Full-Time
SVP – Design & Development
Convene
501-1,000 employees
Leases premium flexible workspaces and venues
Compensation Overview
$250k - $285k/yr
New York, NY, USA
In Person
Must reside within commuting distance of New York City for regular collaboration.
Bachelor's
 Real Estate (1) |
|---|
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- 15 plus years of progressive leadership in real estate development and construction, with a track record of scaling multi unit hospitality or premium retail brands across diverse markets.
- A strong foundation in engineering and/or architecture with a deep understanding of structural, MEP, and site infrastructure systems.
- Practical experience implementing Agile or Scrum project management frameworks within physical construction and development.
- Expert level budget management with the ability to treat capital expenditure with the same rigor as an operator treats a P&L.
- The ability to communicate complex technical or financial issues clearly and succinctly to non technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Proven ability to drive results within a matrixed corporate structure, using influence and expertise to move projects forward.
- Reside within commuting distance of New York City for regular collaboration; travel required as needed.
- Define and lead a development lifecycle that delivers consistent results - on time and on budget - through technical excellence and rigorous project management
- Partner with Real Estate to conduct deep technical and cost feasibility for potential sites, ensuring infrastructure and local conditions support our design standards and brand requirements.
- Build and execute the systems and processes required to develop new locations and enter new markets with consistency and brand clarity
- Own the global development budget and implement estimating, cost management and value engineering practices to meet and/or exceed build cost and return thresholds
- Own and manage the critical path of our complex multi site project pipeline, working with the team and third parties to ensure delivery timelines are met
- Direct a global network of designers, architects, engineers, and contractors, holding partners accountable to brand standards, design typology and budget requirements
- Work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with Real Estate, Finance, Operations, and Legal to gather inputs and facilitate alignment
- Provide consistent, succinct, data driven updates to the CGO, leadership team and board regarding project health, capital spend, timelines and risks
- Lead and mentor a distributed team of professionals, fostering a culture of curiosity, excellence and continuous learning
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management is preferred.
- 15 plus years of progressive leadership in real estate development and construction, with a track record of scaling multi unit hospitality or premium retail brands across diverse markets.
- A strong foundation in engineering and/or architecture with a deep understanding of structural, MEP, and site infrastructure systems.
- Practical experience implementing Agile or Scrum project management frameworks within physical construction and development.
- Expert level budget management with the ability to treat capital expenditure with the same rigor as an operator treats a P&L.
- The ability to communicate complex technical or financial issues clearly and succinctly to non technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Proven ability to drive results within a matrixed corporate structure, using influence and expertise to move projects forward.
Convene provides premium flexible offices, meeting rooms, and event venues for corporate clients. It partners with landlords to design, build, and manage Class A office spaces without owning the buildings, enabling a capital-efficient business. Revenue comes from leasing spaces, renting meeting rooms and venues, and offering services like catering and technology support. It differentiates itself through premium design—curated furniture, art, and seasonal menus—as well as the convenience of turnkey spaces and services. The goal is to expand a network of high-quality, flexible workspaces and event venues for enterprises, balancing strong service offerings with scalable landlord partnerships.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$265.5M
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2009
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See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Convene opened 555 Broadway in April 2026, expanding SoHo corporate event capacity.
- BLLA chose Convene for its June 2026 investment conference, validating brand pull.
- Convene acquired NeueHouse in January 2026, adding Madison Square and distressed assets.
What critics are saying
- NeueHouse filed Chapter 7 in September 2025, exposing demand fragility in premium coworking.
- Convene laid off 54 New York staff in December 2022 after overexpansion.
- If landlord renewals tighten, Convene's lease-heavy model becomes a cash-burning existential risk.
What makes Convene unique
- Convene pairs premium workspace design with hospitality-grade catering and AV infrastructure.
- It wins landlord partnerships, like White & Case at Quorum and RXR at Venue 42.
