About goSTOPS:
goSTOPS is India's premier backpacker hostel chain, providing vibrant, affordable stays and experiences to the youth traveler. With a rapidly expanding network across the country, we’re committed to making travel affordable, accessible, and unforgettable. Join us as we shape the future of travel for the next generation!
Role Overview:
Own the end-to-end interior design function for goSTOPS—defining the brand design language, leading concept to handover across new hostels and refurbishments, and ensuring fast, cost-efficient, scalable rollouts that elevate guest experience (beds/rooms, common areas, F&B, back-of-house).
Design Leadership & Brand
- Define and evolve the goSTOPS design standards (brand book, finish schedules, modular details).
- Drive concept, schematics, DD, GFC, and value engineering for all projects.
- Ensure design consistency across properties while allowing location-specific storytelling.
Project Delivery (Concept Handover)
- Create project design plans, deliverables, and stage gates; sign-off at each stage.
- Coordinate closely with MEP, structure, and façade vendors; resolve site RFIs quickly.
- Approve mockups, BOQs, shop drawings, and material submittals; manage design changes via a controlled RFI/VO process.
Cost, Time & Quality
- Own design budgets with Procurement/QS; ensure cost/bed and cost/sq.ft targets.
- Standardize SKU libraries and repeatable design kits to improve speed and cost.
- Conduct design audits and close snag lists to SLA.
Procurement & Vendor Ecosystem
- Build and nurture a vendor bench (modular furniture, lighting, plumbing fixtures, finishes, signage, artwork).
- Finalize FF&E/OS&E specifications; drive bulk negotiations and alternates for savings.
Sustainability, Safety & Compliance
- Integrate practical ESG wins (durable materials, low-VOC paints, energy-efficient lighting).
- Ensure compliance with local codes/bye-laws, fire & life safety, accessibility, and POSH-aligned design of spaces.
Operations Alignment
- Partner with Operations for maintenance-friendly design; capture post-opening defects and feed learnings back into standards.
- Optimize space planning for RevPAR, bed density, and guest experience.
Team Building & Governance
- Hire, coach, and appraise the design team; establish review cadences (weekly design board).
- Implement design QA/QC, checklists, and repository (standards, details, samples).
QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Minimum qualification
- B.Arch/B.ID/B.Des (Interior Design) or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- 10–14+ years in hospitality/coliving/retail rollouts; at least 4–6 years leading teams.
- Proven delivery of multi-site fit-outs under tight timelines and budgets.
- Strong in conceptual design, space planning, hospitality ergonomics, and FF&E. Working knowledge of MEP coordination and site execution.
- Tools: AutoCAD, Revit/BIM (preferred), SketchUp, MS Project/Primavera (basic), Adobe CC.
- Excellent vendor negotiation, cost/value engineering, and stakeholder management.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Be part of a growing hospitality brand where people and culture are top priorities.
- Travel across India to unique hostel locations while making a tangible impact on team satisfaction.