Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury hotel design projects and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Mandarin Oriental, a leader in luxury hospitality with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellness benefits, and complimentary stays at our hotels.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury design and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in luxury hotel design and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to excellence and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Mandarin Oriental is looking for a Director, Architecture & Design to join our Technical Services – Architecture & Design team. Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, acting with integrity, respect, and responsibility? Do you embrace a growth mindset and take pride in delivering the exceptional? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.
Mandarin Oriental is the award‑winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts, and residences, located in the most prestigious destinations globally. Celebrated for legendary service inspired by Asian heritage, the Group continues to shape the future of luxury hospitality through thoughtful design, innovation, and a strong global development pipeline.
Based at the Corporate Office in London, within the Technical Services – Architecture & Design function, the Director, Architecture & Design plays a strategic role in defining and safeguarding Mandarin Oriental’s design excellence across the EMEA region. The role is responsible for ensuring that new developments and major projects reflect the brand’s guest‑centric philosophy, seamlessly integrate technology and sustainability, and translate a deep understanding of place into refined, luxury product experiences.
The position reports to the Group Director of Architecture & Design and works in close partnership with Development, Technical Services, Brand, and regional leadership teams.
Responsibilities- Development Support – Accelerate
- Partner with Development and Regional Technical Services teams to evaluate planning and design of new projects at pre‑HMA stage.
- Recommend design improvements to ensure alignment with Mandarin Oriental’s ambition, positioning, and guest experience standards.
- Contribute to the Vision & Positioning (PULSE) process through strong understanding of local markets and regional product nuances.
- Deliver project‑specific Design Briefs aligned with the agreed Vision for each development.
- Lead the selection of Architects and Interior Designers capable of delivering the brand vision.
- Inspire and influence owners and development partners to adopt Mandarin Oriental’s design direction and recommendations.
- Maintain the Group’s leadership in luxury hotel and resort design by championing innovation and best‑in‑class design talent.
- Project Support – Elevate
- Support Project Leaders in delivering exceptional design outcomes by leading and shaping design conversations with consultants and partners.
- Review mock‑up room (MUR) designs and associated documentation.
- Conduct detailed space planning and layout reviews for guestrooms and all public areas including Restaurants & Bars, Spa, and MICE.
- Lead the briefing and review process for Speciality Suites.
- Support Regional Technical Services teams with major CAPEX and Strategic Asset Management initiatives.
- Track progress and communicate updates to leadership and key stakeholders.
- Brand Innovation
- Demonstrate design leadership and initiative across all projects and internal initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal teams to define ad‑hoc research and consumer insight requirements.
- Drive the development and evolution of Mandarin Oriental’s Processes, Tools, Product Standards & Guidelines (PS&G).
- Propose, research, trial, and implement innovative design and product solutions that elevate the guest experience.
- Actively contribute to brand innovation, sustainability principles, and global Technical Services initiatives.
- Support the Group Director of Architecture & Design on global priorities and initiatives as required.
- University degree (or equivalent) in Architecture and/or Interior Design.
- 15+ years’ experience in luxury hotel and resort development, interior design, and construction.
- Proven senior leadership experience within luxury hospitality or comparable high‑end environments.
- Recognised expertise in luxury hotel and branded residence interior design.
- Strong spatial planning, sketching, and design review capabilities.
- Solid understanding of industry standards, codes, and sustainability frameworks (e.g. LEED).
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex design and construction processes across multiple projects.
- Strategic mindset with strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, Revu‑Bluebeam, and relevant design tools.
- Collaborative, culturally sensitive, and confident in influencing owners and senior stakeholders.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are welcome.
- Willingness to travel within the EMEA region as required.
- Learning & Development
- Your success is our success. We provide tailored learning and development programmes to support your continuous growth.
- MOstay
- As a member of the #MOfamily, enjoy complimentary stays and attractive rates across Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide.
- Health & Colleague Wellness
- Your wellbeing matters to us. A range of health and wellness benefits are offered globally.
- Rewards & Benefits
- We offer a competitive senior leadership compensation and benefits package, aligned with local policies.
We’re Fans. Are you?
Director Architecture & Design EMEA in London employer: Mandarin Oriental
Contact Detail:
Mandarin Oriental Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Architecture & Design EMEA in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to architecture and design. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure your design work is front and centre. Create a stunning online portfolio that highlights your best projects. We want to see your creativity and how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Mandarin Oriental’s design philosophy. Understand their brand values and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about our mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to contribute to our exceptional team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Architecture & Design EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for architecture and design shine through. We want to see how you embrace the exceptional and how your values align with our commitment to luxury hospitality.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in luxury hotel and resort development. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and design expertise, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for design excellence and how you can contribute to our brand’s guest-centric philosophy. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Mandarin Oriental family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mandarin Oriental
✨Know Your Craft Inside Out
As a candidate for the Director, Architecture & Design role, it's crucial to demonstrate your mastery of architecture and design principles. Brush up on your knowledge of luxury hotel design, sustainability frameworks, and the latest industry trends. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and how they align with Mandarin Oriental's guest-centric philosophy.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a strategic approach to design and development. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully managed complex design processes and influenced stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've used them to drive project success and innovation.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Mandarin Oriental values teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams, including Development and Technical Services, to achieve exceptional design outcomes. Share stories that illustrate your leadership style and how you inspire others to adopt a shared vision.
✨Align with Brand Values
Familiarise yourself with Mandarin Oriental's brand values and commitment to excellence. During the interview, express your passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and how your design philosophy aligns with their mission. Show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also a fit for the brand culture.
