Design Manager - Hospitality

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Hospitality
Company: Gensler
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design Management / Project Architecture (Hospitality Focus)
Date Posted: January 5, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage architectural projects from conceptualization through construction documentation, ensuring high-quality design delivery within the hospitality sector.
• Coordinate and mentor diverse project teams, including architects, interior designers, and job captains, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Serve as a key client liaison, managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and fostering strong relationships to ensure client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Provide expert technical guidance and innovative solutions to navigate complex design and construction challenges, ensuring compliance with building codes and standards.
• Oversee full project lifecycle administration, including bidding, submittals, RFIs, and quality control, to guarantee project objectives are met and contractual obligations are fulfilled.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of Design Management and Project Architect responsibilities, specifically within the hospitality industry. The emphasis on client relationship management, financial accountability, and team leadership suggests a senior-level position with significant autonomy and responsibility for project success. The requirement for 100% bilingual English/Spanish indicates a critical need for seamless communication with local stakeholders and international clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Lifecycle Management: Oversee all project phases, including initial set-up, design development, construction documentation, bidding processes, and construction administration.
• Client & Stakeholder Coordination: Manage client relationships, negotiate contracts and fees, and facilitate communication between project teams, consultants, vendors, contractors, and permitting officials.
• Technical & Design Leadership: Provide expert technical guidance and innovative solutions to resolve complex design and construction challenges, ensuring adherence to building codes, zoning regulations, and material specifications.
• Team Management & Mentorship: Lead and coordinate project teams of varying sizes, including project architects, interior designers, and job captains, fostering professional development and ensuring high standards of work.
• Financial & Schedule Oversight: Manage project budgets, track financial performance, and maintain project timelines and schedules to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Quality Assurance & Control: Conduct site visits, review technical documents for accuracy, process submittals and RFIs, and ensure projects conform to contractual requirements and design intent.
• Business Development Support: Assist in preparing project proposals and leverage client relationships to foster repeat business and generate new opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities highlights the dual nature of this role. It requires not only strong architectural design and technical expertise but also robust project management, financial acumen, and team leadership capabilities. The emphasis on "innovative thinking balanced with the ability to present real-world technical solutions" suggests a need for creativity grounded in practical application and problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design, or a foreign equivalent degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of project experience within an architectural practice.
• At least 5 years of specialized experience in hospitality or large-scale architectural projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing the entire project lifecycle, from concept through post-occupancy.
• Proven experience in negotiating project scope and fees.
• Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility for various project types.

