibility, and consistent quality outcomes.

• Serve as the primary design point of contact for assigned projects, guiding owners and external consultants through Marriott’s brand standards, design intent, and approval processes.

• Support in-house Project Management co-workers with construction support services related to design decisions, clarifications, or updates during the construction phase.

• Influence concept design solutions, including feasibility support, test fits, and program requirements aligned to brand positioning and project objectives.

• Influence executive and owner decision-making by presenting design recommendations, articulating rationale, and securing alignment at senior leadership levels.

• Work with external consultants, setting clear expectations, providing direction, and driving high performance across project teams.

• Develop Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) in partnership with internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity of scope, cost alignment, and brand intent.

• Partner with Development and Brand teams to support owner engagement efforts, leveraging Marriott design expertise to influence decision making and strengthen deal execution.

• Recommend design changes to address customer satisfaction data, operational concerns, brand initiatives, and development strategies.

• Drive cross-functional alignment with internal stakeholders, owners, architects, and consultants to deliver on quality, budget, and schedule commitments.

• Oversee project tracking and reporting through the Oasis system, ensuring data accuracy, transparency, and timely updates to support business decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design oversight and tactical project execution, characteristic of operations roles that bridge creative and business needs. The emphasis on "influencing" and "advising" suggests a senior-level role requiring strong communication and negotiation skills, crucial for GTM and operational alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• 4-year undergraduate degree in Architecture or a related design discipline is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in architecture at a design firm for large commercial or hospitality projects is required.

• Experience in construction document development, preferably for hotel projects, is preferred.

• Ability to travel approximately 30%, must have a valid driver’s license, ability to rent a car, and periodically drive long distances to remote locations. Required Skills:

• Architectural Design: Deep understanding of architectural principles, design concepts, and their application in hospitality settings.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timeline.

• Brand Strategy & Standards: Expertise in interpreting and applying brand guidelines, ensuring design consistency and integrity across diverse projects.

• Consultant Management: Skill in selecting, directing, and managing external architectural and design consultants to achieve project objectives.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal teams, owners, developers, and external partners.

• Contract Oversight: Experience in managing consultant contracts, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budget management and cost alignment for design and construction projects.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying design and operational challenges and developing effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Architectural License: A professional architectural license is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and credentialing.

• Construction Document Development: Experience in creating detailed construction documents for hospitality projects.

• Hospitality Design Expertise: Specialized knowledge of design trends, operational needs, and guest experience considerations within the hotel industry.

• Feasibility Analysis: Ability to assess project feasibility, including test fits and program requirements.

• Property Improvement Plans (PIPs): Experience in developing and managing PIPs for hotel renovations and conversions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in architecture combined with practical project management and business acumen. The preference for an architectural license and construction document experience indicates a need for technical depth, while the travel requirement and stakeholder management skills point to a role requiring significant external interaction and operational agility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant hospitality or large commercial design projects, demonstrating your role, design process, and project outcomes.

• Brand Standard Adaptation: Include examples or descriptions of how you've successfully adapted brand standards to unique project conditions or site-specific constraints.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Present specific instances where you identified a design or operational challenge and implemented an innovative solution, detailing the process and results.

• Consultant Collaboration: Provide evidence of successful collaboration with external design consultants, highlighting your role in guiding their work and ensuring alignment.

• Budget & Schedule Management: If possible, include examples that illustrate your ability to manage design projects within defined budgets and timelines.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of the design lifecycle, from concept development and schematic design through construction documentation and construction administration.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and managing Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) and how they integrate with broader operational strategies.

• Exhibit familiarity with project tracking and reporting systems, particularly those used in the hospitality industry (e.g., Oasis, if applicable to your experience).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design principles within operational constraints. The emphasis should be on showcasing how design decisions impact guest experience, operational efficiency, and brand consistency, backed by quantifiable results where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Bethesda, MD area, the estimated salary range is $96,000 - $129,000 USD per year. This range accounts for the required experience, the responsibilities involved, and the cost of living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan and stock purchase plan.

• Travel & Leisure: Discounts at Marriott properties worldwide.

• Commuting & Daily Support: Commuter benefits, employee assistance plan, and childcare discounts.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Financial Wellness: Health care flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care flexible spending account (FSA).

