Architectural Design Manager (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architectural Design Manager Company: Sonesta Location: Newton, Massachusetts, United States (Remote) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations - Design & Construction Management Date Posted: October 17, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the architectural design process for new build and renovation projects within the Sonesta portfolio, ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational requirements.
• Drive the development and refinement of prototypical brand program designs, focusing on adaptability and efficient conversion solutions for managed and franchise hotels.
• Act as the primary Architectural Design & Construction (AD&C) liaison for design partners and owner teams, facilitating clear communication and collaboration.
• Conduct thorough reviews of architectural plans, specifications, and construction quality to ensure compliance with brand objectives and AD&C standards.
• Contribute to strategic planning by staying abreast of new performance efficiencies and product developments from vendors and design firms, recommending their incorporation into brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency across Sonesta's diverse hotel portfolio. The remote nature of the position requires exceptional self-management, proactive communication, and a strong ability to collaborate virtually with stakeholders across various geographic locations and organizational levels. The emphasis on "fast conversion and renovation solutions" indicates a need for practical, implementable design strategies that minimize disruption and maximize ROI for hotel owners.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Strategy & Planning:
  • Leverage architectural expertise to ensure proposed designs and specifications comply with brand standards and fulfill approved project scope while optimizing cost-effectiveness.
  • Interpret architectural, design, and engineering drawings and specifications to validate project feasibility and adherence to requirements.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to maintain updated design standards for all Sonesta brands.
  • Work with key stakeholders and outside firms to develop and update programs for select service FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) and construction materials.
  • Engage with the vendor portfolio and outside design firms to stay current with new performance efficiencies and product developments, recommending their incorporation into brand standards.
  • Create prototypical layouts for different building types and consult on plan submissions for new builds, renovations, and capital projects.
• Operational & Functional Oversight:
  • Develop property-specific Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) for the Sonesta-managed portfolio.
  • Review design presentations and plan review sets to ensure Property Improvement Plans and brand standards objectives are met.
  • Examine specifications to confirm adherence to brand standard performance specifications.
  • Work with approved suppliers to develop approved shop drawings for new program specifications.
  • Review final product and construction quality to ensure it meets Sonesta's high standards.
• Organizational Management & Leadership:
  • Support, comply with, and promote company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
  • Track and report on project status, identifying potential issues and bringing them to the attention of key stakeholders for prompt resolution.
  • Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment, acting as a positive role model.
  • Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments, the corporate office, properties, and consultants.
  • Influence team members and stakeholders to perform at their highest standard and establish a trusting environment to enrich the company culture.
  • Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and the company as a whole, operating with integrity and respect.
  • Inspire the team to embrace and demonstrate Sonesta's values and GUEST People Standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical architectural expertise and strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. The focus on "operational acceptability" and "quality assurance measures" underscores the need for a candidate who understands the practical implications of design in a hotel environment. The requirement to develop PIPs and review construction quality indicates a hands-on approach to project execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture is required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience designing hospitality projects.
• Previous hotel-brand design experience is preferred.
• Experience managing projects across multiple geographically dispersed locations.

Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Expertise: Deep understanding of architectural principles, design development, and construction documentation. Proficiency in interpreting complex architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initiation to completion, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met. This includes scope definition, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Brand Standards Compliance: Strong ability to understand, apply, and enforce brand-specific design guidelines and standards across diverse projects.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including active listening, concise articulation of ideas, and the ability to tailor messages to various audiences (e.g., senior management, design partners, owner teams, entry-level staff).
• Organizational & Detail Orientation: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, crucial for reviewing plans, specifications, and ensuring quality assurance. Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cooperative and accountable team environment, both internally and with external design partners and owner representatives.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying potential issues, analyzing them, and proposing effective solutions to stakeholders.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business principles and how architectural decisions impact project costs, operational efficiency, and overall profitability.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, work independently, and take initiative in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Registered Architect (RA) designation.
• Familiarity with FF&E selection and procurement processes.
• Experience with space planning and creating prototypical layouts.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local building codes and ADA regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a candidate with a robust architectural background specifically within the hospitality sector. The preference for a Registered Architect and the requirement for 5+ years of experience suggest a need for a seasoned professional. The emphasis on remote work and managing dispersed projects highlights the importance of strong self-discipline, communication, and project management tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 diverse hospitality projects (new build, renovation) that demonstrate your approach to design, problem-solving, and adherence to brand standards.
