Design Director (Hospitality)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Hospitality)

Company: Egis Group

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Architecture & Design Leadership / Hospitality Design

Date Posted: February 07, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the global design vision for hospitality and lifestyle projects, ensuring world-class architectural output.

• Oversee creative direction for hospitality-focused teams, fostering innovation and brand integration.

• Act as a primary client-facing contact for design-related matters, managing stakeholder expectations and project delivery.

• Drive business development through design leadership in pursuits and competitions, representing the firm's expertise.

• Mentor senior designers and cultivate a strong, internationally connected hospitality design culture within the practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position focused on the strategic direction and execution of hospitality design projects within a global architectural consultancy. The emphasis on "design vision," "creative direction," and "mentorship" indicates a role that requires not only strong design acumen but also significant leadership and people management capabilities. The requirement for international experience and specific work on Middle East projects highlights a focus on global markets and cross-cultural design considerations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and lead the creative direction for flagship hospitality and lifestyle projects worldwide, ensuring alignment with brand identity, guest experience, sustainability, and innovation.

• Act as the primary design leader for hotels, resorts, branded residences, and mixed-use destinations, guiding project teams from concept through to completion.

• Shape compelling design narratives that resonate with target markets and enhance the guest experience.

• Represent the practice in high-profile client engagements, design reviews, and competitions, articulating the firm's design philosophy and capabilities.

• Provide strategic oversight across major hospitality commissions and key client accounts, ensuring project goals are met.

• Guide project teams through complex stakeholder environments, involving owners, operators, and brands, to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Support global business development efforts by providing design leadership in pursuits and interviews.

• Establish and maintain robust design governance and review processes for all hospitality projects.

• Inspire and mentor senior designers and future hospitality leaders within the practice, fostering professional growth and expertise.

• Build and nurture a strong, internationally connected hospitality design culture, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing across studios.

• Ensure design excellence is maintained from concept through delivery, safeguarding design intent through procurement, value engineering, and construction phases.

• Set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and best practice in hospitality design, driving continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to cover the full spectrum of a senior design leadership role, from strategic vision setting and client management to team mentorship and project oversight. The emphasis on "design governance," "stakeholder management," and "value engineering" suggests a need for a candidate who can balance creative ambition with pragmatic project delivery and financial considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in architectural design.

• Significant experience specifically as a Design Director or equivalent senior leadership role within an international architectural consultancy or design firm.

• Proven track record of delivering high-quality hospitality projects globally.

• Demonstrated experience in leading hospitality-led master planning and large-scale mixed-use developments.

• Experience working on projects in the Middle East is essential.

Required Skills:

• Creative Leadership: Ability to define and champion a compelling design vision for hospitality projects.

• Hospitality Design Expertise: Recognized expertise and a deep understanding of the nuances of global hospitality design, including trends, guest experiences, and brand integration.

• Project Oversight: Strategic ability to oversee multiple large-scale projects, ensuring quality, budget, and timeline adherence.

• Team Mentorship: Proven ability to inspire, guide, and develop design talent, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

• Design Excellence: A strong reputation and portfolio demonstrating consistent delivery of award-winning, iconic, or high-quality built projects.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to manage complex relationships with clients, developers, operators, brands, and consultants.

• Business Development Acumen: Capability to contribute to business development efforts through design leadership in client pursuits and interviews.

• Brand Identity Integration: Skill in shaping design narratives that effectively integrate brand identity with architectural solutions.

• Guest Experience Design: Deep understanding of creating immersive and memorable guest experiences through design.

• Sustainability & Innovation: Commitment to incorporating sustainable design principles and driving innovation in hospitality architecture.

Preferred Skills:

• Master Planning: Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and developing large-scale hospitality-led master plans.

• Value Engineering: Proficiency in value engineering processes to optimize project costs without compromising design integrity.

• Construction Phases: Familiarity and experience with technical design and construction phases of projects.

• Global Project Delivery: Experience navigating diverse international markets and regulatory environments.

• Design Governance: Ability to establish and implement effective design review and governance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and leadership. The explicit requirement for Middle East project experience and a strong portfolio of built or iconic projects indicates the need for a seasoned professional with a demonstrable impact in the hospitality sector. The "10+" years of experience aligns with a senior director-level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Vision: Showcase a clear and consistent design philosophy applied across various hospitality projects.

• Project Scale & Complexity: Include examples of large-scale hospitality projects, including hotels, resorts, branded residences, and mixed-use developments.

• Global & Regional Experience: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience in diverse international markets, with specific emphasis on built work or significant contributions to projects in the Middle East.

• Design Excellence & Impact: Present built, award-winning, or iconic projects that exemplify high standards of design quality and innovation.

