Studio Lead | Select Service, Hospitality
Job Description
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Studio Lead | Select Service, Hospitality |  Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned hospitality design leader to head our Select Service studio in Chicago. This role is built for someone who has successfully run prototypical hotel programs at scale, understands brand standards instinctively, and thrives on delivering consistent, high-quality results through repeatable processes, speed, and precision.
As Studio Lead – Hospitality (Select Service), you will serve as the senior operational and design authority for all select service work. You’ll lead a growing team, establish clear standards and workflows, and bring structure and confidence to a green studio environment. Partnering closely with Business Development and Operations, you will define how select service hospitality projects are executed across the firm.
Why This Role: This is a leadership opportunity for a professional who values clarity, accountability, and momentum. You’ll have the ability to shape a studio, mentor emerging talent, and build scalable systems that support growth—while working within a culture that is transparent, curious, collaborative, engaging, and respectful.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the select service subject-matter expert, providing clear guidance on brand standards, scope, and delivery
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of select service hospitality designers, setting high expectations for accuracy, efficiency, and accountability
- Document, standardize, and enforce select service SOPs, workflows, and delivery standards to ensure repeatable execution
- Lead onboarding, training, and career development for designers, creating clarity, confidence, and growth pathways within the studio
- Establish and maintain documentation, workflow, and approval standards to minimize rework and ambiguity
- Manage schedules, workloads, and contract deliverables to ensure timely and compliant project execution
- Support the Studio Director with contract review, fee development, and monthly billing guidance
- Collaborate with Business Development to forecast workload and confidently articulate select service capabilities
- Maintain strong relationships with brand representatives, consultants, and key vendors
- Represent the firm professionally in client, brand, and industry settings
- Provide leadership with transparency on studio performance, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from a CIDA-accredited program
- 7+ years of hospitality design experience with a deep focus on select service
- Proven experience leading or managing a select service studio or high-volume, prototypical hospitality design team
- Prior employment at a select service–focused hospitality design firm (required)
- Expert-level understanding of brand standards, prototypical scopes, and repeatable delivery models
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
- Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, enforce contract compliance, and deliver accurate, complete documentation
- Confident communicator with clients, brand partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders
- NCIDQ certification preferred
- Willingness to travel as needed
Who Thrives in This Role
- A decisive, confident leader who provides clear direction and practical guardrails
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- A structured thinker who values consistency, speed, and clarity
- A collaborative partner who operates with accountability and respect
- Someone comfortable leading and developing a green team within a defined, repeatable model
If you’re energized by building structure, leading teams, and delivering select service hospitality projects with precision and confidence, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a growing studio.
For immediate review and consideration, contact: Barry Cales - Barry@InteriorTalent.com
Interior Talent, Inc
Since its founding in 2003, Interior Talent has evolved into one of the leading talent recruitment and retention firms for the Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Retail, and Manufacturing industries. Our defined area of expertise and ability to continually adapt to the unique needs of our clients allow us to provide focused, individualized service.
For all active Interior Talent job listings, please visit Jobs.InteriorTalent.com
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CONFIDENTIALITY & PROFESSIONALISM: We assist with the entire process so that looking into a new opportunity is discreet and confidential – we highly value your current position and will never do anything that would bring your future into jeopardy
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EXPERTISE: In the industry since 2003 - we are your advocate, and WE GET IT – we know making a career decision is difficult, and we’re here for you throughout the whole process
Job Requirements
Meet Your Recruiter
Barry Cales
Recruiter
Barry brings a depth of experience in development and operations across multiple industries to the team. He combines his passion for people and drive for results, with his extensive operations experience and industry connections to bring tremendous value to his candidates and clients. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant success and awards including Partner of the Year, General Manager of the Year, Philanthropic Cafe of the Year, and Sales and Marketing Cafe of the year. He wants to share that passion and success with you. Outside of the office, you will find Barry enjoying the outdoors in life, from beachside to new foodie hotspots with his wife, Jennifer, and kids. You can reach him at Barry@InteriorTalent.com.
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