Sr Designer, Conceptual Design Architect - Hybrid-AZ

Best Western; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision day one

Vacation/Sick accruals day one

401K - company contribution and match

Employee discounts

Job summary

BWH Hotels is seeking an Architect (Architectural Designer) to support the design department, lead exterior hotel projects, and develop property improvement plans. You will mentor staff, ensure design guidelines are met, and collaborate with members to deliver practical, compliant solutions.

The role is hybrid with onsite presence at our Phoenix HQ, offering growth in a global hospitality company with diverse brands and design challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of architecture experience for commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities.
• Hotel/hospitality design experience preferred.
• Certification in NCARB/AIA/NCIDQ preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide project design services and establish design criteria.
• Lead exterior hotel design packages and oversee quality and compliance.
• Develop presentation drawings, sketches and specifications.
• Lead design initiatives and mentor team members.
• Ensure adherence to company design guidelines and standards.
• Create property improvement plans and support member development.

Skills

Sketching

Modeling

Detail-oriented

Client communication

Team collaboration

Project leadership

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

NCARB / AIA / NCIDQ certification preferred

Tools

SketchUp

AutoCAD

Revit

Photoshop

InDesign

Twinmotion

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join BWH Hotels – Where Passion Meets Purpose

At BWH® Hotels, we don't just offer employment opportunities, we create opportunities to be part of something extraordinary. As a global leader in hospitality for nearly 80 years, our vision is to inspire travel through unique experiences. Joining our corporate team means becoming part of a dynamic and inclusive community that values innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact in the travel industry.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, BWH Hotels boasts a powerful portfolio of 18 brands, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels®, with approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries. We take pride in our top-ranking employee engagement scores and foster a workplace culture where your contributions truly matter. Join us and be part of a team that's shaping the future of hospitality!

Job Purpose

Architect (Architectural Designer) to provide support to the design department, our members, conditional applicants and conversion properties by providing project design services, establishing design criteria, and/or acting as the lead for design initiatives. May assist in making member development recommendations and writing property improvement plans.

Key Responsibilities

• To be client-focused while utilizing your professional design experience to create practical and relevant exterior conceptual design packages.
• Meet company and professional design requirements by reviewing members reports, photos and plans to assess condition and correct design or compliance deficiencies based on the company design guidelines.
• Conceptualize and assist in implementing creative, appealing exterior hotel building design, lighting, exterior pool/patio/driveways/entries/common areas, etc.
• Promote compliance with company and professional design standards by providing members with project design consulting services.
• Develop and prepare presentation drawings, sketches and specifications by using architectural design principles and skills. Apply functional analysis and architectural design principles and makes presentations to clients.
• Lead and monitor projects to ensure quality, workmanship standards, design guidelines, and compliance objectives are met.
• Lead design initiatives to recommend and implement new systems, processes or procedures.
• Contribute to team effort by providing advice and technical direction.
• Make recommendations on member matters.
• Create practical and relevant property improvement plans.
• Maintain quality service by following Company standards.

Preferred Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years related experience in architecture for commercial, industrial or institutional facilities.
• Hotel Hospitality/resort design industry experience preferred.
• NCARB, AIA or NCIDQ certification preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong sketching, modeling and drafting skills.
• Plan/document review skills with a high attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in SketchUp; Photoshop, InDesign. Twinmotion experience a plus.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD. Revit knowledge is a plus.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Customer focused with excellent oral, written and communication skills.
• Ability to diplomatically communicate deficiencies and required changes.
• Previous project leadership experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative style to include teamwork and team building ability.

Work Location and Schedule

• This is a hybrid position, requiring onsite presence Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our Headquarters location, with the option to work remote on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This hybrid model fosters intentional collaboration, teamwork, connection, and productivity, while still providing flexibility and work life balance. The office address is 6201 N 24th Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
• Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (Arizona Time); alternate work hours may be considered.

Travel

• May travel up to 10%.
• Domestic or international travel
• Valid driver’s license, serviceable automobile and proof of insurance may be required.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Benefits Summary for Full-Time Employees

• Medical/Dental/Vision available day one
• Vacation/Sick- accruals start day one
• Paid company holidays and personalholidays to celebrate what’s important to you
• 401K - company contribution and match (U.S.)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – company contribution and match (Canada)
• Employee discounts/hotel discounts
• Free financial and health wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity

BWH Hotels (the "Company")maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ individuals, height, weight, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline, and termination.