• Master Planning & Mixed-Use: Feature examples of hospitality-led master planning and integrated mixed-use developments.

Process Documentation:

• Design Narrative Development: Evidence of crafting compelling design narratives that integrate brand identity, guest experience, sustainability, and innovation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Examples of how design intent was communicated and managed across complex stakeholder groups (owners, operators, brands, consultants).

• Design Governance & Review: Showcase experience in establishing and implementing design governance and review processes to ensure quality and intent preservation.

• Concept to Construction: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design progression from initial concept through to technical design and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio for this role is critical and must clearly articulate the candidate's ability to lead global hospitality design. It should not just be a collection of images but a curated representation of their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and successful project delivery, with a strong emphasis on demonstrable impact and relevant regional experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

• Bonus Structure: Potential for performance-based bonuses, tied to individual and company success.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company-sponsored pension plan.

• Health Insurance: Private medical insurance, potentially including dental and vision coverage.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life insurance policy.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance, public holidays, and potential for additional paid days.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, conferences, and professional body memberships.

• International Travel: Opportunities to travel to global project sites and studios.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient scheme for purchasing bicycles.

• Relocation Assistance: May be provided for candidates relocating to London.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, due to the senior leadership nature of this role and the demands of international projects, flexibility may be required, including occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate global time zones and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Design Director roles in major global cities like London, considering the specialized nature of hospitality design and the leadership responsibilities. Benefits are standard for senior positions in reputable architectural firms, with an emphasis on professional growth and international exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering, and Design Consultancy. Egis Group operates across multiple sectors including Energy, Transport, Water, and Buildings, with 10 Design specializing in Architecture.

Company Size: Egis Group is a large international company, with 10 Design being a significant architectural practice within it. The specific size of the 10 Design architectural practice and its London studio is substantial, likely housing hundreds of architects and designers. This provides a robust organizational structure and access to extensive resources.

Founded: Egis Group has a long history, founded in 1917. 10 Design was established more recently, in 2003, rapidly growing into a globally recognized architectural firm. This blend of established corporate backing and agile, design-led specialization creates a dynamic work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director for Hospitality will lead a dedicated team of senior designers, architects, and technical staff focused on the hospitality sector.

• This team will likely operate within the larger 10 Design architectural studio in London, with strong collaborative links to other studios across the 10N Collective globally.

• The role reports to senior leadership within 10 Design, potentially a Managing Director or Head of Practice, and will work closely with business development and project management teams.

Methodology:

• Design-Led Approach: Emphasis on creative excellence and innovative design solutions as the core driver for projects.

• Collaborative Studio Environment: Fostering open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork across disciplines and geographies.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing research, market analysis, and performance data to inform design decisions, particularly regarding guest experience and sustainability.

• Global Best Practices: Adhering to and setting international standards for architectural design quality and project delivery.

• Client-Centric Solutions: Developing bespoke design solutions that meet the specific needs and aspirations of clients, operators, and brands.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/ and https://www.10design.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a large, established organization (Egis Group) with a highly specialized and design-focused architectural arm (10 Design). The emphasis on collaboration across continents and disciplines is a key cultural element for potential candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a pinnacle of design leadership within the hospitality sector of an architectural practice. It is a senior management and strategic position, often considered equivalent to an Associate Director or Partner level in other firms, with a specific domain focus. The responsibilities extend beyond project design to include business development, team leadership, and shaping the firm's overall design direction in hospitality.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director (Hospitality) will report to a higher-level executive within 10 Design, such as a Managing Director, Global Head of Design, or a Partner responsible for the practice's overall architectural output. They will, in turn, lead and manage a team of senior designers and architects dedicated to hospitality projects. Collaboration will be frequent with business development leads, project managers, and other design discipline heads within the firm and the broader Egis Group.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant and multifaceted.

• Business Growth: Directly contributes to securing new hospitality projects through design leadership in client pursuits and by maintaining a strong reputation for design excellence.

• Brand Reputation: Elevates the firm's standing in the global hospitality design market by delivering iconic and award-winning projects.

• Design Quality: Sets and maintains the highest standards of design quality, innovation, and sustainability across all hospitality projects.

• Team Development: Cultivates a skilled and motivated design team, ensuring the firm has the talent to meet future challenges and client demands.

• Financial Performance: Contributes to the profitability of the firm by ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction, minimizing design-related risks and rework.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to influence the long-term strategic direction of 10 Design's hospitality sector and contribute to global practice leadership.

• Broader Sector Responsibility: Opportunity to expand influence into related sectors or take on broader leadership roles within Egis Group.

• Mentorship & Succession Planning: Play a key role in grooming future leaders within the practice, potentially leading to partnership opportunities or executive roles.

