Design Manager – Hospitality

About the role

Gensler Costa Rica is looking for a Design Manager to lead the strategic and operational delivery of hospitality architecture projects. You will be the primary point of accountability, guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept through construction and post‑occupancy while balancing design excellence, technical feasibility, and financial performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full project lifecycle, ensuring delivery on schedule, budget, and profitability.
• Serve as the main client interface, managing expectations and long‑term relationships.
• Oversee multidisciplinary teams (architecture, interiors, consultants) and align design intent with technical execution.
• Provide high‑level guidance on design and technical strategies without handling all production directly.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and quality standards.
• Lead project planning, staffing, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee documentation quality, contract negotiations, scope definition, and fee structures.
• Monitor construction activities, coordinate with consultants, contractors, and authorities.
• Maintain financial tracking, reporting, and forecasting.
• Champion quality control and mentor team members.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field.
• 8+ years of architectural practice with strong project and team leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale or complex hospitality projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and client relationships.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating consultants.
• Strong understanding of design processes, construction documentation, and project delivery.
• Knowledge of building codes, construction systems, and permitting processes.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent communication skills.

Required skills

• Revit
• SketchUp
• Enscape
• Adobe Suite
• MS Office