• Design Documentation Examples: Include samples of architectural drawings, plan reviews, and specification reviews that highlight your analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Property Improvement Plan (PIP) Examples: If possible, provide anonymized examples or descriptions of PIPs you have developed or contributed to, emphasizing how they align with brand and operational goals.
• Efficiency & Adaptability Focus: Highlight instances where your designs or recommendations led to cost savings, faster conversion times, or successful adaptation of designs to unique site conditions. Quantify these achievements whenever possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing or optimizing workflows related to architectural plan review, specification compliance, and construction quality assurance within a brand framework.
• System Implementation & Automation: While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they leverage project management and design software to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and track progress effectively.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you measure the success of design initiatives against brand objectives, operational efficiency, and budget adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio submission might not be explicitly requested in the initial application, candidates should prepare a digital portfolio or a presentation that effectively showcases their relevant experience. The emphasis on adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and brand compliance means portfolio pieces should clearly illustrate these aspects. Demonstrating an understanding of how design directly impacts operational execution and guest experience will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000 annually.

• Base pay offer may vary depending on various factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and job-specific/overall experience.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
• Retirement Planning:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Time Off:
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Employee Perks:
  • Sonesta Hotel Discounts
  • Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Professional Development:
  • Educational Assistance
• Family Support:
  • Paid Parental Leave
• Insurance:
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, and while remote, is expected to align with standard business hours, likely based on the Eastern Time Zone (America/New York) given the company headquarters and the nature of stakeholder interactions. Expect approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a remote Architectural Design Manager role with the specified experience level in the US market. The comprehensive benefits package reflects Sonesta's commitment to employee well-being and financial security, with particular strengths in health coverage, retirement planning, and paid time off. The mention of "job-related knowledge, skills and job specific/overall experience" in salary determination is standard practice.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Hotels and Resorts) Company Size: Sonesta Hotels operates a significant portfolio of properties. While exact corporate headcount for this specific role isn't detailed, the company's presence across numerous locations suggests a mid-to-large enterprise structure with dedicated departments for design, construction, and operations. Founded: Sonesta Hotels was founded in 1945, indicating a long-standing presence and established reputation in the hospitality industry.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: This role will likely report to a Director or VP of Design & Construction or a similar senior leadership position within the AD&C or Operations division.
• Collaboration: The Architectural Design Manager will work closely with internal teams (e.g., Operations, Brand Management, Procurement) and external partners (e.g., architectural firms, interior designers, consultants, contractors, owner representatives, vendors).
• Departmental Focus: The AD&C department is responsible for ensuring all properties meet brand standards, operational requirements, and quality assurance measures, playing a crucial role in asset management and brand integrity.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires leveraging data from guest feedback, operational performance, and market trends to inform design decisions and programmatic updates.
• Standardization & Adaptability: A core methodology involves developing standardized prototypical designs that can be effectively adapted to diverse existing building conditions and new construction opportunities.
• Quality Assurance: A rigorous process of reviewing plans, specifications, and on-site construction to ensure adherence to brand standards and quality expectations.

Company Website: https://careers.sonesta.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonesta's long history suggests a stable, established company culture that likely values tradition alongside innovation in design and operations. The emphasis on "GUEST People Standards" points to a customer-centric approach. As a remote role, candidates should be prepared for a culture that supports distributed teams, emphasizing clear communication and accountability. The company's focus on "Leading with Passion" and integrity suggests a value system that candidates should align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Manager-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It sits within the Design & Construction function, which directly supports the operational success and brand perception of Sonesta's properties. Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior leadership position within the AD&C or a related corporate operations department. This provides exposure to executive-level decision-making regarding brand strategy and capital investments. Operations Impact: The Architectural Design Manager has a direct impact on:

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all properties reflect the Sonesta brand identity and guest expectations.
• Operational Efficiency: Designing spaces that are functional, cost-effective to operate, and easy for hotel staff to manage.
• Guest Experience: Creating environments that enhance guest comfort, satisfaction, and loyalty.
• Asset Value: Contributing to the long-term value and appeal of Sonesta's hotel assets through well-executed renovations and new builds.