• Life & Disability Protection: Life insurance, disability insurance, and accident insurance.

• Family Support: Adoption expense reimbursements and paid parental leave.

• Professional Development: Educational assistance, paid sick leave, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases. The role is designated as hybrid, requiring a balance of in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on data from similar roles in the specified geographic region and industry. The comprehensive benefits package reflects Marriott's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, offering substantial value beyond base compensation. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility, common in modern design and operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Hotels & Lodging)

Company Size: Marriott International is a global leader in the hospitality industry, employing over 100,000 associates worldwide. This large scale means diverse opportunities and established corporate structures.

Founded: 1927. With a long history, Marriott has a deeply ingrained culture of service, operational excellence, and brand consistency.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager likely operates within a broader Design or Development department, potentially part of the "Marriott Select Business" division.

• This role involves close collaboration with Project Managers, Brand representatives, Development teams, and external consultants (architects, interior designers, engineers).

• The reporting structure is likely to be to a Director or Vice President of Design/Development for the Select Brands portfolio. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by market data, customer feedback, operational performance metrics, and brand standards.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of design processes, from initial concept to construction support, to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Collaborative Innovation: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams and external partners contribute to innovative design solutions that meet evolving guest needs and business objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Marriott's extensive history and global presence suggest a company with robust operational frameworks and a strong emphasis on brand consistency. The "Select Business" designation implies a focus on specific market segments, requiring a nuanced understanding of both brand identity and operational efficiency for those particular hotel types.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Manager-level position, overseeing design strategy and execution for multiple projects. It requires a blend of technical design expertise and strong project management and leadership skills, typical of mid-to-senior level operations professionals. The role acts as a key liaison between brand strategy and on-the-ground project implementation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Design or Development department, likely a Director or VP overseeing the Select Brands portfolio. They will, in turn, manage relationships with external consultants and collaborate closely with internal Project Managers and Brand teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the success of new hotel openings and conversions by ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing and on-brand but also operationally sound, cost-effective, and compliant with all regulations. Effective design management contributes to guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the profitability of Marriott's Select Business portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Development Roles: Potential to advance into Director or VP positions overseeing larger portfolios or different brand segments within Marriott.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific brand categories or project types (e.g., historic conversions, sustainable design).

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into broader Project Management, Development, or Brand Management roles within Marriott.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Marriott's internal leadership training and development programs to hone management and strategic skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at Marriott offers significant opportunities for growth within the hospitality sector. The role provides a solid foundation in design strategy, project execution, and stakeholder management, all critical for advancement into senior operational and leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as Hybrid. Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD, is described as a hybrid environment. Candidates within commuting distance to Bethesda are expected to work from the office periodically, while those outside commuting distance may be considered for remote positions.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Hub: Marriott Headquarters, 7750 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814. This location offers a central point for collaboration with HQ-based teams.

• Remote Possibility: For candidates residing outside of the Bethesda commuting area, a remote work arrangement may be considered.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Bethesda HQ likely features modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and amenities to support hybrid teams.

• Technology Enabled: Expect access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design software and project management tools.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The environment encourages interaction with various departments, including Project Management, Development, Brand Management, and potentially Legal and Finance.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of design and project management often requires flexibility, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases, client meetings, or when managing urgent issues that arise during construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. For operations professionals, this means being adept at managing workflows and communication across different work settings, ensuring project continuity regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience in architecture, hospitality design, and project management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to assess your technical skills, understanding of brand standards, project management approach, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your design portfolio, discussing key projects, your role, design rationale, problem-solving strategies, and project outcomes. Be prepared to articulate how your designs meet operational and business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: You may meet with key stakeholders from Project Management, Brand, or Development teams to evaluate your collaboration skills and ability to integrate design into broader business strategies.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) for a final assessment of leadership potential and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience with hospitality design, brand alignment, and managing complex projects.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority for each project.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your design approach, key decisions made, how you managed consultants and stakeholders, and the ultimate outcome (e.g., guest satisfaction, operational improvements, budget/schedule adherence).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved guest reviews, reduced operational costs, faster project delivery).