Required Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of architectural design principles, technical details, building codes, zoning codes, material characteristics, and construction methodologies.
• Software Expertise: Proficient in REVIT, Sketch Up, Enscape, Photoshop, InDesign, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Project Management: Strong ability to manage project schedules, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven experience leading, managing, and mentoring multiple project teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Strong relationship management and client service skills.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical and design challenges.
• Bilingualism: 100% bilingual English and Spanish (written and verbal) is a mandatory requirement for effective communication with local and international stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and emotional intelligence.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational capabilities to manage multiple priorities and maintain project documentation accurately.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with construction documentation and/or detailed design development.
• Familiarity with international building codes and standards relevant to hospitality projects.
• Experience in business development and client relationship expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 100% bilingual English/Spanish is a critical qualification, underscoring the international nature of Gensler's Mexico City operations and client base. The blend of technical architectural skills with project management and client-facing responsibilities positions this role as a key contributor to the firm's success in the hospitality sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of architectural projects, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and large-scale developments.
• Design Excellence & Technical Rigor: Portfolio pieces should highlight innovative design concepts alongside detailed technical solutions, showcasing an understanding of constructability and code compliance.
• Project Management Evidence: Include examples that illustrate your ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Client Collaboration Examples: Showcase instances of successful client interaction, negotiation, and relationship management that led to positive project outcomes.
• Bilingual Communication Examples: If possible, include work samples or descriptions that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish on technical and design matters.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing architectural project workflows from concept to completion, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• System Implementation & Integration: Show understanding of how to integrate various design and project management tools (e.g., Revit, Enscape) into a cohesive project execution strategy.
• Metrics & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have tracked and analyzed project performance, including financial metrics, schedule adherence, and quality control outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role encompassing both design management and project architecture, the portfolio is crucial. It needs to visually represent not just design talent but also the structured approach to managing complex projects, demonstrating technical proficiency, and articulating value to clients through clear, bilingual communication. The emphasis on hospitality projects is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the experience level (8+ years), the specialized skills (Hospitality Design Management, bilingualism), and the location in Mexico City, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between MXN $700,000 - MXN $1,200,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior design and project management roles in architecture firms within major metropolitan areas in Mexico, considering Gensler's reputation and global standing.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Subsidized health and life insurance, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for mental and emotional well-being.
• Financial Incentives: Profit sharing, annual bonus program, and reimbursement for certain professional licenses and exam fees.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn Learning access for continuous skill enhancement, tuition reimbursement for eligible programs, and support for professional license renewals.
• Work-Life Balance: Holiday observance, additional paid time off (PTO) days awarded every 5 years of service, contributing to a balanced work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. While specific hours may vary based on project demands, the role implies a need for dedication to meet project deadlines. Flexibility may be offered, but the on-site nature requires consistent presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry research for senior architectural management roles in Mexico City, factoring in the specialized hospitality focus and bilingual requirement. Gensler is a global firm, so benefits are expected to be comprehensive and competitive, aligning with industry standards for employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning. Gensler is a global leader renowned for its innovative approach to design across various sectors, including workplace, hospitality, retail, and health and well-being. Company Size: Gensler is a large, global firm with thousands of employees worldwide, operating numerous offices. The Mexico City office, while part of this global network, likely maintains a dynamic and collaborative local team environment. Founded: Gensler was founded in 1965, bringing decades of experience and a well-established reputation for design excellence and client service. This legacy informs a culture of innovation, professionalism, and long-term relationship building.

Team Structure:

