Architectural Design Manager (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architectural Design Manager
Company: Sonesta Hotels
Location: Corporate Office – Newton, MA (Remote)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design & Architecture Operations (GTM Support)
Date Posted: October 16, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for overseeing the architectural and design aspects of hotel renovations and new builds, ensuring alignment with Sonesta's brand objectives and operational efficiency.
• The Architectural Design Manager will be instrumental in developing and refining prototypical brand program designs, making them adaptable to diverse existing conditions.
• This position serves as a key liaison between Sonesta, design partners, and owner teams, ensuring compliance with brand standards and quality assurance measures.
• The role requires a strong blend of architectural expertise, project management acumen, and a deep understanding of hospitality operations to drive successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Architectural Design Manager," this role has significant GTM (Go-To-Market) implications by ensuring that design and renovation strategies directly support brand positioning, guest experience, and operational readiness for both managed and franchise hotels. The focus on "fast conversion and renovation solutions" highlights a direct link to market speed and competitive positioning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure all renovation and new build design plans meet brand objectives, are operationally sound, and adhere to stringent quality assurance measures.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of prototypical brand program designs, ensuring adaptability for various existing hotel conditions.
• Create and refine guestroom and public space layouts to facilitate rapid conversion and renovation solutions for managed and franchise properties.
• Act as the primary Architectural & Design Consulting (AD&C) contact for design partners and owner teams on franchise and managed-property projects.
• Review plan and specification submission packages to ensure strict compliance with brand and AD&C standards.
• Conduct property visits to assess existing conditions, propose renovation scopes, and review the quality of work against Property Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Interpret architectural, design, and engineering drawings and specifications to ensure project alignment with brand requirements and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to maintain and update applicable design standards for all Sonesta brands.
• Work with vendor portfolios and outside design firms to stay abreast of new performance efficiencies and product developments, recommending their incorporation into brand standards.
• Develop property-specific Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) for the Sonesta-managed portfolio.
• Review design presentations and plan review sets to ensure objectives of PIPs and brand standards are met.
• Review construction specifications to ensure brand standard performance specifications are met.
• Work with approved suppliers to develop approved shop drawings for new program specifications.
• Review final product and construction quality for adherence to standards.
• Track and report on project status, identifying potential issues and working towards prompt resolution with key stakeholders.
• Support, comply with, and promote company initiatives, policies, and guidelines.
• Lead by example, operating with integrity and respect, and inspiring the team to embrace company values and GUEST People Standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design oversight and tactical execution, including site assessments and quality control. The mention of "fast conversion and renovation solutions" and managing "franchise and managed-property projects" suggests a focus on operational efficiency and supporting the GTM strategy through consistent brand execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture is required.
• Registered Architect (RA) status is preferred.

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and prioritization capabilities.
• Proficient in interpreting architectural, design, and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage timelines and deliverables effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including active listening and the ability to tailor messages to specific audiences.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• A steadfast execution mindset and a high degree of ownership and initiative.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of cost-effective project delivery.
• Experience in understanding and applying Federal, State, and Local building codes and ADA regulations and guidelines to design and plan reviews.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suites (Visio, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Proficiency in project planning tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, or ServiceNow.
• Proficiency in space planning and presentation tools including AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop.
• Experience developing and managing Property Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Familiarity with FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) specifications and vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on project management tools like Smartsheet and MS Project, alongside design software like AutoCAD and Bluebeam, points to a need for robust operational efficiency in design execution. The requirement for understanding building codes and ADA regulations highlights a critical compliance and risk management aspect of the role, crucial for GTM success in diverse markets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful design and renovation projects within the hospitality sector, with a clear emphasis on brand standards adherence.
• Include case studies that highlight the ability to adapt prototypical designs to various existing site conditions and deliver fast conversion solutions.
• Present evidence of managing projects across multiple locations, detailing the processes used for standardization and quality control.
• Demonstrate experience in reviewing and approving architectural plans and specifications, highlighting systematic review processes.
• Provide examples of how design decisions contributed to operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, linking design to business outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Detail the process for developing and updating brand-specific design standards and prototypical layouts.
• Outline the methodology for creating and executing Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) for managed portfolios.
• Describe the workflow for reviewing and approving design submissions, including checklists and compliance criteria.
• Explain the process for site assessments, renovation scope definition, and quality of work reviews during property visits.
• Illustrate the approach to vendor management and the integration of new product developments into brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just display aesthetic design but also demonstrate process rigor, adaptability, and the ability to translate design concepts into actionable, scalable solutions for a diverse portfolio of hotels. The ability to document and optimize these processes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000 per year. Note: Base pay offer will vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and overall experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match.
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days for work-life balance.
• Exclusive Sonesta Hotel Discounts for personal travel.
• Educational Assistance to support professional development.
• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance for financial security.
• Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts for added value.
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness Insurance, and Accident Insurance for enhanced coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• The remote nature of the role may offer some flexibility in scheduling, but adherence to project deadlines and team collaboration needs will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a remote, specialized design management role with significant project oversight. The benefits package is robust, indicating Sonesta's commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which can be a strong draw for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Hotels & Lodging) Company Size: Larger Enterprise (Based on typical Sonesta corporate structure, likely 5,000 - 10,000+ employees globally) Founded: 1940s (Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has a long-standing history)

