Director – Design & Technical Services

Job Description

As Director – Design & Technical Services, you will drive product definition, space programming, and brand design direction while collaborating closely with VP-Design and Technical Services, regional teams, consultants, and hotel owners to bring distinctive hospitality experiences to life.

• Prepare, update and revise area summary, design briefs, operating criteria, design standards and outline of consultant scope of responsibilities.
• Participate and direct consultants through concept, schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction, and post- opening deficiency phase.
• Assist in reviewing the design submissions and drawing packages submitted by the developer based on the Accor Standards and guidelines.
• Assist in preparation of FF&E installation schedule and coordinate with construction program and hotel staffing / HOI Team.
• Assist in the review of preliminary project budgets and participate in Value Engineering process to assure that overall budget is adhered to.
• Assist in the selection of all consultants, including definition of scope of services and fee negotiations.
• Meet with consultants to review Design Brief and Operating Criteria, Design Standards and Construction Budget.  Review consultants' responsibilities, sources of direction, budget control, reporting functions, etc.
• Co-ordinate and develop design alternatives, schedules, etc.
• Provide detailed direction to the specialist consultants, i.e., kitchen and laundry designers, back of house, audio visual, acoustic, etc.
• Direct the preparation of detailed layout drawings of all hotel back of the house areas, including offices, maintenance, housekeeping, etc.
• Direct interior designers and architects in the preparation of detailed layouts.
• Review and comment on all drawings and specifications submitted by various consultants.
• Co-ordinate all documents to ensure inclusion of hotel design standards and operating criteria.
• Review final documents including drawings, specifications, budgets, operating pro-forma, etc.
• Assist in coordination of model guestrooms to resolve construction details, quality, and alternates. Carry out final inspection of model rooms prior to installation of loose furnishings.
• Review and approve samples of all materials as required.
• Assist in final inspection of all areas, including kitchen and laundry equipment in conjunction with consultants. Monitor deficiency lists to assure timely completion.
• Provide to owners, detailed monthly reports including TSA Fee status and payment, budget, outstanding design issues and construction progress as requested.
• Build and maintain key relationships with Owners and Consultants to ensure projects progress in a smooth and timely manner.
• Liaise internally within the organization and obtain the necessary input from other corporate departments and disciplines such as Operations, Food and Beverage, Procurement, Technology and Spa & Wellness, etc., per project and have that input coordinated into the design.
• Ensure new hotel designs are benchmarked and optimized for energy efficiency including compliance with global energy and environmental initiatives.
• Provide Design and Construction input/advice in the due diligence process on potential new/conversion and/or renovation of existing hotels and ensure pre-opening reviews relative to luxury and lifestyle standards and specifications are professionally executed.
• Provide professional technical support in relation to AccorHotels Owned and leased assets and ensure Owned managed and leased hotel capital projects comply with AccorHotels brand requirements and support the AFE process.
• Comment on suggested methods of construction and construction schedules, etc. and keep abreast of new technologies to improve time to market.
• Carry out site inspection and assessment as required or directed.
• To represent the Design and Construction function during any refurbishment and renovation works required at any of AccorHotels operational properties providing professional advice and recommendations to the hotel Operations teams, Owners etc.

Qualifications

• Educated at degree level in Architecture, Interior Design or similar
• Typically, 10 years plus experience either in hospitality or a similar role within a project management/ interior designer/ FF&E specialist/ design consultancy with a specialization in hospitality, high end residential or food & beverage.
• Comprehensive understanding of hotel and resort operations (including rooms, food and beverage, spa, flow of meeting space)
• Preferably worked within a domestic/ international organization in a similar role.
• An eye for detail, good analytical skills and be capable of making sound business decisions
• Highly organized, charismatic, hands-on team player with exceptional communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to travel extensively as required
• Should have excellent presentation skills

Additional Information

• Strong project management and design leadership capability
• Advanced interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills
• Ability to collaborate across multicultural and cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and SketchUp
• Self-driven, adaptable, and capable of working independently in a dynamic environment