• ROI for Owners: Facilitating projects that are completed on time and within budget, maximizing return on investment for hotel owners and franchisees.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, historic preservation, or specific brand segment development within the Sonesta portfolio.
• Leadership Progression: Potential advancement to Senior Architectural Manager, Director of Design & Construction, or VP of AD&C roles.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunity to work on larger, more complex capital projects or transition into broader operational strategy roles within the company.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through industry trends, new materials, evolving building codes, and advanced design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the hospitality design and operations sector. The ability to influence brand standards and manage significant capital projects positions the candidate for senior leadership opportunities. The remote aspect can also open doors to roles in companies with distributed operational teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Fully Remote position. Candidates will work from their own home office. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company headquarters is in Newton, Massachusetts. This may mean occasional travel to HQ for key meetings or team gatherings, though it's not explicitly stated. Travel to properties for site visits is also a possibility, as mentioned in the responsibilities.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Setup: Requires a dedicated, professional home office space conducive to focused work, virtual meetings, and maintaining productivity. Reliable internet connectivity is essential.
• Technology & Tools: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Suite), project management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project), and communication platforms will be critical. The company likely provides necessary software licenses.
• Team Interaction: Collaboration will primarily occur through virtual channels (video conferencing, email, project management platforms). Proactive engagement and clear communication are key to maintaining strong working relationships.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.
• While remote, adherence to standard business hours, particularly for collaboration with teams in different time zones and for client/owner interactions, will be expected. Flexibility may be available, but responsiveness during core business hours is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work environment necessitates a high degree of self-motivation, discipline, and effective time management. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and leveraging technology to stay connected and productive. The expectation of travel for site visits means candidates must be willing and able to travel periodically.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Expect questions about project management methodologies, brand standards application, and problem-solving scenarios.
3. Technical/Team Interview: This may involve a panel interview with other members of the AD&C team or key cross-functional stakeholders. Focus will be on specific architectural knowledge, case studies, and collaboration style.
4. Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a curated selection of their work, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact on projects. This is a critical stage.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in Operations or Design, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your experience with hospitality design, renovations, and new builds. Prioritize projects that showcase adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to brand standards.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design solutions implemented, the processes followed, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, timeline, guest satisfaction improvements, operational efficiencies). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates strong project management, communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Address Remote Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you managed communication and collaboration with dispersed teams and stakeholders in previous roles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge (e.g., adapting a standard room layout to a unique existing condition, or proposing renovation options for a specific hotel type) and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.
• Process Improvement Task: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a specific process within the AD&C function, such as the architectural plan review cycle or the integration of new material standards.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a situation where a hotel owner disagrees with a brand standard or proposes a design that conflicts with operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical acumen and the ability to articulate one's contributions effectively. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare specific examples that align with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description, particularly those related to hospitality design, brand consistency, and remote project management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software:
  • AutoCAD: Essential for creating and reviewing architectural drawings.
  • Bluebeam Revu: Crucial for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management in construction and design workflows.
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, Photoshop): For document manipulation, presentation creation, and visual asset management.
• Project Management Software:
  • Smartsheet: Mentioned as a proficiency requirement, indicating its use for project tracking, task management, and collaborative workflows.
  • MS Project: Another potential tool for detailed project scheduling and resource planning.
  • ServiceNow: Could be used for IT service management, workflow automation, or project portfolio management within a larger enterprise.
• Productivity Suites:
  • MS Office Suites: Including Visio, OneNote, Excel (for data analysis and reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as dedicated "analytics" tools, proficiency in Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for reporting is expected. The ability to interpret project data related to budgets, timelines, and quality metrics will be key.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core responsibilities, but understanding how design projects integrate with broader company systems (e.g., procurement, financial management) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in these specific tools is a critical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level with each and how they leverage them to manage projects, collaborate, and ensure design compliance efficiently. The combination suggests a focus on document management, collaboration, and structured project execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Leading with Passion: Demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to Sonesta's mission and values in all aspects of work.
• Integrity & Respect: Operating with honesty, transparency, and treating all individuals with dignity.
• Guest Focus (GUEST People Standards): Prioritizing the guest experience and embodying Sonesta's service standards in design decisions and external interactions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment, actively participating in team efforts, and supporting colleagues across departments and locations.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's work, driving projects to completion, and proactively addressing challenges.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Seeking ways to improve processes, adopt new technologies, and implement cost-effective design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various departments (Operations, Procurement, Marketing) to ensure designs meet diverse needs and are executable in practice.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with internal teams, external design partners, and owner representatives, especially given the remote nature of the role.
