Sr. Project Architect

JACK Main; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JACK Main is seeking a Senior Project Architect with deep hospitality design expertise across restaurants, bars, gaming, and entertainment venues. You will translate ideas into compelling visuals via CAD, 3D modeling, rendering, and AI-driven tools, guiding projects from concept through documentation.

You will lead design strategy, collaborate with external firms, manage capital projects, and provide construction oversight to ensure the vision is realized while elevating guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of complex hospitality design projects from concept to completion.
• Experience with restaurants, bars, casinos, hotels and entertainment venues.
• Ability to communicate design concepts clearly to executives and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead design strategy and creative direction across gaming, hospitality, entertainment, retail, and commercial projects.
• Collaborate with external architects and engineers from concept through construction docs.
• Oversee consultant selection, bidding, budgeting, and procurement aligned with design goals.
• Attend construction meetings to verify design intent and ensure quality execution.
• Present concepts and updates to senior leadership.

Skills

Independent work

Communication

Verbal communication

Reading/writing

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

10+ years hospitality design experience

Tools

AutoCAD

3D modeling software

Rendering tools

AI visualization tools

Job description

Position Summary

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in hospitality design- particularly restaurants, bars, gaming environments, and entertainment venues and have the ability to translate ideas into compelling visual concepts through advanced CAD, 3D modeling, rendering, and AI-driven visualization tools.

The Senior Project Architect will collaborate closely with external architecture and engineering firms, guiding projects from concept through design documentation. While property teams will manage on-site construction, this role will support consultant selection, contractor bidding, and construction oversight to ensure the original design vision is successfully executed.

The Senior Project Architect will work closely with executive leadership, property teams, and external consultants to create innovative, memorable, and operationally successful environments that elevate the guest experience and support the company’s long-term growth objectives.

Essential Functions

Design Leadership

• Lead design strategy and creative direction across gaming, hospitality, entertainment, retail, and commercial projects.
• Develop concepts, space plans, renderings, and presentations that enhance guest experience and support business objectives.
• Establish and maintain design standards across the portfolio.
• Utilize AI and visualization technologies to accelerate design development and improve communication of project concepts.

Project Development & Collaboration

• Partner with external architects, designers, engineers, and consultants from concept through construction documentation.
• Serve as the primary internal design authority for capital improvement and development projects.
• Collaborate with operations, food and beverage, marketing, and executive leadership to align project goals and design solutions.
• Present concepts, recommendations, and project updates to senior leadership.

Capital Project Support

• Lead consultant selection and contractor bidding processes for capital projects.
• Assist with project planning, budgeting, scope development, and feasibility reviews.
• Support procurement and vendor management efforts while ensuring adherence to project objectives and budgets.

Construction Oversight

• Attend construction meetings as necessary to ensure adherence to approved design concepts.
• Conduct site visits and inspections during key phases of construction to verify design intent, material quality, and finish execution.
• Collaborate with property teams to resolve design-related issues and maintain project standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to work independently
• Must be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time (4 hours)
• Must be able work at a fast pace and in stressful situations
• Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively
• Must be able to maneuver throughout all areas of the property and from floor to floor either by stairways (minimum of 20 steps) or escalator
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with property and Home office team members and external partners
• Must be able to maneuver to all areas of the casino
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Strong knowledge of building codes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency with AutoCAD and related design platforms.
• Advanced experience with 3D modeling, rendering, visualization, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing AI tools for design ideation, visualization, rendering, and workflow optimization.
• Strong understanding of architectural design, interior design, space planning, materials, and construction documentation.
• Working knowledge of project budgeting, procurement, bidding, and project delivery processes.

Core Competencies

• Design Leadership & Creative Vision
• Hospitality & Food and Beverage Design Expertise
• AI-Driven Visualization & Rendering
• Project Planning & Development
• Budgeting & Capital Project Support
• Vendor & Consultant Management
• Construction Observation & Quality Control
• Strategic Thinking & Communication

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field preferred.
• Experience managing agencies, external vendors, and cross-functional internal teams required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in hospitality, gaming, entertainment, commercial, retail, or mixed-use design environments.
• Proven experience leading projects from concept through completion.
• Strong background in restaurant, bar, casino, hotel, and entertainment venue design preferred.