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This role will be a hybrid role based out of New York, New York with regular travel to project sites.
Discovery Land Company is seeking a full-time, year-round Vice President, Design & Architecture to join the Creative Services Department.
Job Summary:
The VP, Design & Architecture coordinates the design vision and delivery for a portfolio of luxury vertical residential, private club, and mixed-use developments, from concept through market-ready product. Leads outside architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and specialty consultants. Translates market and sales intelligence into product: unit mix, layouts, amenities, finishes, and the sales environment. Serves as the owner's design authority and single point of accountability for design quality, budget, and schedule.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Vision and Product Definition
- Set the design vision and narrative for each project, aligned with brand, site, and target buyer.
- Build the product program with development, sales, and finance: unit mix, sizes, layouts, views, outdoor space, amenity and club programming, parking, and storage.
- Use pricing, absorption, and buyer feedback to refine layouts and mix before launch and during sellout.
- Consultant Selection and Management
- Identify, vet, and recommend design architects, architects of record, interior designers, landscape architects, and lighting, kitchen and bath, signage, and wayfinding consultants.
- Draft scopes and RFPs; evaluate fee proposals and negotiate agreements with development and legal.
- Run design meetings, set decision calendars, and hold consultants to deliverables through SD, DD, and CD.
- Architecture, Interiors, and Landscape
- Direct massing, facades, materials, and site planning.
- Lead interiors for residences, lobbies, amenities, and club spaces, including finish and fixture packages and standard versus upgrade options.
- Direct landscape and hardscape, pools, courtyards, rooftops, and site amenities.
- Establish and maintain design standards and specifications across the portfolio.
- Budget, Schedule, and Approvals
- Manage design budgets and consultant fees; track changes and approvals.
- Partner with construction and pre-construction on value engineering that protects the product.
- Oversee mockups, samples, submittals, and design punch lists with the GC and trades.
- Lead design through zoning, planning, architectural and historic review, and community design review.
- Go-to-Market
- Deliver design inputs for sales and marketing: floor plans, renderings, finish schedules, model residences, sales gallery, and offering plan exhibits.
- Work with branding and marketing agencies and the sales team on the design story across collateral, digital, and broker materials.
- Oversee buyer customization and upgrade programs; keep sales documentation consistent with what is built.
- Carry the product from sales launch through closing and turnover.
- Leadership
- Build and manage an internal design team as the portfolio grows.
- Present design recommendations to executive leadership, partners, and investors.
- Capture lessons learned and turn them into repeatable standards.
Skills & Qualifications:
- 12+ years in architecture, interiors, or design management, including 7+ years on the owner or developer side in luxury residential.
- Track record delivering high-end condominium, branded residence, or club and resort residential from concept through closing.
- Experience directing internationally recognized architects and designers.
- Clear understanding of how design drives pricing, absorption, and buyer experience.
- Working knowledge of construction, cost management, zoning, and offering plan requirements.
- Exceptional taste with commercial discipline.
- Strong presenter and negotiator with ownership, investors, and brand partners.
- Degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field; licensure a plus.
- Ability to travel regularly.
Additional Requirements:
- Flexibility and ability to pivot to new projects and desire to work in fast-paced environment.
- Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to deliver service to members, guests, and team members.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to stay calm and focused during the busiest of times.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; additional languages preferred.
- Must be able to work flexible work hours/schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Long hours may be required due to business demands.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including, but not limited to, working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, standing, walking, and moving for periods of greater than eight (8) hours, and lifting and carrying items sometimes greater than fifty (50) pounds.
Benefits
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Full-Time Year Round Only)
- 401k Contribution (Full-Time Year Round Only)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays (Full-Time Year Round Only)
- Employee Meals, Referral Incentives, and Recognition Programs
- Holiday Pay
- Professional development and upward mobility opportunities
- Work-Family Culture
The compensation for the role is $400-550k plus bonus.