• Feedback Exchange: Being receptive to feedback from all stakeholders and incorporating constructive input to refine designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the collective knowledge base by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and insights gained from projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonesta seems to cultivate a culture that values both strong individual performance and collaborative teamwork, with a clear emphasis on customer service and ethical conduct. For a remote role, demonstrating an ability to integrate into this culture through effective virtual communication and proactive engagement will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Stakeholders: Effectively collaborating with and influencing diverse groups of stakeholders (owners, franchisees, internal teams) across different locations and time zones without direct in-person interaction.
• Adapting Designs to Existing Conditions: Successfully creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs for a wide range of existing hotel properties with unique constraints and varying levels of renovation scope.
• Balancing Brand Standards with Owner/Franchisee Needs: Navigating potential conflicts between strict brand guidelines and the specific requirements or preferences of property owners and franchisees.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring evolving hospitality design trends, material innovations, and sustainability practices to ensure Sonesta's brands remain competitive and appealing.
• Ensuring Quality Assurance Remotely: Verifying the quality of construction and installed finishes at geographically dispersed properties, potentially requiring effective delegation and remote oversight strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on new design software, building codes, sustainability certifications, or specific hospitality design niches.
• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, trade shows, and webinars to stay current with best practices and network within the hospitality design and construction community.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Sonesta's AD&C or Operations departments, offering guidance on career development and strategic thinking.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide variety of hotel types, brands, and project complexities within the Sonesta portfolio, enriching practical experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design and project management challenges within a well-established hospitality brand. The remote aspect adds a layer of complexity that requires strong organizational and communication skills, but also offers the growth potential associated with mastering distributed collaboration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Approach: "Describe your process for developing a prototypical guest room layout that can be adapted across multiple hotel brands and property types. How do you balance brand consistency with site-specific constraints?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to walk through your design methodology, from initial research and concept development to detailed documentation and review. Emphasize how you incorporate operational feedback and cost-efficiency.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage relationships and gain buy-in from hotel owners or franchisees who may have differing opinions on design choices or renovation scopes?"
  • Preparation: Prepare examples of situations where you've successfully influenced stakeholders, negotiated compromises, and maintained project momentum. Highlight your communication and persuasion skills.
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging architectural or construction issue you encountered on a hospitality project and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Use the STAR method to detail a specific problem, your role, the actions you took, and the positive results. Focus on demonstrating critical thinking and practical solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What do you know about Sonesta's brands, and how would your design approach reflect our brand values and guest experience?"
  • Preparation: Research Sonesta's different hotel brands, their target demographics, and unique selling propositions. Connect your design philosophy to these elements.
• Remote Work: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working remotely? What strategies do you use to stay connected with your team and stakeholders?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your home office setup, time management techniques, preferred communication tools, and proactive approaches to team engagement.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design projects beyond just budget and schedule? What metrics do you consider important for assessing design performance in the hospitality industry?"
  • Preparation: Think about metrics related to guest satisfaction, operational efficiency of spaces, ROI on renovations, and brand compliance adherence.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Focused: Select 3-5 key projects. For each, provide a brief overview of the project, your specific role, the main challenges, your design solutions, and the quantifiable results.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images, floor plans, and renderings to illustrate your points effectively.
• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design and review processes, highlighting how they ensure quality, efficiency, and brand alignment.
• Adaptability Showcase: Demonstrate how you've adapted designs to unique site conditions or diverse owner requirements.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, decision-making process, and ability to work within constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical architectural expertise, strong project management capabilities, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, all tailored to the hospitality sector and the demands of a remote role. Being able to articulate your process and quantify your impact will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Architectural Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Sonesta Careers portal at https://careers.sonesta.com/us/en/job/R-0069767/Architectural-Design-Manager-Remote.
• Complete the full application: Ensure all required fields are filled out accurately and completely, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in hospitality design, project management, brand standards adherence, and proficiency with required software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, MS Office). Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of relevant projects that showcase your skills in architectural design, plan review, and project execution within the hospitality sector. Be ready to present this during the interview process.
• Research Sonesta: Understand the company's brands, mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and culture.

⚠️ 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.