Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Choice Hotels International

Location: North Bethesda, MD, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Interior Design / Brand Design

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports enterprise-wide brand and product design initiatives by contributing to the development, documentation, and maintenance of design standards and creative deliverables across Choice Hotels’ portfolio of brands.

• Manages FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) specifications, brand design standards, and guidelines, ensuring accuracy and coordination with IT and software partners.

• Assists with new product development, including testing and performance reviews, and supports the creation of conceptual and schematic-level creative deliverables.

• Maintains the Experience Studio design library and manages test lab/warehouse activities for samples, prototypes, and installations.

• Collaborates with internal teams, external consultants, and vendors to ensure consistent execution of brand design intent and support implementation milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into interior design, FF&E specification management, and brand standards execution within the hospitality sector. Candidates should focus on their experience in these areas, particularly within a corporate or franchise environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Specification & Standards Management: Maintain and update FF&E specifications, brand design standards, and guidelines across all brands, ensuring data integrity and coordinating with IT and software partners for the specification tool platform.

• Product Development Support: Assist in the development of products for new design packages, conduct performance reviews, testing, and discontinuation efforts for existing products.

• Creative Design & Documentation: Support the preparation of research, presentations, reports, and documentation; contribute conceptual and schematic-level creative deliverables such as sketches, models, and visualizations.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., IT, Procurement, Facilities) and external consultants/vendors to ensure timely delivery of design packages, vendor coordination, and implementation milestones.

• Experience Studio & Design Lab Management: Maintain the Experience Studio design library, ensuring accurate organization, vendor updates, and product tracking; manage test lab and warehouse activities for sample delivery, prototype testing, and logistics.

• Continuous Improvement: Participate in post-project reviews and continuous improvement efforts to enhance design processes, documentation, and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous documentation and process management, typical in operations-adjacent design roles. Emphasis on FF&E specifications and brand standards suggests a focus on consistency and scalability within a large franchise organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and presentation.

• Experience with specification and documentation tools, specifically Bluebeam.

• Working knowledge of 3D design software, with a mandatory requirement for Revit and/or SketchUp.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder interaction and documentation.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

• High level of initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite for enhanced visual content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of technical design software (Revit, SketchUp, Bluebeam) and standard office productivity tools points to a role that requires both creative output and diligent administrative/documentation work. Experience in hospitality is a significant advantage due to the industry context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of FF&E specification development and management, showcasing examples of detailed specification documents.

• Include case studies that highlight the application of brand design standards and guidelines in real-world hospitality projects.

• Showcase experience with 3D modeling software (Revit, SketchUp) through visualizations, renderings, or schematic designs that communicate spatial and aesthetic intent.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and maintained design standards or specifications, emphasizing accuracy and accessibility for implementation teams.

• Illustrate your approach to managing and organizing design libraries or material samples, detailing systems used for tracking and updating.

• Detail your experience in contributing to or managing product development processes, from concept to performance review.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but also the ability to translate design intent into actionable specifications and maintain organized, accurate documentation. Demonstrating proficiency with specific software and understanding of the hospitality design lifecycle is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,698 - $77,000 annually

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Generous leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal time, family leave, volunteer activities, sick days, jury duty, bereavement, military service, and religious observance.

• Financial benefits for retirement savings and health savings accounts (HSAs).

• Employee recognition programs to acknowledge contributions.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range aligns with entry-to-mid-level Product Designer roles in the US, particularly in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks for design professionals. The benefits package is standard for a large corporate employer, with a notable perk being hotel discounts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Lodging Franchisor)

Company Size: Large enterprise (7,500+ hotels globally), with a significant corporate workforce.

Founded: Choice Hotels International is a well-established company with a long history in the lodging industry, implying a stable and structured corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a larger Design Strategy or Brand Design team, reporting to the Head of Design Strategy.

• This role requires close collaboration with various cross-functional teams, including IT, Procurement, Facilities, and potentially marketing and operations departments.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on developing, documenting, and maintaining design standards and specifications to ensure consistency and quality across a vast portfolio of brands.

• Utilizes a structured approach to product development, including testing and performance reviews.

• Focuses on translating strategic design direction into practical tools and guidelines for implementation by internal teams and external partners.

• Values data integrity, accuracy, and continuous improvement in design processes and documentation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Choice Hotels' emphasis on its values (Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious, Show Integrity) and leadership principles (Act with Intention, Lead with Authenticity, Grow & Deliver) suggests a culture that values both professional execution and personal conduct. The large franchise model means design standards are critical for brand consistency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an early-to-mid-career professional, suitable for individuals with 2-4 years of experience. It offers a solid foundation in corporate design management within the hospitality sector.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Head of Design Strategy, indicating a clear line of management and a direct connection to strategic design initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts brand consistency, guest experience, and operational efficiency by ensuring that design standards and specifications are accurately developed, documented, and maintained. Well-managed FF&E specifications can lead to cost savings, better vendor performance, and a more cohesive brand identity across numerous properties.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in hospitality FF&E specification, brand standards management, or specific design software like Revit.

• Advancement: Potential to move into senior designer roles, design management positions, or roles focused on specific brand portfolios.

• Skill Development: Exposure to cross-functional collaboration, project management within a large corporate structure, and potentially learning new design or documentation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a stepping stone for designers looking to specialize in the operational aspects of design within a large, established hospitality company. Growth will likely involve mastering the company's specific processes and expanding influence over design implementation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Headquarters, located at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, MD. This is a modern office environment designed for collaboration and professional work.

Office Location(s):

• North Bethesda, MD: Prime location near Washington D.C., accessible via public transit (North Bethesda Metro station), with ample parking and nearby amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid work model (4 days in office, 1 day remote) encourages in-person collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and team interaction while offering some flexibility.

• The office environment is likely equipped with standard professional tools and technology necessary for design work, including access to necessary software and potentially a dedicated design library or prototype testing space (Experience Studio/Design Lab).

• Opportunities exist for direct interaction with design strategy leaders and cross-functional teams, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to a standard corporate work schedule, likely Monday-Friday, with a hybrid arrangement requiring specific days in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specified in-office days (Monday-Thursday) is a key detail for candidates to note, requiring a reliable commute to North Bethesda. The office location at Pike & Rose suggests a modern, amenity-rich work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential interview or exercise focused on design software proficiency (Revit, SketchUp, Bluebeam) and understanding of FF&E specifications/brand standards.

• Behavioral Interviews: Questions assessing collaboration, problem-solving, initiative, attention to detail, and cultural fit with Choice Hotels' values and principles.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your work, highlighting relevant projects, design process, and technical skills. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your capabilities in FF&E, brand standards, and documentation.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss strategic alignment and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in hospitality design, FF&E specification, brand standards implementation, and 3D modeling (Revit/SketchUp).

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design challenges, your approach, the tools used, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you translated design intent into tangible specifications.

• Showcase Documentation: Include examples of detailed FF&E specifications, brand guidelines, or change bulletins you've developed or managed. Highlight your proficiency with Bluebeam.

• Visual Communication: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images, renderings, and clear diagrams. Clearly label software used for each visual.

• Highlight Hospitality Context: Frame your projects within the context of the hospitality industry, demonstrating an understanding of guest experience, operational needs, and brand consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential exercises involving interpreting design briefs, creating schematic designs, or detailing specification requirements.

• Practice articulating your thought process and problem-solving approach concisely, especially when discussing technical aspects of design and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must demonstrate not only creative design skills but also the meticulous operational capabilities required for specification management and brand standardization within a large corporate structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Design Software: Revit and/or SketchUp are required for creating models, visualizations, and potentially schematic designs.

• Specification & Documentation: Bluebeam is a required tool for managing and annotating specification documents and drawings.

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential for general business operations, report generation, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with specification management platforms may be relevant, as the role involves managing a "specification tool platform" and coordinating with IT/software partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, and Bluebeam is a non-negotiable technical requirement. Experience with other design documentation tools or specification management software would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Welcome and Respect Everyone: Fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued.

• Be Bold: Encouraging innovative thinking and taking calculated risks in design and process improvement.

• Be Quick: Emphasizing efficiency and timely delivery of design deliverables and documentation.

• Listen: Valuing input from cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive design solutions.

• Be Curious: A proactive approach to learning about new design trends, materials, and technologies relevant to hospitality.

• Show Integrity: Upholding high standards of professional conduct, accuracy, and accountability in all design and documentation efforts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with IT, Procurement, Facilities, and other departments to ensure seamless execution of design projects.

• Vendor Partnership: Working closely with external consultants and vendors to manage FF&E specifications and product sourcing.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Utilizing design documentation and performance data to inform discussions and decision-making.

• Feedback Loop: Participating in post-project reviews to continuously improve design processes and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and principles are directly applicable to the daily work of a Product Designer, particularly in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficient collaboration across a large organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Scale: Ensuring design consistency and accuracy across a diverse portfolio of 7,500+ hotels requires rigorous process management and attention to detail.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Bridging the needs and perspectives of various departments (e.g., IT, Operations, Procurement) to achieve cohesive design outcomes.

• Technical Proficiency: Mastering and continuously updating skills in required software like Revit, SketchUp, and Bluebeam, while potentially learning new platforms.

• Balancing Creativity with Standards: Integrating creative design solutions within strict brand standards and FF&E specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in FF&E specification, hospitality design trends, and specific software like Revit or Bluebeam.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insight into the operational side of the hospitality industry and large-scale brand management.

• Project Management Skills: Developing project coordination and stakeholder management skills within a corporate environment.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into senior design roles, manage specific brand portfolios, or move into design strategy leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers an excellent opportunity for a designer to develop robust process management and operational skills within the context of a major hospitality brand. The challenges are balanced by clear growth paths and skill-building potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing FF&E specifications. What tools have you used, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on Bluebeam, your process for managing details.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to apply strict brand standards. How did you balance brand requirements with functional needs?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines.)

• "How do you approach creating schematic-level design deliverables for a project? What software do you typically use?" (Be ready to discuss Revit/SketchUp workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Choice Hotels, and what do you know about our brands?" (Research the portfolio, including brands like Comfort, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, etc.)

• "How do you embody our values of 'Be Curious' and 'Show Integrity' in your design work?" (Connect these values to your past experiences.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative and technical solutions, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly show examples of your work in Revit, SketchUp, and Bluebeam. Demonstrate your ability to create clear, detailed specifications.

• Emphasize Process: Detail your workflow for specification management, documentation, and collaboration. Show how you ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• Connect to Hospitality: Frame your experience within the context of the hospitality industry, showing an understanding of guest experience and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design aesthetic but also their ability to manage complex documentation, adhere to standards, and collaborate effectively in a corporate, franchise-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Choice Hotels careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your experience with FF&E specifications, brand standards, and 3D design software (Revit, SketchUp). Include examples of detailed documentation using tools like Bluebeam.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 2-4 years of relevant experience in hospitality, interior, or product design, emphasizing technical skills and project management capabilities. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical proficiency, and collaboration skills. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to the company's values and leadership principles.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Choice Hotels' diverse brand portfolio and its corporate culture. Understand how design plays a role in maintaining brand consistency across its many properties.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific software functionalities and day-to-day operational nuances, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process.