Hospitality Designer
About The Position
Empire and Co. is seeking an experienced Hospitality Designer for its growing Creative Studio in the NYC office. The role supports projects across multifamily, senior living, student housing, residential model homes, and amenity-driven commercial environments. It combines hospitality, residential, and workplace design, translating concepts into client-ready solutions that balance aesthetics, performance, budget, and speed-to-market. The designer co-reports to the VP of Creative Strategy and SVP of Hospitality and works with internal teams and external partners to bring spaces to life. The role delivers design solutions from concept through execution. It develops FF&E and furniture concepts, design packages, presentations, specifications, and pricing documentation; supports coordination through installation; and collaborates with sales, project management, procurement, clients, and manufacturer partners. The designer also contributes to Empire’s Creative Library and keeps current with design trends, materials, and industry innovations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in hospitality interior design or a related field.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating FF&E, space planning, and design storytelling.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, CET, or similar design tools.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite; InDesign preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Office tools.
- Understanding of contract furniture, materials, and specifications.
- Knowledge of ADA guidelines and industry standards.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to balance creativity with budget constraints and project timelines.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Hospitality-driven design sensibility with attention to detail.
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach.
Responsibilities
- Develop holistic FF&E and furniture solutions aligned with project vision, brand identity, and target demographic.
- Translate conceptual direction into design packages, including finish palettes, material boards, and styling concepts.
- Produce client-ready presentations supported by specifications and pricing documentation.
- Curate furniture, accessories, artwork, and specialty items.
- Support projects from concept through installation, ensuring design intent is executed accurately.
- Partner with sales, project management, and procurement teams to drive project success.
- Develop space plans, furniture layouts, and renderings.
- Participate in client meetings to understand project goals, constraints, and expectations.
- Work across multifamily, senior living, student housing, hospitality, and commercial environments.
- Bridge hospitality-driven design with contract furniture execution and operational requirements.
- Contribute to the development of Empire’s Creative Library.
- Stay current on design trends, materials, and industry innovations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturer partners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
