Senior Lead Designer - Miami Studio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Lead Designer - Miami Studio

Company: OBMI MIAMI INC

Location: Coral Gables, FL, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Architecture & Design Leadership (GTM Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-08-21T20:43:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative vision and design leadership for large-scale hospitality, mixed-use, and destination projects, aligning GTM strategies with architectural vision.

• Develop compelling conceptual narratives and innovative design solutions that resonate with target markets and enhance guest experiences.

• Serve as a key client-facing representative, building strong relationships and acting as a trusted advisor to drive project success and future business development.

• Mentor and inspire multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning essential for GTM innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Senior Lead Designer," has significant implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. The focus on hospitality, luxury resorts, and destination developments means the design directly influences the market positioning, brand experience, and ultimately, the commercial success of these projects. The "Senior Lead" aspect implies a strategic leadership role that shapes not just the aesthetics but the entire experiential narrative, which is crucial for a successful GTM approach in the luxury hospitality sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the creative vision for major hospitality, mixed-use, and destination developments, ensuring alignment with market trends and client GTM objectives.

• Develop strong conceptual narratives and innovative design solutions that are culturally relevant, commercially viable, and deeply rooted in place and guest experience.

• Champion OBMI’s Design Excellence principles, translating them into tangible design strategies that enhance market appeal and brand value.

• Lead client presentations, workshops, and stakeholder meetings with confidence, effectively communicating design intent and strategic rationale to diverse audiences.

• Serve as a trusted design advisor to clients, operators, developers, and consultants, influencing strategic decisions that impact project success and market positioning.

• Mentor and inspire design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and high-quality output aligned with project GTM goals.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and technical teams to ensure seamless integration of design vision with project delivery, budget, and schedule constraints.

• Oversee the development of concepts into coordinated, high-quality design documentation, ensuring design integrity from inception to completion.

• Participate in construction administration and site reviews to uphold design intent and ensure the final product meets the envisioned experience standards.

• Support business development efforts, including proposals, competitions, and thought leadership initiatives that showcase OBMI's GTM capabilities in design.

• Represent OBMI externally at conferences, panels, and industry events, contributing to brand visibility and thought leadership in hospitality and destination design.

• Drive innovation in sustainability, material exploration, design technology, and hospitality experiences that contribute to market differentiation and long-term value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic role. "Shaping culturally grounded, globally significant destinations" and "translating ambitious project visions into compelling architectural experiences" directly tie into the GTM strategy of creating unique selling propositions for the developments. The emphasis on client advisory and business development further underscores the GTM alignment, as this role influences how OBMI's design capabilities are perceived and leveraged in the market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.

• Professional architectural license (AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent) is preferred. Experience:

• 15–17 years of professional architectural experience, with a significant focus on leading design processes and teams.

• Demonstrated experience in hospitality, luxury resorts, mixed-use, and destination-driven developments is essential.

• Proven track record of transforming ambitious project visions into compelling, immersive, and story-driven environments.

• Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and mentoring emerging talent.

• Proficiency in client presentations, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and design leadership.

• Comfort navigating large-scale, complex project environments, balancing creative vision with technical and strategic considerations.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles, consultant coordination, and design implementation best practices. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Revit for architectural design and documentation.

• Expertise in Rhino, AutoCAD, Enscape, and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design visualization and communication.

• Exceptional conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Strong storytelling and presentation skills, capable of articulating design vision to diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to lead and inspire design teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and client relationship management skills.

• Deep understanding of hospitality design principles, luxury market expectations, and guest experience drivers.

• Knowledge of sustainability best practices and their integration into architectural design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced visualization and rendering software beyond Enscape.

• Familiarity with emerging design technologies and methodologies.

• Business development and proposal writing experience.

• Strong understanding of global market trends in hospitality and destination development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The software requirements (Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite) are standard for senior architectural roles. The emphasis on conceptual thinking, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and client presentations is critical for this role's strategic impact, aligning design output with business objectives and market positioning. The mention of "global market trends" directly supports the GTM aspect of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing leadership in conceptual design development for complex hospitality, mixed-use, and destination projects.

• Highlight case studies that illustrate the transformation of ambitious visions into immersive, story-driven environments, emphasizing the narrative and experiential aspects.

• Include examples of successful client presentations and stakeholder engagement, showcasing the ability to communicate design intent and gain buy-in.

• Showcase projects where sustainability, cultural relevance, and innovative material exploration were key design drivers. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design concepts are translated into coordinated, high-quality design documentation through defined workflows.

• Illustrate experience with the full project lifecycle, from initial concept generation through construction administration, with a focus on maintaining design integrity.

• Detail experience in leading design workshops and collaborative sessions to drive innovation and consensus among multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Lead Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership in translating complex ideas into marketable experiences, and the ability to manage processes that ensure design integrity and client satisfaction, all of which are critical for successful GTM execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Lead Designers/Architects with 15-17 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Miami, FL, the estimated annual salary range is between $150,000 and $220,000. This range accounts for the senior leadership responsibilities, specialized expertise in hospitality and destination design, and the high cost of living in the region. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the candidate's ability to demonstrate leadership and strategic impact. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for continuing education, conferences, and licensure.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for well-being support.

