DIRECTOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Opatija, Croatia

At Liburnia Hotels & Villas, we redefine the hospitality experience through our collection of exquisite hotels and villas nestled in some of the most picturesque destinations along the pristine coast of the Riviera in the North Adriatic. With our rich heritage spanning over 75 years, we are renowned for our unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable memories for our guests. Our diverse portfolio of 18 properties features a range of accommodations, from elegant boutique hotels to lavish seaside villas, each offering a unique blend of modern comforts and authentic charm. At the heart of our operations lies a passionate team of hospitality professionals – a driving force behind our success – who are striving to create an environment that values excellence and promotes empowerment. As we continue to expand and evolve, we actively seek talented individuals who are passionate about hospitality and eager to grow with us. Together, we are on a mission to become the most progressive lifestyle provider in the region. Come and join us in our quest to climb and reach this inspiring summit!


As our company embarks on a new growth chapter, we need to expand our capabilities to conceptualize and develop attractive, functional, and sustainable hospitality products. Hence, we are seeking a visionary Director of Architecture to join Liburnia Hotels & Villas and lead our design and architectural endeavors across our esteemed portfolio. The primary responsibility of the Director of Architecture is to manage the development of a portfolio of building and renovation projects for Liburnia Hotels & Villas. The ideal candidate will spearhead the conceptualization, development, and execution of architectural projects that reflect our commitment to developing unique and sustainable hospitality products. This role is your chance to be part of an in-house Architecture & Design function that oversees design strategy, prototype development, design support, cost optimization, and design procurement.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

Design Strategy & Prototype Development:

  • Develop and execute comprehensive design and architectural strategies that align with Liburnia Hotels & Villas' brand ethos and values, lodging spectrum, product categories, and the company’s long-term objectives.
  • Partner with the Technical Services team to ensure the design vision aligns with the overall product strategy and can deliver optimal experiences to target guests.
  • Develop cost-effective and segment-competitive prototypes for all brands or product categories across all segments, including ongoing refinements to existing prototypes and potential for new brand prototypes and product categories.
  • Identify industry partners to support ongoing innovation in the hospitality space, testing new products and concepts and scaling over time.
  • Continuously keep up to date on industry developments and understand market conditions impacting hotel financial performance and returns.

 

Design Support:

  • Oversee construction activities and take ownership of all design and architectural projects, overseeing every phase from inception to completion, while ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints, deadlines, and quality benchmarks.
  • Coordinate communication with project consultants and provide design guidance and lead design review and approval process, including assessment of the submitted drawings and specifications by the architecture team assigned to a project, so to ensure that design plans, project or construction documents, and design presentations comply with brand standards, product category, regulatory standards, and prevailing industry standards.
  • Assist in the solving of design problems as they arise in concert with architects and consultants.
  • Accurately communicate project status regularly to the Executive, Technical Services, and Project Teams, and provide projections for all design aspects and program delivery.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with operations, marketing, and finance teams, to integrate design and architectural considerations into overarching business strategies and initiatives.


Cost Optimization:

  • Work with cost estimators to optimize brand prototypes and design selections to ensure affordable strategy across product categories from an Architecture & Design perspective.
  • Develop and structure a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for projects or ensure the preparation of detailed cost estimates for projects to enable the Executive Team to make informed decisions.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and agreements to procure high-quality materials and services within budgetary parameters.


Design Procurement:

  • Work with hospitality design consultants to ideate and create design strategies and/or product prototypes and bring them to life.
  • Execute on the design vision in identifying appropriate and/or approved FF&E and OS&E items or manufacturers, by partnering with the Group’s Procurement and external vendors.


Candidate Requirements:


Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or related field.


Experience:

  • Experience in hospitality design roles and a proven track record of successful work in design and architecture within the hospitality sector, be it with a hotel company or an architecture firm with a focus on the hotel industry.
  • Multi-faceted experience and industry knowledge in hospitality, architecture, and design services.
  • Ability to accurately estimate project duration and pre-empt potential pitfalls based on experience, scheduling analysis, and interaction with other stakeholders.
  • Strong project management skills, with experience overseeing architectural projects from conception to completion.
  • Previous experience managing teams of architects, designers, and consultants.
  • Familiarity with architectural software and design tools.
  • Significant experience in developing perspectives and innovating with a lens for architecture and design to deliver on a defined experience.


Skills & Knowledge:

  • Creative thinking and the ability to innovate in design concepts and solutions.
  • Ability to think innovatively and anticipate emerging trends.
  • Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements related to hospitality architecture.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Flexibility in making changes and working in a matrix-based organization.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

DIRECTOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

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DIRECTOR / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

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