Proper Hospitality is seeking an experienced Director of Design to join our team in Los Angeles.
Position Overview
The Director of Design is a senior leadership role charged with shaping Proper?Hospitality's design vision and authoring the brand standards that govern every project-new development, conversions, renovations, and CAPEX. These standards encompass all technical and visual components of the guest experience, from FF&E, OSE, and finishes to detailed performance criteria (acoustics, lighting, accessibility, durability, sustainability, and building systems). The Director ensures that Proper's distinctive design ethos is translated into practical, repeatable guidelines and delivered flawlessly across a growing global portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Develop & Maintain Comprehensive Brand Standards?
Create, publish and periodically refresh Proper's standards manual covering specifications, drawings, prototypes and references for every tactile and technical element
Lead Design Strategy?
Collaborate with executive team on creative direction for all projects, guiding internal teams and external consultants from concept through installation to ensure every space expresses Proper's luxury point of view
Drive Design Compliance?
Review and approve design submissions, shop drawings, mock?ups and sample rooms; issue variance logs and corrective actions; sign off at key milestones
Integrate Technical Requirements
Ensure that aesthetic choices align with operational, building?code and performance needs
Oversee FF&E & OSE Procurement Frameworks?
Establish preferred vendor networks, quality benchmarks, and value?engineering strategies
Institute workflows, templates, and QA/QC processes that scale with portfolio growth
Stakeholder Engagement?
Present standards, mock?ups, and cost/benefit analyses to ownership, operations, development partners, and asset?management teams; champion brand integrity while meeting budget and schedule objectives
Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a related field
10?+?years of progressive experience in luxury hospitality, including documented success creating and enforcing brand standards across multiple properties
Expert knowledge of FF&E/finish specifications, technical detailing, procurement logistics, and vendor management
Strong command of building codes, ADA, sustainability frameworks, and hotel operational requirements
Exceptional visual sensibility, written communication, and executive?level presentation skills.
Proven leadership and change?management experience in a fast?growth, multi?property environment
Demonstrated proficiency and interest in leveraging AI tools to enhance design development, documentation, and workflow optimization
Company Overview
Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn't proper. We are seeking the best of the best-both within and outside the industry-to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.
To achieve our vision-to inspire and transport people-we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:
Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.
Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.
We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.