Head of Architecture

IHG•Atlanta, GA

1d•$160,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Architecture leads planning and architectural strategy for Luxury & Lifestyle hotels across assigned regions. The role guides a team of architects and partners across Development, Brand, Operations, Construction, Asset Management, Ownership, and external design partners. It shapes projects from early planning through completion, aligning brand ambition, guest experience, owner priorities, design quality, and commercial objectives to strengthen portfolio performance and long-term value. The position sets regional architectural direction for development, conversion, renovation, and repositioning projects; stewards brand design vision; leads owner and stakeholder relationships; oversees project governance and decision-making; and manages departmental budgets, consultant spending, and resources. It is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a hybrid structure expecting three days per week in the office, though this may change with business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
At least 15 years of experience in hospitality, retail, or mixed-use design, construction, and project delivery.
Knowledge of operations, construction principles, and applicable codes and regulations.
Proven experience leading cross-functional teams, external consultants, and complex stakeholder relationships.
Exceptional executive communication, presentation, influence, and organizational skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly.
Proficiency in current design and business software and applications.
Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership style, with the confidence and judgment to guide complex projects and make difficult recommendations.

Responsibilities

Lead regional architecture and planning strategy across Luxury & Lifestyle development, conversion, renovation, and repositioning projects.
Set market-relevant architectural direction for brand development, facilities, and master planning.
Guide complex projects from early planning through completion, balancing brand integrity, guest experience, owner returns, and long-term portfolio value.
Set the architectural vision for Luxury & Lifestyle brands across the region, aligned with brand standards and guest experience.
Evolve design solutions for new markets and development typologies while maintaining brand relevance.
Protect design intent while balancing operational, technical, and commercial requirements.
Serve as the senior partner to owners, investors, developers, and business leaders, aligning stakeholders around design direction, project requirements, and Luxury & Lifestyle standards.
Lead and develop the architecture team, fostering collaboration, design excellence, and strong cross-functional partnership.
Influence owner and operational decisions through clear communication of design intent, architectural requirements, and business priorities.
Build alignment across internal and external partners to enable timely decision-making and effective project delivery.
Manage external consultants and resources to meet workload, specialist expertise, and project needs.
Share architectural insights, best practices, and lessons learned across brands, regions, and disciplines.
Provide regional oversight of portfolio priorities, risks, and key decisions, escalating critical issues as needed.
Drive timely resolution of project challenges, balancing design ambition with local codes, operational needs, constructability, and commercial realities.
Establish frameworks for consistent, disciplined decision-making across the regional portfolio.
Own the departmental operating budget and team expenses, ensuring disciplined financial management.
Manage consultant spending and deploy internal and external resources in line with portfolio priorities, workload, and business needs.