About this role
Purpose of the Role
The Director, Residential Architecture and Design at IHG leads the creative, architectural, technical, and design vision for the company’s luxury branded residential portfolio worldwide. This role ensures that every project reflects IHG’s brand DNA, delivers exceptional design quality, and resonates with discerning high-net-worth clientele. By driving architectural excellence, design innovation, amenity and service design, brand premiums, product differentiation, and overseeing the entire development life cycle — from pursuit through design, build, pre‑opening, and opening — including MEP integration and Owner collaboration, the Director strengthens IHG’s leadership in luxury hospitality and residential living, creating iconic residences that elevate the brand’s global reputation.
Your day to day:
- Strategic Design Leadership: Define and lead architectural, interior, amenity, and sustainability standards across all IHG branded residential projects globally.
- Brand Translation: Turn IHG’s brand identity into luxury, innovative, and culturally relevant architectural forms, spaces, and services.
- Project Lifecycle Oversight: Guide projects from pursuit and design through construction, pre-opening, and operational handover, ensuring quality, consistency, and brand alignment.
- MEP & Technical Integration: Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to enhance functionality, efficiency, and resident comfort.
- Amenity & Service Design: Curate world-class amenities (fitness, spa, dining, social spaces) and integrate hospitality-level service experiences for residents.
- Global Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple projects across regions, adapting strategies to local contexts while maintaining brand integrity.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, owners, consultants, and contractors to align vision, delivery, and programming.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Drive cutting-edge design, wellness features, smart living solutions, and environmentally responsible practices.
- Quality Control & Brand Compliance: Review drawings, mock-ups, model units, and site execution to maintain uncompromising standards.
- Fire, Life Safety & Technology: Ensure compliance with safety standards, codes, and regulations while integrating technology to enhance operations and resident experience.
What we’re looking for in you:
Experience:
- Proven track record in luxury hospitality or branded residential projects
- Experience managing the full development life cycle: pursuit, design, build, pre-opening, and opening
Leadership & Collaboration:
- Strong background in Owner collaboration, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership
- Ability to oversee amenity and service design programming aligned with luxury hospitality standards
Technical Expertise:
- Expertise in architectural design and execution, including concept development and documentation
- Proficiency in MEP integration and coordination with engineering teams
- Knowledge of fire and life safety systems, codes, and compliance requirements
Brand & Market Knowledge:
- Deep understanding of luxury brand positioning and translating brand DNA into built environments
- Awareness of market trends in luxury residential living, amenities, and service innovation
- Understanding of cross-cultural design adaptation for global consistency with local relevance
Standards & Quality:
- Knowledge of global building codes, regulations, and standards, including regional variations
- Insight into quality assurance processes, design audits, and continuous improvement practices
Business Acumen:
- Strong grasp of financial and budgetary principles related to project development
Required education, Experience, Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field (mandatory)
- Master’s degree in Architecture, Design Management, Urban Planning, or Real Estate Development (preferred)
- Professional registration/licensed as an Architect or equivalent credential strongly preferred
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in architecture, design, or project development
- Proven track record in luxury hospitality or branded residential projects
- Experience managing the full development life cycle: pursuit, design, build, pre‑opening, and opening
- Strong background in Owner collaboration, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership
- Expertise in architectural design and execution, including concept development and documentation
- Proficiency in MEP integration and coordination with engineering teams
- Knowledge of fire and life safety systems, codes, and compliance requirements
- Ability to oversee amenity and service design programming aligned with luxury hospitality standards
- Deep understanding of luxury brand positioning and translating brand DNA into built environments
- Knowledge of global building codes, regulations, and standards, including regional variations
- Awareness of market trends in luxury residential living, amenities, and service innovation
- Strong grasp of financial and budgetary principles related to project development
- Insight into quality assurance processes, design audits, and continuous improvement practices
- Understanding of cross-cultural design adaptation to ensure global consistency with local relevance.