Senior Architectural Design & Aesthetics Manager

Balfin Development, part of BALFIN Group, is one of the leading investment companies in project development in Albania and the Balkan region. Our success story includes developing some of Albanian’s biggest projects and redefining luxury development throughout the country and the region. Our portfolio includes prestigious residential, touristic, industrial, and commercial projects, such as Green Coast Resort & Residences, Vala Mar Residences, Rolling Hills Luxury Residences, etc. Balfin Development has set market standards by significantly improving community lifestyle. BALFIN Group is one of the leading investment groups in the Western Balkans region, embodying international standards with local expertise. Founded in 1993 in Vienna by Samir Mane, today, the Group has a presence in 11 countries, Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Switzerland, Croatia, the Netherlands, USA, and Canada. BALFIN, a diversified group active in real estate, wholesale and retail, banking, asset management, tourism, education, and logistics, employs approximately 5,000 people. Total Group’s Assets (including financial institution) is € 2.2 billion, as of 2023 data. Position: Senior Architectural Design & Aesthetics Manager (Hospitality projects) Location: Tirana Summary: The Senior Architectural Design & Aesthetics Manager is responsible for safeguarding and enhancing the architectural, interior design, and aesthetic vision of the project throughout all development phases. Acting as the Investor's architectural representative and aesthetic guardian, the role ensures that all design, technical, and construction decisions remain aligned with the intended luxury hospitality concept, brand standards, guest experience expectations, and overall investment vision. The position provides expert guidance to support efficient decision-making, architectural excellence, design consistency, and successful delivery of world-class hospitality developments. Key Responsibilities: Protect and maintain the project's architectural and aesthetic vision from concept through completion. Ensure consistency of design intent across architecture, interiors, landscape, FF&E, lighting, and guest experience elements. Review all design proposals, modifications, value engineering initiatives, and technical solutions to ensure they do not compromise the project's quality, character, or luxury positioning. Provide strategic recommendations regarding design enhancements and aesthetic improvements. Apply extensive knowledge of luxury hospitality design principles and international best practices. Ensure alignment with five-star hotel standards and guest experience expectations. Evaluate design decisions from both operational and guest experience perspectives. Contribute expertise regarding hotel functionality, circulation, public spaces, guestrooms, F&B concepts, wellness facilities, and luxury amenities. Participate in design reviews, coordination meetings, and project workshops. Review architectural, interior design, and consultant deliverables. Identify potential aesthetic, design, or architectural risks and recommend corrective actions. Monitor implementation during construction to ensure adherence to approved design intent. Support Project Management and Investors by providing clear, timely, and expert architectural recommendations. Facilitate efficient decision-making by evaluating alternatives and presenting design implications. Act as a trusted advisor on all matters related to aesthetics, architecture, and hospitality design quality. Collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, consultants, contractors, operators, and project management teams. Ensure all stakeholders understand and respect the approved design vision. Participate in presentations, design approvals, and strategic project discussions. Conduct regular site inspections to verify that construction execution reflects approved architectural and interior design standards. Review mock-ups, material samples, finishes, furniture selections, and architectural details. Identify deviations from approved designs and propose corrective actions. Requirements Education: Master Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related discipline. Qualifications & Experience: Priority will be given to international candidates or Albanian candidates with relevant international work experience. Minimum 10 years of professional experience in architecture and design. Direct involvement in the design and development of at least one internationally recognized 5-star hotel or luxury hospitality project. Proven experience working on high-end hospitality, mixed-use, resort, or luxury residential developments. Experience in both architectural and interior design disciplines is strongly preferred. Technical Competencies Strong understanding of luxury hospitality architecture and interior design. Knowledge of international hotel standards and guest experience principles. Ability to evaluate design quality, materials, finishes, and spatial concepts. Strong understanding of construction methodologies and project delivery processes. Ability to review drawings, renderings, specifications, and design documentation. Behavioral Competencies Exceptional aesthetic sensitivity and design judgment. Creativity and innovation mindset. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Strong communication and influencing skills. Ability to challenge decisions constructively while maintaining collaborative relationships. High attention to detail. Strong stakeholder management capabilities. Decisiveness and sound professional judgment. Application Deadline: 15/07/2026 Candidates must have proven experience in international hospitality projects. Applications are welcomed from international professionals and Albanian candidates with relevant overseas experience. After screening, only selected candidates will be contacted. * All applications will be treated with complete confidentiality according to law no. 9887 decided by the Albanian Parliament on “Personal Data Protection”.