Director Of Design – Luxury Fitness Club Development

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN – LUXURY FITNESS CLUB DEVELOPMENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Client is seeking a DIRECTOR OF DESIGN to provide hands‑on architectural and design leadership for its newest generation of high‑end fitness and wellness environments. These are sophisticated, highly programmed facilities combining fitness, boutique studios, wellness, recovery and hospitality‑oriented amenities within a single development.

The Director of Design will lead projects from the earliest schematic concept. This is a hands‑on architectural leadership role for someone who can oversee the development of original designs and work with outside architectural consultants to produce a completed product.

The Director is involved with the Real Estate Team before a project even begins, participating in the evaluation of prospective acquisitions and real estate opportunities. This person will assist in evaluations of potential sites and existing buildings to determine how effectively the club program can be accommodated, identify architectural and construction constraints, and provide design input that helps inform the viability of a deal.

Once a project moves forward, the Director oversees the development of the initial schematic design concept, site plan, building configuration, floor plan. CAD is a daily part of the position—not simply a review function. The Director will personally develop and modify drawings to explore ideas, solve problems and communicate clear design direction.

From there, the Director will work with the company development managers to lead outside architectural firms and specialty consultants through design development and construction documents, ensuring that the original concept is carried through to production and ultimately the completed club.

Projects incorporate a wide range of specialized fitness, wellness and hospitality environments with different structural, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, acoustic, waterproofing and operational requirements. The Director must understand how these systems affect the architecture and be able to coordinate the appropriate disciplines without compromising the overall design.

With approximately 45–50 new clubs developed during a typical year, this position requires someone who can maintain consistent design and quality standards across a significant development pipeline while adapting the product to different sites, buildings, jurisdictions and project conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ability to integrate the company’s visual brand identity into the architecture and built environment is key to the role.

Advanced understanding of the seamless integration of signage, environmental graphics, way finding, lighting and building materials is preferred.

Lead projects from initial concepts through design development, construction documents and production.

Personally develop initial concept designs, site plans, building configurations, floor plans and schematic designs.

Participate in the evaluation of potential acquisitions, development sites and existing buildings, identifying architectural opportunities, limitations, and potential construction challenges.

Use CAD as a daily design and communication tool to develop ideas and provide clear direction to internal teams and outside consultants.

Direct and coordinate third‑party architectural firms throughout the United States and Canada.

Manage the integration of interior design, MEP, structural, lighting, landscape and specialty consultants into the overall architectural vision.

Review design development and construction documents for design intent, technical coordination, constructability and consistency with established development standards.

Provide architectural oversight for environments involving specialized HVAC, acoustical, structural, electrical, plumbing and waterproofing requirements.

Evaluate materials, finishes and architectural details for design quality, durability, performance and long‑term operational demands.

Work closely with development and construction teams to resolve design and constructability issues as projects advance.

Maintain established design standards while adapting the club program to different…