Design Manager

Marriott•Bethesda, MD

5d•$96,000 - $129,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager-Design leads the architectural design strategy and execution of multiple Marriot Select Business new build / conversion projects across managed and franchised hotel projects, ensuring alignment with brand vision, operational requirements, and business objectives. Acts as a design authority, guiding concept development, evaluating design solutions, and influencing key design decisions with ownership groups and their representation. Oversees internal teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality, innovative, and compliant design outcomes within established budgets and schedules. Serves as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by interpreting and adapting brand standards to diverse project conditions while maintaining brand integrity. Drives project governance, including consultant management, contract oversight, and post-approval change management, and ensures accurate project tracking and reporting.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience in architecture at a design firm for large commercial or hospitality projects.
Travel approximately 30%, must have a valid driver’s license, ability to rent a car, and periodically drive long distances to remote locations.

Nice To Haves

4-year undergraduate degree in Architecture or related design discipline preferred.
Experienced in construction document development, preferably Hotel Projects.
Architectural license preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead design strategy and execution for Marriott Select Business projects (managed and franchised), ensuring brand integrity, design excellence, operational feasibility, and consistent quality outcomes.
Serves as the primary design point of contact for assigned projects, guiding owners and external consultants through Marriott’s brand standards, design intent, and approval processes.
Supports in-house Project Management co-workers’ construction support services related to design decisions, clarifications, or updates during construction phase.
Capable of influencing concept design solutions, including feasibility support, test fits, and program requirements aligned to brand positioning and project objectives.
Influence executive and owner decision-making by presenting design recommendations, articulating rationale, and securing alignment at senior leadership levels.
Work with external consultants, setting clear expectations, providing direction, and driving high performance across project teams.
Serve as a trusted advisor to owners and stakeholders, interpreting and adapting brand standards to meet unique project conditions while maintaining brand intent.
Develops Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) in partnership with internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity of scope, cost alignment, and brand intent.
Partners with Development and Brand teams to support owner engagement efforts, leveraging Marriott design expertise to influence decision making and strengthen deal execution.
Recommends design changes to address customer satisfaction data, operational concerns, brand initiatives, and development strategies.
Embraces mindset of continuous learning and improvement, seeking and adopting new processes, technology, and solutions for highest impact.
Drive cross-functional alignment with internal stakeholders, owners, architects, and consultants to deliver on quality, budget, and schedule commitments.
Oversee project tracking and reporting through Oasis, ensuring data accuracy, transparency, and timely updates to support business decisions.