Team Structure:

• The Architectural Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Design, Construction, and Development team, or a dedicated Brand Standards/Operations department.
• This role will report to a Director or VP level within the AD&C or Operations function.
• Close collaboration is expected with internal departments such as Operations, Brand Management, Procurement, and Development, as well as external partners including hotel owners, franchise representatives, architects, interior designers, and contractors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing market data, guest feedback, and operational performance metrics to inform design decisions and renovations.
• Prototypical Development & Adaptation: Establishing robust design frameworks that can be efficiently adapted to various property types and existing conditions.
• Standardization & Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous processes to ensure brand consistency and high-quality execution across a dispersed portfolio.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment to ensure design strategies are aligned with operational realities and business objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonesta's long history suggests a company with established processes and a commitment to brand integrity. The "Leading with Passion" section in the JD hints at a culture that values employee engagement, integrity, and a focus on guest and owner satisfaction, which are critical for successful GTM execution in the hospitality sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design and operations spectrum. It requires specialized architectural expertise combined with project management and stakeholder engagement skills, positioning it as a key contributor to Sonesta's brand strategy execution.

Reporting Structure: The Architectural Design Manager typically reports to a Director or Vice President of Architecture, Design & Construction (AD&C), or a similar senior role within Brand Standards or Operations. This reporting line provides strategic direction and oversight for design initiatives impacting the entire portfolio.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue and business decisions by ensuring that hotel designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also operationally efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with brand standards. Successful renovations and new builds enhance guest experience, leading to increased occupancy and revenue, while efficient design processes reduce capital expenditure and speed time-to-market for new properties or refreshed assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Architecture Roles: Advancement to Senior Architectural Design Manager, Director of Design, or VP of AD&C roles, overseeing larger teams and broader project scopes.
• Brand Strategy & Development: Transitioning into roles with a greater focus on overall brand strategy, portfolio development, or new market expansion.
• Operations Leadership: Leveraging design and operational knowledge to move into senior operational leadership positions within the company.
• Specialization: Developing deep expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, ADA compliance, or specific brand segment development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within specialized design functions or broader operational leadership within the hospitality industry. The remote aspect also opens possibilities for candidates outside traditional corporate office hubs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning the primary "office" is the employee's home workspace.

Office Location(s): While the corporate office is listed as Newton, MA, this role is remote, allowing employees to work from anywhere within the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy and Self-Management: Requires a dedicated, professional home office setup conducive to focused work, virtual meetings, and project management.
• Technology Integration: Heavy reliance on digital collaboration tools, cloud-based project management software, and video conferencing for seamless interaction with teams and partners.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for regular virtual interaction with various internal departments and external stakeholders, fostering a connected yet distributed work environment.
• Flexibility: While remote, the role demands responsiveness to project needs, client inquiries, and team communication, necessitating a structured work schedule within designated working hours.

Work Schedule:

