LEAD DESIGNER / LEAD DESIGN ARCHITECT
Department
Architecture
Reports to
Design Director, Architecture
Visa Status
Candidates must be eligible to work in the USA. No sponsorship is provided
Role
Office based in Coral Gables; no remote option available
ROLE SUMMARY
The Lead Designer / Lead Design Architect guides the creative direction and execution of architectural projects from concept through completion. They champion design excellence by developing innovative ideas and translating them into compelling spatial solutions that balance creativity, functionality, and client vision. Responsibilities include driving design reviews, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and fostering collaboration across the studio. This position requires both visionary and pragmatic leadership, with a focus on problem-solving, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality outcomes aligned with our client’s standards of excellence.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Design Excellence
- Transform design vision into functional, aesthetically compelling solutions.
- Lead the conceptual design vision and contribute throughout all phases of high-profile hospitality, resort, and mixed-use projects - from initial sketches and schematic development to detailed drawings and construction documentation.
- Translate client needs, program requirements, and site constraints into compelling architectural solutions.
- Transform conceptual direction into clear, cohesive, and compelling visual presentations and drawing sets aligned with project goals and brand narratives.
- Support and uphold our client’s Design Excellence principles across all phases of project execution.
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
- Participate in and lead client-facing meetings and presentations, clearly articulating design intent and responding to feedback.
- Participate in design meetings with clients to communicate design ideas and solutions.
- Contribute to business development by leading design storytelling and supporting proposal preparation, client pitches, and design presentations that showcase our client’s creative excellence.
- Collaborate with Principals and Studio Directors on design strategy, proposal development, and new business initiatives.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Provide expert guidance, mentorship, and support to junior and intermediate team members.
- Review work and offer feedback that reinforces a high standard of design and collaboration.
- Participate in design reviews, critique sessions, and studio initiatives that foster collaboration and creative exploration.
Collaboration and Coordination
- Work closely with Project Managers to coordinate schedules, deliverables, and team resources.
- Coordinate with internal disciplines and external consultants (interiors, landscape, MEP, structural) to maintain integration and continuity across design packages.
- Oversee all project aspects, collaborating with specialists to drive innovation through cutting-edge design solutions and best practices.
Technology and Innovation
- Collaborate with the Technical team on BIM workflows to ensure design intent is preserved.
- Help evolve our client’s design methodologies through participation in internal design reviews and critiques.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends in sustainability, design technology, and luxury experiences to elevate our client’s global design portfolio.
Quality Assurance and Delivery
- Identify and resolve challenges throughout the design process to ensure seamless project execution.
- Ensure compliance with relevant local and international design standards.
- Review shop drawings and submittals for design compliance.
- Collaborate with technical teams to ensure the translation of design intent into documentation.
- Assist in resolving technical issues without compromising design integrity.
Construction and Site Support
- Participate in site visits to monitor execution and provide design clarifications.
- Support construction administration by ensuring design integrity is preserved through documentation and implementation.
WHO YOU ARE
- 12–14 years of experience in designing and managing architectural projects from inception to completion, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (preferred).
- Licensed or registered architect with AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent professional accreditation (as applicable by region).
- Well-versed in the requirements and deliverables of the relevant accrediting bodies (e.g., AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent).
- Extensive experience in hospitality and destination design, with strong familiarity with hospitality programming, FOH/BOH planning, and brand standards, applying these principles to concept development, design narratives, and client presentations.
- Extensive experience across diverse project types, locations, and firms, with significant expertise in resorts, hospitality, luxury destinations, and mixed-use developments.
- Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, with knowledge of Grasshopper as a plus; familiarity with BIM and Bluebeam software.
- Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of Enscape is a plus.
- Experienced in technical detailing, sustainable design principles, and coordination with consultants (interiors, landscape, structural, MEP).
- Strong presentation skills for client interactions, with the ability to communicate design intent clearly.
- Business-minded, with experience in proposal development, client relationship management, and market positioning strategies.
- Experienced in mentoring junior designers and promoting a collaborative studio culture.
- Culturally aware, adaptable, and resilient when navigating diverse teams and project challenges.
Beyond the qualifications, the Lead Designer / Lead Design Architect role requires an individual who:
- Demonstrates creativity in problem-solving, developing innovative solutions that balance aesthetics and functionality.
- Ensures precision and high-quality deliverables throughout the design process.
- Manages competing priorities effectively, aligning tasks with project needs.
- Protects design integrity through proactive and solution-oriented approaches.
- Facilitates communication and collaboration to navigate conflicts constructively.
- Adapts to diverse working styles and supports team members under pressure.
- Applies business acumen to strengthen client engagement and business development efforts.