• Opportunities for international travel and project involvement across OBMI's global studios. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, given the senior leadership nature of the role and project demands, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially including occasional evening or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for senior-level design professionals in a high-cost-of-living area like Miami. The benefits are standard for full-time positions at firms of this nature and are enhanced by the unique international opportunities and professional development support relevant to a design leadership role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture & Interior Design, specializing in Luxury Hospitality, Resorts, Mixed-Use Developments, and Private Residences. OBMI operates globally, with a significant presence in regions like the Middle East, Caribbean, and Latin America, influencing their design approach with diverse cultural contexts.

Company Size: OBMI is a global practice with multiple studios (Miami, London, Dubai, KSA). While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the scope implies a medium to large-sized international firm with a significant pool of talent and resources.

Founded: Founded over 90 years ago, OBMI has a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in creating "storied places." This extensive history suggests a culture that values craftsmanship, enduring design principles, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Miami studio likely comprises a core group of architects, designers, and support staff, working collaboratively on regional projects.

• The Senior Lead Designer will report to a Studio Director or Principal, overseeing project-specific design teams that may include junior designers, architects, and technical staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close partnerships with Project Managers, consultants (structural, MEP, landscape, etc.), clients, and operators to ensure holistic project delivery. Methodology:

• OBMI emphasizes a methodology rooted in creating "storied places" – deeply rooted in land, culture, and emotion, balancing imagination, craft, and care.

• Their approach involves a holistic, experiential design process that translates ambitious visions into tangible environments.

• Data analysis likely plays a role in understanding site context, cultural nuances, and market demands, informing strategic design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for managing complex, large-scale international projects efficiently.

• Innovation in design technology and sustainable practices is a core component of their methodology.

Company Website: OBMI Website - https://obmi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global presence suggest a culture that values experience, thoughtful design, and international collaboration. The focus on "storied places" and "experiential environments" implies a design process that is deeply research-driven and culturally sensitive, which is crucial for effective market entry and positioning in diverse global markets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned at the pinnacle of the design track within the firm. It requires extensive experience and a proven ability to lead creative direction, manage complex projects, and influence client strategy. This level signifies a transition from pure design execution to strategic design advisory and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Lead Designer will likely report directly to a Studio Principal or Director, managing project-specific design teams and collaborating closely with Project Managers. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and strategic oversight.

Operations Impact: The "Operations" in this context refers to the operational execution of design strategy and the business impact of design. This role directly influences the marketability and success of developments by shaping the core experiential offering. Strong design leadership translates into compelling market narratives, attracting clients, investors, and end-users, thereby driving revenue and brand equity for both OBMI and its clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into a Principal or Studio Director role, taking on broader business development and firm-wide strategic responsibilities.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., ultra-luxury resorts, sustainable destinations) or advanced design technologies.

• Mentorship and Thought Leadership: Become a recognized leader within the firm and the industry, contributing to OBMI's reputation through publications, speaking engagements, and internal training programs.

• Global Project Influence: Increased involvement in OBMI's most significant international projects, offering exposure to diverse markets and design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the career trajectory within a design-centric firm. While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the impact on business and revenue is significant through shaping market-ready projects and driving client acquisition/retention. The "operations" aspect is about the effective and strategic execution of design as a product.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: OBMI's Miami studio is likely a professional, collaborative, and design-focused environment. Given their global reach and focus on luxury projects, the studio would be expected to foster creativity, innovation, and a high standard of visual presentation.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Coral Gables, FL, a well-established business and cultural hub in the Miami metropolitan area. This location offers access to a vibrant professional community and a desirable lifestyle.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be highly collaborative, encouraging interaction and idea exchange among designers and architects.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools, software, and potentially visualization labs or material libraries will be available to support creative output.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the core design leadership and project teams, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration and studio presence. While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the demands of senior leadership and project deadlines may require flexibility, including occasional extended hours or weekend work, which is common in the architecture and design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a Senior Lead Designer underscores the collaborative and iterative nature of high-level design work, where spontaneous brainstorming and detailed critiques are crucial. The Miami location provides a strategic base for projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with OBMI's design philosophy.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will present their portfolio, focusing on key projects that demonstrate leadership, conceptual strength, and successful project delivery in hospitality and destination design. This will be followed by an interview with senior design leadership and potentially studio principals.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with potential team members and other senior staff to assess collaboration style, mentorship capabilities, and cultural fit within the OBMI studio.

• Final Interview: A discussion with principals or managing directors to finalize assessment of strategic thinking, business acumen, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in conceptual design, storytelling, and the transformation of complex briefs into impactful, marketable environments. Prioritize hospitality, luxury resort, and destination projects.

