Job Description
At Gensler, we help companies innovate. We design spaces, services, and environments for organizations seeking new ways to deliver value and create meaningful experiences. Within our Hospitality practice, we shape environments that inspire connection, elevate brand identity, and deliver memorable guest experiences. We are searching for an experienced Project-Design Manager with a successful track record of managing all phases of hospitality driven projects and leading multiple complex project teams simultaneously.
Your Role
A Project Manager at Gensler works with autonomy and is responsible for executing a variety of hospitality-focused project types and scales, leading all phases of projects from concept through completion.
Potential projects include hotels and resorts, branded residences, restaurants and food & beverage environments, lifestyle and mixed-use hospitality developments, and experiential destinations that redefine how people gather, travel, and connect.
This role is involved throughout the full project delivery process and requires a strong working knowledge of hospitality design and operations to ensure exceptional project outcomes. The Design Manager leads relationships with clients, operators, developers, contractors, agencies, and specialty consultants.
They also collaborate with and mentor junior staff to foster design excellence and deliver outstanding guest-centric environments, serving as the primary point of contact for all work produced.
What You Will Do
Act as a design manager for a variety of hospitality and lifestyle-driven projects
Lead the execution of projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction administration
Build and maintain strong client relationships, including owners, operators, and brand stakeholders
Generate new business opportunities and support marketing efforts, including proposals, presentations, and interviews
Drive project delivery, ensuring alignment with design intent, brand standards, and guest experience goals
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans
Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including architecture, interior design, F&B consultants, lighting designers, and branding agencies
Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
Lead project teams, assign tasks, and monitor progress across multiple concurrent projects
Mentor and support the professional development of junior staff
Oversee design documentation and coordinate project deliverable
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, brand standards, and operational requirements
Other related duties as assigned
Your Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
7+ years of relevant design experience, including 2+ years of project management experience in a design or architecture firm with a focus on hospitality projects
Experience delivering hospitality environments such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, or mixed-use developments
Strong understanding of hospitality design principles, guest experience, and operational workflows
Experience working across multiple disciplines and coordinating complex building systems
Knowledge of all project phases, including interior design and core & shell architecture
Ability to provide exceptional client service while maintaining project profitability
Proven experience managing multiple large-scale, fast-paced projects simultaneously
Strong programming, planning, and FF&E expertise, with attention to brand storytelling and detail
Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and jurisdictional requirements
Sustainable design experience, with preference for LEED accreditation or project involvement
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project) and design tools such as AutoCAD
Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) are a plus
Experience with construction administration and/or design-build delivery methods preferred
Passion for hospitality environments and creating exceptional guest experiences
Desire to mentor and lead teams
This role is not remote or hybrid; we look forward to working with our new team member in our incredible Chicago office.
**The base salary will be estimated between $100,000 – $130,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.