• Global Network Expansion: Deepen relationships with international developers, operators, and brands, expanding professional influence and network.

• Thought Leadership: Opportunity to become a recognized voice in the hospitality design industry through speaking engagements, publications, and industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the highest level of design leadership, offering significant impact and growth potential. The analysis focuses on how this role contributes to business objectives and provides pathways for continued career advancement within a large, international organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a vibrant, design-led architectural studio environment in London. It is expected to be a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The studio will likely feature open-plan areas, private meeting rooms, model-making facilities, and exhibition spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is London, England, United Kingdom. This central location provides access to a rich ecosystem of design talent, industry events, and key clients within the UK and Europe. Specific addresses are typically available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction between designers, architects, and technical specialists, promoting cross-pollination of ideas.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: Access to advanced design software, rendering capabilities, VR/AR tools, and high-performance computing for complex modeling and simulations.

• Inspiration & Resources: Proximity to libraries, material sample rooms, and digital archives of past projects and industry research to fuel creative processes.

• Global Connectivity: Seamless integration with global teams through advanced communication and collaboration platforms, essential for managing international projects.

• Client Engagement Spaces: Dedicated areas for client presentations, workshops, and design reviews, equipped with presentation technology.

Work Schedule: While the standard working hours are 40 hours per week, the nature of a senior leadership role in a global practice necessitates flexibility. This may involve occasional late evenings or early mornings to connect with international teams and clients, as well as weekend work during critical project phases or for significant client meetings/events. The emphasis is on results and project delivery rather than strict adherence to traditional office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes a creative, collaborative, and technologically advanced setting, typical of leading design firms. The mention of global connectivity and flexibility highlights the demands of an international role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio for essential qualifications, experience, and alignment with the firm's design ethos, particularly in hospitality.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview (Round 1): Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their portfolio, focusing on key hospitality projects, design leadership, and strategic thinking. This will be followed by an interview with senior design leads and potentially HR.

• Leadership & Stakeholder Interview (Round 2): Further discussion with higher-level management, potentially including regional or global directors, focusing on leadership style, business acumen, team mentorship capabilities, and strategic vision for the hospitality sector. This stage may involve discussing their approach to client management and business development.

• Cultural Fit & Final Interview: Assessment of cultural alignment with 10 Design and Egis Group values. This may involve meeting with a broader panel or key stakeholders to ensure a good fit for the team and organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your most impactful hospitality projects. Prioritize built work and iconic schemes. Include projects demonstrating master planning, mixed-use, and significant contributions in the Middle East.

• Showcase Design Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, design vision, key challenges overcome, and how you led the design team. Use concise, impactful narratives.

• Highlight Impact & Results: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., awards won, client satisfaction, operational efficiency improvements derived from design). For built projects, include high-quality photography.

• Demonstrate Process: Briefly illustrate your design process, from concept development and stakeholder engagement to how you safeguarded design intent through construction.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure the portfolio is a high-quality PDF (max 10 A3 pages), well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Focus on clarity and originality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Vision Articulation: Be prepared to articulate your personal design philosophy for hospitality and how it aligns with or can enhance 10 Design's existing vision and brand.

• Market & Trend Analysis: Research current and emerging trends in global hospitality design, including sustainability, technology integration, and evolving guest expectations. Understand how these trends can be leveraged.

• Business Development Strategy: Think about how you would approach securing new hospitality projects and strengthening client relationships.

• Leadership & Mentorship Scenarios: Prepare to discuss your approach to leading design teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a positive and productive studio culture.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Be ready to discuss hypothetical or past scenarios where you navigated complex design challenges, stakeholder conflicts, or project delivery issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is rigorous, emphasizing portfolio strength and leadership capabilities. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for presentations and discussions, focusing on demonstrating their strategic thinking, design vision, and proven track record in the hospitality sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit / BIM Software: Essential for detailed design, documentation, and collaboration on complex projects. Proficiency in BIM workflows is critical.

• Rhino / Grasshopper: For advanced parametric design, complex geometry, and generative design exploration, particularly for innovative architectural forms.

• AutoCAD: Standard for 2D drafting and documentation, though increasingly integrated with BIM.

• 3D Modeling Software: e.g., SketchUp, 3ds Max, for conceptualization, visualization, and massing studies.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Crucial for portfolio creation, presentation graphics, renderings, and conceptual artwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project (or similar) for task management, scheduling, and team coordination.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Likely proprietary or customized systems for tracking project progress, financial performance, and team utilization.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Used by business development teams to manage client relationships, track leads, and monitor sales pipelines. The Design Director will interact with this data for business development purposes.

• Collaboration Platforms: e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, for seamless communication and collaboration with global teams and clients.