• Local Expertise: The Mexico City office comprises a diverse team of architects, designers, and support staff, bringing together local market knowledge with global design perspectives.
• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Studio Director or similar senior leadership within the Mexico City office, overseeing project teams that include Project Architects, Job Captains, and Interior Designers.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with various Gensler disciplines (e.g., interiors, workplace strategy, sustainability) and external consultants (structural, MEP, landscape architects) to deliver integrated design solutions.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: Gensler emphasizes a deep understanding of client needs and business objectives to inform design solutions, particularly crucial in the hospitality sector where guest experience is paramount.
• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing data and research to inform design decisions, optimize space utilization, and enhance user experience.
• Innovation & Sustainability: A commitment to pushing design boundaries while integrating sustainable practices and technologies into projects.
• Lean Project Delivery: Implementing efficient project management methodologies to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's global presence and reputation suggest a structured yet dynamic work environment. For operations professionals, understanding Gensler's commitment to client service, innovation, and sustainability is key to aligning with their culture. The Mexico City office likely blends global standards with local market nuances.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior level, bridging the gap between pure design and project execution. It requires a blend of technical architectural expertise, project management acumen, client relationship skills, and leadership capabilities. It's a crucial role for ensuring the successful delivery of complex hospitality projects. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the Mexico City studio, likely a Studio Director or Principal. They will, in turn, manage and mentor project teams, including Project Architects, Job Captains, and Interior Designers. This structure emphasizes leadership and mentorship. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and significant, influencing project success through design quality, budget adherence, schedule management, and client satisfaction. In the hospitality sector, their work directly affects the guest experience, brand representation, and operational efficiency of hotels and resorts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Studio Director, Principal Architect, or specialized leadership positions within the hospitality sector.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in hospitality design, sustainable design, or project management methodologies through firm-sponsored training and project experience.
• Global Mobility: As part of a global firm, there may be opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Gensler offices.
• Mentorship & Training: Access to robust professional development programs, mentorship from experienced leaders, and support for licensure and certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Design Manager at Gensler in this context points towards significant leadership potential. The role is designed to cultivate individuals capable of managing high-stakes projects and client relationships, with clear pathways for advancement into firm-wide leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Gensler's offices are typically designed to be modern, collaborative, and inspiring workspaces that reflect their design philosophy. Expect an open-plan layout with dedicated areas for collaboration, individual focus, and client presentations. Office Location(s): Mexico City, Mexico. Specific details about the office's accessibility and proximity to public transport would be beneficial for candidates. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among design professionals, fostering a dynamic team environment.
• Technology-Rich: Access to state-of-the-art hardware and software, including high-performance workstations for complex modeling and rendering, and advanced communication tools.
• Team Integration: Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, design leaders, and cross-disciplinary colleagues, facilitating a cohesive and supportive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time and on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours. While flexibility may be available, the demands of managing project timelines and client needs in the hospitality sector often necessitate extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's commitment to creating inspiring workspaces suggests a professional and stimulating on-site environment. For a Design Manager, this implies a place where collaboration, client engagement, and hands-on project development are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and fit with the role's requirements, particularly the hospitality focus and bilingual proficiency.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on architectural design principles, construction documentation, building codes, and proficiency with required software (Revit, etc.). Expect to present and discuss specific project examples from your portfolio.
• Project Management & Leadership Interview: Evaluation of your experience in managing project lifecycles, budgets, schedules, and teams. This may involve behavioral questions and case studies related to handling complex project challenges.
• Client & Stakeholder Interaction: An assessment of your communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, potentially involving scenarios related to client interactions or conflict resolution.
• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: Interviews designed to gauge your alignment with Gensler's culture, values, and collaborative approach.
• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in hospitality design and project management. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your role and contributions.
• Highlight Technical & Design Synergy: For each project, showcase how innovative design concepts were successfully translated into constructible solutions, detailing specific technical challenges overcome and solutions implemented.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics related to budget adherence, schedule performance, client satisfaction, or any measurable improvements achieved through your design or management.
• Demonstrate Bilingual Application: If applicable, highlight projects where your bilingual skills were instrumental in project success.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear, concise descriptions and high-quality visuals. A PDF format is required.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that require you to quickly develop conceptual solutions, considering site constraints, client needs, and code requirements.
• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing difficult team members, resolving client disputes, or adapting to unexpected project changes. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach.
• Code & Technical Q&A: Refresh your knowledge of common building codes and construction best practices relevant to hospitality projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a thorough review of both technical skills and project management capabilities, with a strong focus on the candidate's ability to manage complex hospitality projects and communicate effectively in both English and Spanish. The portfolio is a critical component, requiring careful curation to showcase relevant experience and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Modeling Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM (Building Information Modeling), parametric design, and creating detailed construction documentation. Proficiency is expected at an advanced level.
• Sketch Up: Useful for rapid conceptual modeling and design exploration.
• Enscape: For real-time rendering and creating immersive visualizations to communicate design intent effectively to clients and stakeholders.

Visual Communication & Presentation Tools:

• Photoshop: For image editing, rendering enhancement, and creating compelling presentation graphics.
• InDesign: For layout design of portfolios, presentations, and project documentation.

