Design Manager

Criterion Capital is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design phase ofoffice-to-hotel conversion projects. The Design Manager will be responsible for managing the entire design process, ensuring that design solutions meet clientexpectations, project goals, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a passion for design, a strong eye for detail, and the ability tolead design teams to deliver innovative and functional solutions within thedefined scope, budget, and timeline.

• Lead the design process foroffice-to-hotel conversion projects, ensuring all designs meet the project’s functional, aesthetic, and technical requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the project management team to ensure designs are aligned with project scope, budget,and schedule.
• Challenge conventional design approaches to deliver creative and practical solutions that enhance the guest experience and meet the specific requirements of hotel conversions.
• Manage and oversee the work of external consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment with project goals
• Serve as the primary point of contact forall design-related matters related to the project(s), communicating effectively with clients, project managers, and construction teams.
• Facilitate design review meetings with stakeholders to present concepts, obtain feedback, and refine designs toachieve final approvals.
• Oversee the preparation of designdocuments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Review and challenge design proposals,ensuring that they are both innovative and practical, with a focus oncost-efficiency, buildability, and operational feasibility.
• Ensure that all design elements are delivered to the highest standards of quality, meeting both functional andaesthetic goals.
• Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, fire safety regulations, and hospitality-specific requirements.
• Manage the process of obtaining necessarypermits and approvals from local authorities, working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure a smooth approval process.
• Collaborate with project managers and costconsultants to ensure that design solutions are cost-effective and within budget.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design quality or functionality.
• Proactively address potential designchallenges that could impact costs, timelines, or project feasibility.
• Incorporate sustainable design principles into all projects, ensuring that designs minimize environmental impact andadhere to green building standards where applicable.
• Oversee the production of all designdocumentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and clarity in all projectdrawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Ensure that all design records areorganised, up-to-date, and meet the standards required for regulatoryapproval and construction execution.
• Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure that design deliverables are executed to the highest standards.
• Ensure that designs are feasible and aligned with construction methodologies and timelines, providing designsupport and oversight during the construction process.

About You:

• A minimum of 5 years’ industry experience in consultancy and/or design manager roles within main contractor developer business’
• Experience as a Design Manageror similar role, preferably in hospitality, commercial-to-residentialconversions, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, or a related field.
• Abilityto manage design teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of design processes, through detailed design and documentation.
• Experience in managing design projects within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Understanding of construction methods and how design choices impact project feasibility and costs.
• Abilityto challenge traditional approaches and offer creative, innovative design solutions tailored to the hospitality industry.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch Up) and familiarity with project management tools.