Director of Design

Hospitality Design & Renovation Manager The Arbor Collection | Ann Arbor, Michigan The Arbor Collection is seeking a highly organized, creative, and execution-focused Project Manager & Interior Designer to oversee renovations, furnishing, design, and property-improvement projects across our growing portfolio of distinctive short-term rentals and boutique hospitality properties. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who can develop a compelling design vision—and then manage every detail required to bring it to life. Key ResponsibilitiesInterior Design - Develop cohesive design concepts for short-term rentals, luxury homes, and boutique hospitality spaces. - Create mood boards, furniture plans, finish selections, and room-by-room specifications. - Select furniture, lighting, flooring, paint, cabinetry, tile, paneling, artwork, and accessories. - Design memorable, photographable spaces that improve the guest experience and booking performance. - Balance visual impact, durability, maintenance, budget, and installation timelines. - Source products, obtain pricing, place orders, and track deliveries. - Stage completed spaces and coordinate professional photography. Project Management - Manage renovation and furnishing projects from initial concept through completion. - Establish project scopes, budgets, schedules, and task lists. - Solicit and compare contractor and vendor proposals. - Coordinate contractors, tradespeople, suppliers, cleaners, and installers. - Visit job sites regularly to verify progress, quality, cleanliness, and adherence to the design. - Identify delays or problems early and drive them to resolution. - Maintain accurate records of selections, costs, orders, warranties, and project decisions. - Provide ownership with concise updates, photographs, budget reporting, and recommendations. - Complete final walkthroughs and ensure every space is guest-ready. Property Improvements - Evaluate existing properties and recommend improvements with the strongest guest-experience and financial impact. - Help develop distinctive amenities such as game rooms, theaters, saunas, outdoor entertainment areas, and themed spaces. - Coordinate repairs, maintenance projects, and property refreshes between guest stays. - Build repeatable standards for finishes, furnishings, supplies, and installations across the portfolio. What We’re Looking For - Experience in interior design, construction project management, renovations, hospitality design, or a closely related field. - Strong aesthetic judgment and the ability to work across multiple design styles. - Proven ability to manage several projects, contractors, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously. - Excellent organization, communication, documentation, and follow-through. - Confidence holding vendors and contractors accountable for quality and timing. - Ability to make sound decisions independently while knowing when ownership input is needed. - Comfortable working in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment. - Proficiency with project-management and design tools is preferred. - Familiarity with short-term rentals, hospitality, or residential renovations is a strong advantage. The Ideal Person You are both creative and operational. You notice the proportions of a room, the quality of a finish, and the details guests will photograph—but you are equally attentive to budgets, delivery dates, contractor performance, and unfinished punch-list items. You take personal responsibility, communicate problems early, and remain calm when plans change. You do not simply present ideas; you turn ideas into finished spaces. Success in This Role Success will be measured by: - Projects completed on time and within approved budgets. - Consistent design quality across the portfolio. - Accurate purchasing and dependable delivery tracking. - Strong contractor and vendor accountability. - Fewer missed details and unresolved punch-list items. - Properties that are durable, operationally practical, and visually memorable. - Improved guest satisfaction, listing presentation, and revenue potential. Position Details - Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan - Work arrangement: Primarily local and in person, with administrative and design work completed remotely as appropriate - Schedule: Full-time, with occasional flexibility required around installations, renovations, and property turnovers - Compensation: Competitive and based on experience, with performance incentives available About The Arbor Collection The Arbor Collection develops and operates distinctive furnished homes and hospitality experiences in Ann Arbor. Our properties combine thoughtful design, memorable amenities, strong operations, and exceptional guest service. As we expand, we are looking for people who take ownership, value continuous growth, and enjoy transforming ambitious ideas into exceptional spaces. Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Work Location: In person