Job Description

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 facade 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.