• Typically 40 hours per week.
• The remote nature may allow for some flexibility in daily start/end times, provided project deadlines are met and availability for critical meetings is maintained. Collaboration across different time zones might be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant differentiator. It implies a need for strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and comfort with digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they maintain productivity and engagement in a distributed work setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct a phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, architectural expertise, project management approach, and understanding of hospitality design.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant hospitality projects, design rationale, problem-solving approaches, and demonstrated impact. This is a critical stage for assessing practical skills and strategic thinking.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a case study or problem-solving exercise related to design adaptation, code compliance, or renovation planning.
• Cross-functional/Team Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from Operations, Development, or other relevant departments to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of broader business needs.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant hospitality projects that best showcase your experience in renovations, new builds, brand standard adherence, and adaptable design solutions.
• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the design challenge, your process (from concept to execution), the tools you used, and the tangible results (e.g., cost savings, faster conversion times, improved guest satisfaction scores, operational efficiency gains).
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions. For example, "Implemented a guestroom renovation prototype that reduced construction time by 15%," or "Achieved a 10% reduction in FF&E costs through value engineering."
• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples where you successfully adapted standard designs to unique site constraints or budget limitations.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you collaborate with owners and contractors, your approach to code compliance and ADA regulations, and how you manage remote projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenarios: Prepare to analyze a hypothetical hotel scenario (e.g., an older property needing modernization) and outline a renovation strategy, including key design considerations, potential challenges, and a phased approach.
• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a specific design or renovation process within a hotel context (e.g., streamlining plan reviews, expediting FF&E procurement).
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would handle disagreements with a hotel owner regarding design choices or budget constraints, emphasizing communication and negotiation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is central to this role. Candidates must demonstrate not only design talent but also a structured, process-oriented approach to project execution that aligns with operational and business objectives. The remote nature of the role means presentation skills via virtual platforms are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (mandatory for drafting and design work).
• Bluebeam Revu: Essential for PDF markup, collaboration, and plan review.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Acrobat for image editing, document management, and presentation preparation.
• Project Management Software: Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar for project scheduling, task tracking, and resource management.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio for general productivity, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting on project status, budgets, and timelines is crucial.
• Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) may be beneficial for visualizing project progress, though not explicitly required.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with project management or construction management software that may have CRM-like features for tracking stakeholder communications and project milestones.
• Understanding of workflow automation principles, even if not directly implementing them, to identify opportunities for process efficiency in design and review cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, MS Project) are industry standards for design and project management. Proficiency in these, especially for remote collaboration and efficient plan review, is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Visio and OneNote suggests a need for strong process mapping and note-taking capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Respect: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with internal teams, owners, and external partners.
• Passion for Hospitality: A genuine interest in creating exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful design.
• Execution Mindset: A commitment to driving projects to completion efficiently and effectively, meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working constructively with diverse teams, fostering a supportive and accountable environment.
• Detail-Oriented Approach: Maintaining a high level of accuracy and thoroughness in all design and review processes.
• Adaptability and Initiative: Proactively identifying and addressing challenges, and embracing change in a dynamic industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to provide updates, seek input, and resolve issues, particularly critical in a remote setting.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design strategies are aligned with operational needs, brand marketing, and financial objectives through consistent dialogue.
• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to both give and receive feedback to continuously improve design processes and project outcomes.
• Shared Ownership: Cultivating a sense of shared responsibility for project success across all involved parties, fostering a positive and productive working relationship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Leading with Passion" section strongly influences the cultural expectations. It emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and a focus on all stakeholders (employees, guests, owners). This suggests a culture that values strong relationships and a commitment to excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Standards with Local Context: Adapting prototypical designs to unique property conditions, local regulations, and owner preferences while maintaining brand integrity.
• Managing Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication, coordination, and quality control across geographically dispersed teams and projects.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting aggressive timelines for renovations and new builds in a dynamic hospitality market.
• Technical Complexity: Navigating evolving building codes, ADA regulations, and new construction technologies.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively influencing and aligning diverse stakeholders (owners, franchisees, internal departments) towards common design and project goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized architectural and project management software.
• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to hospitality design, project management, or sustainability.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of hotel types and renovation scopes, broadening architectural and operational knowledge.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior design and operations leaders within Sonesta.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more complex projects, lead design initiatives, and potentially mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong problem-solving, negotiation, and adaptability skills. The growth opportunities are typical for a mid-to-senior role, focusing on deepening technical expertise and expanding leadership capabilities within the hospitality design and operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a prototypical design to meet specific site constraints or budget limitations. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on adaptability, problem-solving, and results.)
• "How do you ensure brand standards are consistently applied across a portfolio of diverse properties, especially when working remotely?" (Focus on process, communication, and quality control.)
• "Walk us through your process for reviewing architectural plans and specifications. What key elements do you look for to ensure compliance and operational soundness?" (Focus on technical review skills and understanding of operational impact.)
• "How would you handle a disagreement with a hotel owner or franchisee regarding a proposed renovation scope or design element?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sonesta Hotels and this specific Architectural Design Manager role?" (Demonstrate research into the company and role.)
• "How do you align design decisions with the operational needs of a hotel? Provide an example." (Show understanding of the link between design and operations.)
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. How do you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Highlight organizational and time management skills.)
• "How do you foster collaboration and maintain strong working relationships with remote teams and external partners?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork in a distributed setting.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your experience and the types of projects you'll present. For each project, use a STAR method approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing heavily on the "Action" (your process and decisions) and "Result" (quantifiable outcomes).
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images, floor plans, and renderings. Ensure all text is legible and graphics are clear, even when viewed remotely.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your methodology for design development, plan review, and quality assurance. Explain how you used specific tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, etc.) to facilitate these processes.
• Highlight Operations Link: Explicitly connect design choices to operational benefits, guest experience improvements, and brand adherence. For example, "This layout was designed to optimize housekeeping efficiency by reducing travel distances..."
• Engage and Interact: Treat the presentation as a conversation. Pause for questions, and be prepared to elaborate on specific details of your projects and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Success in this interview process hinges on demonstrating a strong understanding of hospitality operations, robust project management capabilities, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate in a remote environment. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases both design skill and process rigor is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in hospitality design, project management, brand standards compliance, and proficiency with architectural software. Use keywords from the job description such as "Architectural Design Manager," "Hospitality Projects," "Property Improvement Plans," "AutoCAD," and "Bluebeam."
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your strongest hospitality design and renovation projects. Ensure it clearly articulates your process, challenges overcome, and tangible results. Be ready to present this virtually.
• Thorough Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sonesta Hotels' brands, recent projects, and company values. Understand their market position and how design contributes to their overall business strategy.
• Prepare for Virtual Interviews: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio using clear, concise language. Be ready to discuss your remote work style, collaboration strategies, and problem-solving approaches.

⚠️ 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.

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