• Cloud Storage & Document Management: e.g., Autodesk Docs, Dropbox, Google Drive, for efficient sharing and version control of project documents and models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects the demands of a modern, global architectural practice. Proficiency in BIM and advanced modeling software is non-negotiable, alongside strong visualization and collaboration tool skills. Understanding how these tools integrate with business development and project management processes is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of exceptional design quality, pushing creative boundaries and setting new standards in hospitality architecture.

• Collaboration: Fostering a spirit of teamwork and open communication, encouraging the sharing of ideas and expertise across disciplines and geographies.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, materials, and design approaches to deliver forward-thinking and sustainable solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, client relationships, and project execution.

• Client Focus: Deeply understanding and responding to client needs, ensuring that design solutions deliver tangible value and meet strategic objectives.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility and social impact into the core of the design process, creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with other design disciplines (urban planning, sustainability, technical services) and business development teams to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Global Studio Connectivity: Maintaining strong communication channels and collaborative workflows with design studios across the 10N Collective to leverage global expertise and ensure consistency.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and dialogue among team members, fostering a learning environment where ideas can be refined and improved.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the dissemination of best practices, innovative techniques, and insights gained from projects through internal presentations, workshops, and digital platforms.

• Client Partnership: Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, operators, and brands, positioning the firm as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a high-performance, creative, and collaborative environment, driven by a commitment to design excellence and client success on a global scale.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Market Dynamics: Navigating diverse regulatory environments, cultural preferences, and economic conditions across different international markets, particularly in regions with complex hospitality sectors.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Constraints: Successfully integrating innovative design concepts with strict budget limitations, operator brand standards, and project delivery timelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning the interests of multiple parties, including owners, hotel operators, brands, local authorities, and internal teams, while maintaining design integrity.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top-tier design talent in a competitive global market, particularly specialists in hospitality design.

• Keeping Pace with Innovation: Continuously integrating new technologies, sustainable practices, and evolving guest experience trends into design strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on strategic management, financial oversight, and advanced leadership skills within a large corporate structure.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading international hospitality and architecture events, enhancing thought leadership and professional network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Engaging in projects that span different sectors within Egis Group (e.g., transport, energy) can broaden understanding of integrated urban development.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior executives within Egis Group and the broader 10N Collective.

• Specialized Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in areas such as sustainable design (e.g., LEED, BREEAM fellowships) or specific project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of a senior leadership role in a global firm, while the growth opportunities focus on professional advancement, industry influence, and broad strategic development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for the future of hospitality design and how 10 Design can lead in this space." (Preparation: Research current hospitality trends, Egis Group's strategic goals, and 10 Design's portfolio; articulate a forward-thinking yet grounded vision.)

• "How would you approach establishing and maintaining design governance for a global hospitality portfolio, ensuring both design excellence and operational efficiency?" (Preparation: Outline a framework for design reviews, quality assurance, and stakeholder alignment, emphasizing communication and process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to 10 Design and Egis Group, and how do you see your leadership style contributing to our culture?" (Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, recent projects, and leadership philosophy. Connect your experience and values to theirs.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative design culture within your teams, especially when working across different international studios?" (Preparation: Provide examples of your team leadership, mentorship, and strategies for cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation logically, guiding the interviewers through your key projects with a clear story for each. Start with your most impactful hospitality work.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role as a leader and visionary. For each project, detail your strategic decisions, how you guided the team, and how you managed client and stakeholder relationships.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to illustrate the success of your projects – awards, client testimonials, operational data impact, sustainability achievements.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality imagery and concise text. Explain the design intent behind key architectural features and how they contribute to the overall guest experience and project goals.

• Conciseness & Time Management: Be mindful of the allocated time. Practice your presentation to ensure you cover the most critical points effectively without rushing. Be prepared for in-depth questions on specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the hospitality design sector, backed by a robust portfolio and alignment with the company's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director (Hospitality) position:

• Submit your CV and Portfolio: As per the instructions, send your CV (max two A4 pages, PDF) and sample portfolio (up to ten A3 pages, PDF) via the designated application channel. Ensure both documents are concise, high-quality, and tailored to this role.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your extensive experience in international hospitality design leadership, specifically mentioning your work on large-scale projects, mixed-use developments, and any Middle East project experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select your most relevant and impactful hospitality projects. Focus on showcasing design vision, leadership, built work, and regional experience. Ensure it meets the specified page and format requirements.

• Research Egis Group and 10 Design: Understand their culture, values, recent projects, and strategic direction, particularly within the hospitality sector. Prepare to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.

• Practice your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clearly articulating your design leadership, project successes, and strategic approach to hospitality design challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. All details, especially regarding compensation and specific application procedures, should be verified directly with Egis Group or 10 Design through their official channels before making application decisions.