Senior Interior Architect - Hospitality

Populous•Kansas City, MO

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We design places where people love to be together. Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments. We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms. We’re seeking a Senior Interior Architect - Hospitality with 15+ years of professional experience to lead technical execution for complex interior design projects from concept through completion. This role integrates strategic thinking, client engagement and design leadership with a special emphasis on Hospitality typologies. Our preferred candidate will have proven success leading interior design projects within hospitality or hotel programming.

Requirements

Proven ability to lead complex interior design projects and design teams from concept through completion within a dynamic, creative studio environment.
Strategic design thinker with mastery of spatial planning, brand integration, storytelling, and environmental design across hospitality projects.
Demonstrated leadership in conceptual development, project organization, technical delivery, and team oversight.
Experienced in managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously while ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and design excellence.
Accomplished in leading high-level client engagements as a strategic partner.
Skilled at creating and fostering trust with clients and stakeholders while directing large interdisciplinary consultant teams.
Exceptional mentor and team leader with a commitment to professional development and design culture.
Expert in technical construction documentation that integrates design intent with spatial planning and operational requirements.
Exceptional communication skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and inspire internal and external audiences.
Detail-oriented and highly accountable, consistently delivering quality in demanding and fast-paced project environments.
Advanced proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and both hand-drawn and digital rendering techniques.
Deeply committed to design excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.
Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture (B. Arch or M. Arch) from an accredited program.
Registered Architect with a current license.
15+ years of professional interior design experience.

Nice To Haves

Proven success leading interior design projects within hospitality or hotel programming.
LEED, WELL, or other relevant credentials.

Responsibilities

Providing technical design leadership, spatial planning, building integration and construction execution for complex hospitality projects for both guest-facing and BoH spaces.
Directing the production of detailed technical drawings, diagrams, and presentation materials, overseeing design integration and construction documentation aligned with operational requirements.
Oversight of design continuity, technical quality, and project documentation through all phases – including concept & visioning, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and administration.
Managing project resources including budgets, work plans, consultants and schedules.
Supporting Project Managers in the construction administration process, ensuring design intent is maintained and project goals are achieved.
Guiding collaboration across internal and external teams and direct coordination with consultants to realize and elevate design intent.
Participating in design reviews, client presentations, and team charrettes, stakeholder workshops and project reviews.
Utilizing design research, precedent studies, and material exploration to drive innovation and inform strategic design decisions.
Building and nourishing client relationships, serving as a key design liaison and strategic partner.
Leading and mentoring junior and mid-level interior designers, fostering innovative design culture and influencing exceptional performance.
Ensuring design excellence at all levels and alignment with Populous’ brand and project goals.