Director of Design

Opry Entertainment Group & Ryman Hospitality Properties•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Design leads interior design strategy and execution for hotel portfolio development, renovation, repositioning, and capital projects. In partnership with senior and executive leadership and project managers, the role creates guest experiences aligned with brand positioning, operational objectives, and financial goals. The Director serves as the creative and design lead for assigned projects, providing strategic direction, design oversight, and expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle, while also managing project execution to achieve quality, design intent, schedules, budgets, and deliverables. This role oversees design project managers and the FF&E Manager, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and supports sourcing, procurement, and value engineering while protecting the intended guest experience and design quality. The position is based in a corporate office, requires regular travel for property site visits and stakeholder meetings, and includes construction site visits that may involve extreme cold and heat.

Requirements

Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
10 or more years of progressive interior design experience, including significant hospitality, hotel, resort, or mixed-use project experience.
5 or more years of experience in a project leadership role with responsibility for project budget and schedule.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale hotel renovations and new development projects.
Experience managing external design consultants and influencing cross-functional project teams.
Strong understanding of hospitality operations, guest experience design, FF&E procurement, and project delivery processes.
Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to influence decision-making across multiple stakeholder groups.
Strong relationship-building skills with consultants, vendors, and internal partners.
Strong design sensibility and ability to evaluate creative and operational considerations.
Proven project leadership and organizational capabilities, including the ability to manage staff and external consultants.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Financial acumen and understanding of capital project budgets.
Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to speak and hear to communicate effectively and use near and distance vision.
Ability to use close and distance vision for computer work, document review, and office or property navigation.
Ability to frequently sit, stand, and walk extended distances across large properties.
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to and exceeding 50 lbs.
Ability to continually use gross motor skills and frequently use bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills for computer use and office tasks.

Nice To Haves

NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA certification, or an equivalent professional credential.

Responsibilities

Lead interior design efforts for assigned development, renovation, and repositioning projects, ensuring alignment with brand standards, guest experience objectives, operational needs, and project budgets.
Translate project goals into design solutions by overseeing design concepts, space planning, material selections, FF&E, artwork, and finish packages.
Provide expert design guidance throughout project execution, balancing aesthetics, functionality, constructability, and return on investment.
Direct the design process from project inception through completion, reviewing design deliverables, construction documentation, specifications, mock-ups, and shop drawings.
Partner with corporate and property leadership on development, construction, operations, and procurement needs to resolve design challenges, evaluate alternatives, and maintain schedules and budgets.
Conduct project reviews and site visits to monitor implementation and support successful project delivery.
Serve as the primary design liaison for assigned projects and build productive relationships with owners, operators, architects, interior design firms, vendors, and external consultants.
Develop design briefs, communicate project objectives, and provide direction and feedback to consultants.
Present design concepts, recommendations, and project updates to leadership and project stakeholders.
Ensure consistent application of company and brand design standards while supporting innovation and continuous improvement.
Monitor hospitality design trends, products, materials, and best practices, and incorporate relevant opportunities into project solutions.
Support sourcing, procurement, and value-engineering efforts while preserving the intended guest experience and overall design quality.
Provide oversight of Design Project Managers and the FF&E Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.