• Narrative Focus: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each project, explaining the vision, the challenges, the design process, and the ultimate impact – emphasizing how the design addressed market needs and guest experiences.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Clearly highlight your role in leading teams, mentoring junior designers, and driving the creative direction. Use "we" when referring to team efforts and "I" when detailing your specific leadership contributions.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of how you’ve utilized key software (Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite) to develop and communicate complex design ideas effectively.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): While difficult in design, try to articulate the success of your designs in terms of client satisfaction, market reception, or contribution to project goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, your approach to conceptualization, and how you handle design challenges and client feedback.

• Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you mentor teams, and how you foster innovation within a design context.

• Research OBMI’s recent projects and their stated design philosophy to articulate how your vision aligns with the firm's ethos and GTM approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes the candidate's ability to articulate their design vision, lead teams, and engage with clients strategically. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating leadership and the successful translation of concepts into market-ready experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Advanced proficiency is essential for detailed architectural design, documentation, and BIM coordination.

• Rhino: Expertise in Rhino is expected for complex form-finding and parametric design, often used in conceptual stages.

• AutoCAD: Continued proficiency in AutoCAD for drafting and compatibility with legacy project files.

• Enscape: Required for real-time rendering and visualization, enabling immersive client presentations.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are crucial for creating high-quality graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct "operations analytics," the role requires the ability to interpret market research, site analysis data, and client briefs to inform design decisions that impact project performance and market appeal. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, the role involves client relationship management and contributing to business development efforts, which are indirectly supported by CRM principles. Understanding how design impacts sales and client acquisition is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The software stack is standard for high-level architectural design. The emphasis on visualization tools like Enscape and the Adobe Suite highlights the importance of compelling presentation for client acquisition and GTM strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creating exceptional, innovative, and culturally relevant architectural solutions.

• Craftsmanship & Care: Dedication to meticulous detail, quality execution, and thoughtful design that endures.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and cross-disciplinary synergy to achieve the best outcomes.

• Innovation: Continuously exploring new ideas, technologies, and sustainable practices to push the boundaries of design.

• Client Partnership: Acting as a trusted advisor, building long-term relationships based on mutual respect and shared vision.

Collaboration Style:

• Encourages open dialogue and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Values diverse perspectives and actively seeks input from multidisciplinary teams.

• Emphasizes constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine concepts.

• Fosters a culture of mentorship where senior staff guide and support emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a culture that is both creatively driven and client-focused, essential for a firm operating in the competitive luxury hospitality market. The emphasis on collaboration and mentorship is key for effective team leadership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Vision with Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating ambitious creative visions into buildable, budget-conscious, and technically feasible designs, especially on large-scale international projects.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Environments: Effectively managing diverse client needs, operator requirements, local regulations, and consultant input while maintaining design integrity.

• Driving Innovation in Established Markets: Introducing novel design concepts and sustainable practices in the often-traditional luxury hospitality sector.

• Global Project Coordination: Ensuring design consistency and quality across multiple projects in different geographical and cultural contexts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Project Exposure: Gaining experience on diverse, high-profile projects across various international markets.

• Advanced Design Technology: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge design software and visualization tools.

• Industry Leadership: Developing a profile as a thought leader through client engagement, industry events, and internal knowledge sharing.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior staff and learn from senior leadership within OBMI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a global design firm, emphasizing the need for strategic problem-solving, strong communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding influence and expertise within the design and hospitality sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the creative vision for a complex hospitality project. What was your process for developing the core concept and ensuring it resonated with the target market?" (Focus on GTM alignment, conceptual narrative, and market understanding.)

• "How do you approach stakeholder management and client presentations to ensure buy-in for ambitious design ideas, especially when facing resistance or differing opinions?" (Highlight communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for translating a compelling design concept into coordinated architectural documentation. What are the key considerations for ensuring design integrity throughout the project lifecycle?" (Demonstrate process management and technical understanding.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with OBMI's mission to create 'storied places' rooted in land, culture, and emotion?" (Research OBMI's values and projects.)

• "Describe your approach to mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative, innovative team environment." (Showcase leadership and team-building capabilities.)

• "How do you stay current with global design trends, sustainability practices, and evolving guest expectations in the luxury hospitality sector?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your design journey and leadership. For each project, explain the "why" behind the design, not just the "what."

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in decision-making, team management, and client engagement. Use specific examples of how you drove the project forward.

• Demonstrate GTM Impact: For hospitality projects, emphasize how the design contributes to the overall guest experience, brand positioning, and market appeal.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually stunning, well-organized, and easy to follow. Use high-quality renderings and graphics.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on the key aspects relevant to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing strategic design thinking, leadership, and the ability to connect design with market success, crucial for a role that bridges creative output with business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Lead Designer position:

• Submit your CV and portfolio via email to careers@OBMI.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership in hospitality, luxury resorts, and destination design. Emphasize conceptual development, storytelling, and successful client engagement.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates 15-17 years of relevant experience, your professional license, and proficiency in required design software. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on leadership and project impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design strategy, leadership approach, and understanding of how design contributes to market success. Prepare to discuss your alignment with OBMI's values and culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research OBMI's website, recent projects, and design philosophy. Understand their global presence and focus areas to articulate how your skills and vision align with the firm's strategic direction.

⚠️ 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.