• Address Operational Needs: Explicitly discuss how your design solutions address operational requirements, maintenance, and guest experience in a hospitality context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge related to a Marriott Select Business brand. You might be asked to outline your approach to developing a PIP for a specific hotel type or how you would adapt a brand standard to a unique site condition.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to explain your process for managing external consultants, conducting feasibility studies, or ensuring compliance with brand standards and local regulations.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating how you would gain buy-in from owners, developers, and internal teams for design recommendations, especially when faced with competing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates design decisions, their impact on operations, and successful stakeholder management will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) for design development and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday.com) for tracking tasks, timelines, and resources.

• Oasis System: Familiarity or ability to quickly learn Marriott's proprietary project tracking and reporting system (Oasis).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, budget reports, and potentially guest feedback analytics.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in creating clear, compelling presentations using PowerPoint or similar tools for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts customer experience and brand perception is key. Familiarity with how design data integrates into broader enterprise systems is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for virtual communication and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is design-focused, proficiency in project management and reporting systems like Oasis is critical for operational oversight. The ability to leverage technology for efficient workflow management and clear communication is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service Excellence: A deep commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, reflected in every design decision.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all dealings with stakeholders, consultants, and internal teams.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking creative and efficient solutions to design and operational challenges.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes and driving them to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with Project Management, Brand, Development, and Operations teams to ensure design aligns with all business needs.

• Partnership with Owners/Consultants: Building strong, trust-based relationships with external partners, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Embracing a culture of constructive feedback to refine designs and improve processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Marriott's culture likely emphasizes a strong service orientation, a commitment to brand standards, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. For operations professionals, understanding and embodying these values is key to fitting in and succeeding within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Standards with Project Constraints: Navigating the complexities of applying established brand guidelines to diverse project sites, budgets, and owner requirements.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively aligning the needs and expectations of owners, developers, internal teams, and regulatory bodies, each with potentially competing priorities.

• Driving Design Innovation within a Large Organization: Encouraging creative solutions while adhering to corporate policies and brand consistency.

• Adapting to Evolving Guest Expectations: Staying ahead of trends in hospitality design and guest experience to ensure Marriott's portfolio remains competitive.

• Geographic Dispersion of Projects: Managing projects remotely and coordinating with consultants and teams across different locations, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Immersion: Deep dives into the specific brand standards and target demographics of the Marriott Select Business portfolio.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend hospitality design and development events to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Internal Training: Access to Marriott's extensive training resources on project management, leadership, and specialized design topics.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Marriott's design and development organization.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a variety of new build and conversion projects, enhancing versatility and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges that require strategic thinking and adept problem-solving. These challenges are excellent springboards for professional growth and skill development within the hospitality operations and design sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand standards with unique project site challenges. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for adaptation and stakeholder negotiation.)

• "How do you ensure operational efficiency is integrated into the architectural design process for a hotel?" (Highlight your understanding of hotel operations and how design impacts them.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing and presenting a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) to an ownership group." (Emphasize your ability to articulate scope, cost, and brand rationale.)

• "How do you manage relationships with external architectural consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables on time and within budget?" (Focus on your communication, direction-setting, and oversight skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Marriott's Select Business brands, and why are you interested in managing design for them?" (Research the specific brands and articulate your alignment.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Marriott's commitment to service excellence and brand integrity?" (Connect your values to Marriott's stated values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote environment. How do you maintain team cohesion and productivity?" (Address your adaptability to modern work arrangements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, key challenges, design solutions, and the impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, renderings, and floor plans. Supplement with charts or graphs to show budget adherence or timeline management where applicable.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

• Operational Focus: Explicitly link design decisions to operational benefits (e.g., improved guest flow, easier maintenance, enhanced guest comfort).

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle disagreements, and your understanding of Marriott's specific brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative design thinking and pragmatic operational execution. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, especially concerning operational impact and brand consistency, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Marriott Careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in hospitality design, project management, brand standards adherence, and consultant management. Use keywords from the job description such as "architectural design," "brand integrity," "operational requirements," and "Oasis."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a professional portfolio showcasing 3-5 relevant hospitality or commercial design projects. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, design process, problem-solving, and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss how your designs impacted operational efficiency and guest experience.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions. Practice discussing your experience with brand standards, stakeholder management, and project challenges. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Marriott International, its various brands (especially the Select Business portfolio), and its corporate values. Understand the company's approach to design, development, and guest experience.

⚠️ 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.