Director of Design

Ryman Hospitality Properties•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Design leads interior design strategy and execution for new development, renovation, repositioning, and capital projects across the company’s hotel portfolio. In partnership with senior and executive leadership and project managers, the role develops exceptional guest experiences aligned with brand positioning, operational objectives, and financial goals. The Director serves as creative and design lead for assigned projects, providing strategic direction, design oversight, and expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle, while hands-on managing projects to achieve quality, design intent, schedules, budgets, and deliverables. The position oversees Design Project Managers and the FF&E Manager. It is an in-office role based in a corporate environment, with regular travel for property site visits and stakeholder meetings. Construction site visits may involve extreme cold and heat. Standard business hours apply, with extended availability during major projects.

Requirements

Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive interior design experience, including significant hospitality, hotel, resort, or mixed-use project experience.
At least 5 years of experience in a project leadership role with responsibility for project budgets and schedules.
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 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 satisfactory driving record.
Ability to speak and hear effectively; use near and distance vision for computer work, document review, and navigating offices and properties; frequently sit, stand, and walk extended distances; regularly lift and carry up to and exceeding 50 pounds; and continually use gross motor skills and frequently use bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead interior design efforts for assigned development, renovation, and repositioning projects, aligning them with brand standards, guest experience objectives, operational needs, and budgets.
Translate project goals into design solutions by overseeing concepts, space planning, material selections, FF&E, artwork, and finish packages.
Provide design guidance during project execution, balancing aesthetics, functionality, constructability, and return on investment.
Direct design from project inception through completion, reviewing design deliverables, construction documents, specifications, mock-ups, and shop drawings for quality and adherence to design intent.
Partner with corporate and property leadership on development, construction, operations, and procurement needs to resolve design challenges, assess alternatives, and maintain schedules and budgets.
Conduct project reviews and site visits to monitor implementation and support successful delivery.
Serve as the primary design liaison for assigned projects and build productive relationships with owners, operators, architects, interior design firms, vendors, and other consultants.
Develop design briefs, communicate project objectives, and guide and provide feedback to consultants throughout the design process.
Present design concepts, recommendations, and project updates to leadership and 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 guest experience and design quality.
Oversee Design Project Managers and the FF&E Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.