Productivity & Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word (documentation), Excel (budgeting, tracking), and PowerPoint (presentations).
• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Asana, or similar) would be beneficial for managing schedules and tasks.
• Communication Platforms: Likely internal Gensler platforms for team collaboration and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Tracking Tools: Likely integrated within project management or accounting software used by Gensler for tracking project financial performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): Gensler likely uses a CRM system for managing client interactions and business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit is paramount for this role, as it's the industry standard for BIM and complex architectural documentation. The inclusion of Enscape highlights Gensler's emphasis on advanced visualization to communicate design concepts effectively. A strong command of the entire Adobe Creative Suite for presentations and a solid understanding of project financial tracking are also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, particularly in the nuanced hospitality sector where guest experience is paramount.
• Design Excellence: A passion for creating innovative, high-quality, and impactful design solutions that push creative boundaries.
• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to achieve superior project outcomes.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and delivering on commitments.
• Sustainability: Integrating environmentally responsible design practices and solutions into all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Gensler fosters an integrated approach where diverse teams work closely together, sharing ideas and expertise to create holistic design solutions.
• Open Dialogue: Encourages open communication, constructive feedback, and a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing perspectives and challenging ideas respectfully.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A strong emphasis on learning from experienced professionals and sharing knowledge across teams and disciplines to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's values emphasize a client-centric, collaborative, and innovative approach to design. For a Design Manager, this translates to a role where building strong client relationships, leading diverse teams, and contributing to high-impact projects are core to success. The emphasis on integrity and accountability is also critical for managing complex projects and client expectations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Technical Feasibility: The primary challenge will be to translate creative design visions into practical, code-compliant, and budget-conscious hospitality projects.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and satisfying the needs of clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams, especially in complex international projects.
• Navigating Complex Building Codes: Staying abreast of and accurately applying local and international building codes and zoning regulations specific to hospitality.
• Maintaining Project Momentum: Ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget while upholding design quality, particularly during the demanding construction administration phase.
• Leading and Motivating Teams: Inspiring and guiding project teams through demanding project cycles, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hospitality Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in the specific design trends, operational needs, and guest experience drivers within the hospitality sector.
• Advanced BIM & Visualization: Enhance skills in cutting-edge design technologies and rendering software to produce more compelling and accurate project deliverables.
• Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications such as PMP or LEED AP to further professionalize project management and sustainability expertise.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Gensler's internal leadership training and mentorship programs designed to cultivate future firm leaders.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with other Gensler studios and disciplines, broadening understanding of integrated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth within the specialized field of hospitality design and project management. The challenges are inherent to high-level design and construction leadership, offering substantial learning experiences and career advancement potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy & Hospitality Expertise: "Describe your approach to designing for the hospitality sector. How do you balance aesthetics, guest experience, and operational efficiency in your designs?" Be ready to cite specific examples from your portfolio.
• Project Management & Problem Solving: "Walk us through a challenging hospitality project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making processes.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage client expectations and navigate disagreements with contractors or consultants on a complex project?" Prepare examples demonstrating your communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Gensler Alignment: "Why Gensler? What specifically about our hospitality work or our approach resonates with you?" Research Gensler's recent hospitality projects and their design philosophy.
• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team dynamic. How do you foster collaboration and ensure all team members feel valued and contribute effectively?" Highlight your leadership style and experience mentoring junior staff.
• Bilingualism in Practice: "How have you leveraged your bilingual English/Spanish skills in previous architectural roles, particularly in client interactions or team coordination?" Be ready to provide specific anecdotes.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Storytelling: For each project, present a clear narrative: the client's brief, the design challenge, your innovative solution, the technical execution, and the successful outcome.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities in each project, especially in management, design leadership, and problem-solving.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., budget adherence, schedule milestones met, client satisfaction).
• Visual Clarity & Technical Detail: Ensure your visuals are high-quality and that you can speak confidently about the technical details and construction strategies employed.
• Concise & Focused: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe, focusing on the most relevant projects and key takeaways.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase not only their design acumen but also their robust project management skills, client-facing abilities, and bilingual communication. The portfolio is key, so practicing its presentation and being able to articulate the 'how' and 'why' behind design and management decisions is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Hospitality position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through Gensler's careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a professional PDF portfolio showcasing your best hospitality design and project management work. Ensure it highlights your leadership, technical skills, and bilingual capabilities. Tailor it to Gensler's focus.
• Optimize Your Resume: Update your resume to clearly reflect your 8+ years of architectural experience, 5+ years in hospitality, proficiency in required software, and bilingual fluency. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your project management approach, design philosophy, and leadership style. Be ready to discuss specific project examples and challenges.
• Research Gensler: Familiarize yourself with Gensler's portfolio, particularly their hospitality projects, and their company culture and values. Understand their approach to design and client service.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. Specific details regarding salary, benefits, and interview process should be confirmed directly with Gensler during the application and interview stages.