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