Vice President Architecture & Interior Design

Sunrise Senior Living • Mclean, VA

4d

About The Position

The Vice President of Architecture and Interior Design will lead the strategic vision, design innovation, and execution of all architectural and interior design initiatives for our senior living communities. This executive will ensure that all environments reflect the company’s commitment to excellence, wellness, and dignity for older adults, while aligning with brand standards, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The Vice President of Architecture and Interior Design will be a pivotal leader in our development team, responsible for overseeing all architectural and interior design aspects of new senior living projects and significant renovations. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of senior living design principles, a strong architectural background, and an exceptional eye for interior aesthetics. The VP will be instrumental in shaping the built environment of our communities, ensuring they are not only functional and compliant but also inspiring, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing for our residents and their families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field; licensure preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in architecture and interior design, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or multifamily residential development.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in design and project execution.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and project management tools.
• Passion for creating environments that enhance the lives of older adults.
• Deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and social needs of senior residents.
• Ability to balance creativity with functionality and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong sense of accountability and integrity.
• Holistic Project Management.
• Financial Acumen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement design vision, strategy, and standards for architecture and interiors, ensuring alignment with business objectives to ensure the architectural and interior design vision for all new developments, renovations, and repositioning projects.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate design strategies with overall business objectives and brand identity.
• Lead the conceptual design phase, translating market research, operational needs, and resident preferences into compelling design solutions.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and consultants.
• Lead and supervise the in-house interior design department, including offering interior design services available to external operators and owners.
• Build and lead an in-house architecture firm that will replace the need for external architects for select Sunrise projects.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing in-house or external team of architects, interior designers, and design support staff (if applicable).
• Oversee the conceptualization, planning, and execution of architectural and interior design for all projects.
• Ensure designs promote safety, accessibility, sustainability, and a high quality of life for senior residents.
• Manage and oversee external architectural firms from concept through construction administration, ensuring adherence to design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Develop and manage design timelines, budgets, and resources ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or design integrity across multiple concurrent projects.
• Coordinate with development, construction, operations, and marketing teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Review and approve architectural and interior design plans, specifications, and materials.
• Manage and oversee contracts, invoices, etc. and the overall P&L (balance sheet) of several departments on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
• Participate in value engineering efforts, identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining design standards.
• Evaluate proposals from design firms and negotiate contracts.
• Monitor financial health by tracking billings to ensure consistent revenue is being generated and maintaining profitability.
• Inform strategic planning through analyzing billing trends by project type (commercial, industrial, institutional, etc.) and region to guide business development and market positioning.
• Improve project management to ensure projects are billed accurately and on time, which is essential for cash flow and overall project success.
• Convert inquiries into contracts and understand the pipeline from initial client inquiries to signed contracts. A high volume of inquiry coupled with low signed contracts (a recent industry trend) indicates client hesitancy, requiring strategic adjustments to proposals and pricing.
• Select and manage external design firms, architects, and interior designers.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure adherence to project scope, quality, and timelines.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments including Development, Construction, Operations, Marketing, and Finance.
• Act as the primary liaison with external design consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, building codes, ADA requirements, and best practices in senior living design.
• Integrate emerging technologies and sustainable practices into design solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
• Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
• myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
• Tuition Reimbursement
• In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees