The motivation for hotel development and the nature of the organisation will influence the project team’s fundamental structure. It is probable that one or several professionals exist within the developer’s organisation or are already commissioned for the project; however, it is valuable to re-examine the requirement for additional hotel specialist resources and expertise to strengthen the project team.
Determining the Hotel Project Team – Table of Contents
Advantages of a Well-structured Project Team
Commissioning the appropriate hotel project partners and consultants is an additional and sometimes substantial preliminary outlay. Still, the consequence should yield a reduction or near elimination of costly development errors, an increased and stable pace through the development process, confidence and added external interest in the hotel project. A well-structured, knowledgeable project team will help ensure the most efficient development, resulting in a profitable and valuable asset with a substantial return on investment.
Determining the Project Team Structure
Each hotel project is different, and the appropriate project strategy may vary according to the developer
A hotel development project requires expertise across various disciplines. The hotel project team may consist of all or some of the following specialists:
Leadership Team
The project sponsor (Owner/developer) is the primary decision-maker and financier, and this team represents the interests of the investors or ownership group. The project manager is critical in overseeing the project timeline, budget, and coordination among team members.
- Owner/developer
- Project manager
Brand & Operations Team
The hotel consultant will provide market analysis and feasibility advice from the project’s inception, as well as advice on business and management structure and development and operational advice during development and commissioning. Once engaged, the operator’s teams will guide brand concepts, provide input on configuration and feasibility, support the design and technical functions and prepare for the hotel launch and operations, including budgeting, marketing, staffing and training.
- Hotel consultant
- Hotel operator – development team
- Hotel operator – technical team
- Hotel operator – pre-opening team
Design Team
The design teams develop the initial concept ideas from the Leadership & Brand Team’s basic configurations, determined by site and budgetary constraints and market and feasibility analysis, into detailed functional architectural plans and aesthetic interiors that efficiently align with the market, brand standards, and local regulations.
- Concept design architect
- Detailed design architect
- Interior designer
- Kitchen designer
- Back-of-house designer
- Landscape designer
- Laundry designer
- Spa designer
Construction Team
The construction team is vital in turning the design into a tangible structure while ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and quality. They transform the Design Team’s output into a functional hotel, keeping the project on schedule and within budget. They ensure the hotel meets environmental, safety, and regulatory standards while minimising potential issues related to quality, safety, and delays.
- Build contractor
- Cost consultants
- MEP consultants
- Supply chain consultants
- Environmental & sustainability advisors
- Safety and security advisors
Legal & Financial Advisors
The legal advisors protect the owner’s legal interests and establish a solid operational foundation. They safeguard the owner’s long-term financial and operational interests by ensuring the project is legally sound and avoiding costly disputes or regulatory issues. The investment advisors ensure the project is a profitable, sustainable, and appealing investment opportunity. They assist in raising capital and maximising the owner’s ROI while minimising risks.
- Contract lawyer
- Investment advisors