- Convene still spans offices, meeting rooms, and event venues across New York and London.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Fertility Treatment Support
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Hybrid Work Options
401(k) Company Match
Professional Development Budget
Community and Impact
Private Medical Insurance
Subsidised Eye Care
Subsidised Fitness Membership
25 Days Annual Leave
Company Sick Pay
Bonus Scheme
Interest-Free Loan for Rail Season Tickets
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -2%1 year growth
↓ -1%2 year growth
↑ 6%BLLA conference heads to Convene venue. The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) will hold its 2026 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference on June 3 at 237 Park in Midtown Manhattan, marking a new partnership with Convene Hospitality Group and the 14th year of the event. Founded in 2013, the conference has served as a gathering point for owners, investors, developers and operators in the boutique hotel sector. BLLA said the collaboration with Convene reflects a broader shift as hospitality principles extend into commercial real estate and other non-traditional environments. "We have watched this sector go from underestimated to undeniable," said Frances Kiradjian, founder/CEO, BLLA. "The investors, the developers and the capital that once looked past independent hotels are now chasing them. Convene represents the next frontier of that story - hospitality thinking applied beyond the hotel walls, and we could not be more excited to tell it together on June 3rd." The one-day conference will take place at Convene's 30,000-sq.-ft. venue, which includes seven meeting rooms, in-house culinary programming and technology infrastructure for main-stage sessions and breakout discussions. Programming will focus on both financial and cultural forces shaping boutique hospitality, including evolving financing structures, sustainable growth models and changing guest expectations. Sessions will also explore experience-driven trends such as listening bar culture and sauna culture. "The most interesting deals we have seen come out of this conference were never just hotel deals," said Ariela Kiradjian, partner/COO, BLLA. "They started as a conversation between two people who had never been in the same room before. That is what we are building toward - a conference where the boundaries between hospitality, capital, real estate, and experience start to disappear." BLLA said the selection of Convene as host venue aligns with the company's focus on integrating hospitality-driven design and service into office buildings, mixed-use developments and event spaces. "Hospitality is a fundamental driver of value in commercial real estate today," said Ryan Simonetti, CEO/co-founder, Convene Hospitality Group. "We're seeing the boutique mindset traditionally reserved for hotels successfully migrate into non-traditional venues like office towers, mixed-use developments and special event venues. At CHG, we're leaning into that shift, and there's a lot we can learn from one another. I look forward to discussing how we can collectively explore new industry territory with the visionaries at BLLA." An evening event will follow the conference at NeueHouse Madison Square, part of Convene Hospitality Group's portfolio, with additional programming extending the day's discussions.
U.S. Coworking operator Convene acquires bankrupt coworking club NeueHouse brand. by Coworking Europe | Jan 6, 2026 | Business, General The US based coworking and event spaces operator Convene has acquired the private coworking and membership brand NeueHouse following bankruptcy proceedings. The transaction includes the brand's intellectual property and the ongoing operations of the NeueHouse Madison Square location in New York City. The acquisition was completed through a court-approved Asset Purchase Agreement after NeueHouse filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in September 2025. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. There are no current plans to reopen NeueHouse's former locations in Los Angeles. NeueHouse was founded in 2011. The company positioned itself as a private coworking and membership club catering primarily to professionals in creative industries such as film, fashion, design, publishing, and the arts. Membership was invitation-only, with annual fees reaching $ 3,000, depending on access level. The company opened its first workspace in New York City in 2013, located near Madison Square. The eight-story building included event spaces, an 80-seat screening room, a podcast studio, membership lounges, private office suites, and a members-only restaurant and bar. NeueHouse later expanded to Los Angeles, opening locations in Hollywood, the Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles, and Venice Beach. The company raised US$25 million in venture funding in 2015 and an additional US$30 million in 2018, accompanied by a leadership change. Despite hosting cultural events, film premieres, and private gatherings, NeueHouse struggled financially. By March 2025, NeueHouse's total debt had ballooned to $83.7 million, according to internal financial documents. At this point, the company was teetering with heavy "legacy" debts and unpaid rents. Former executives cited high lease costs, unsuccessful restaurant operations, and expansion-related spending as contributing factors. In early September 2025, the company announced it would cease operations due to what it described as "legacy liabilities." Convene Hospitality Group is a global hospitality and workspace operator that designs and manages premium meeting venues, event spaces, and flexible offices. Its portfolio includes large-scale event venues, conference facilities, private office suites, and communal workspaces, with locations serving corporate, institutional, and professional clients. CHG has been operating the NeueHouse Madison Square location for several months prior to the acquisition. According to CHG CEO Ryan Simonetti, the company intends to continue operating the New York site and maintain the brand's community-oriented positioning. The acquisition allows CHG to integrate NeueHouse into its broader hospitality and flexible workspace platform. "We've long been fans of the NeueHouse brand and wanted to preserve and nurture the incredible community it has cultivated," says Ryan Simonetti.
* new venue. Same world-class event. Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's will be the new physical venue for BCI World Hybrid 2026. Learn more * BCI World Hybrid 2026 the countdown to BCI World Hybrid 2026 has begun! Save the date: 10-11 November 2026 Register your interest today register your interest * new venue. Same world-class event. Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's will be the new physical venue for BCI World Hybrid 2026. Learn more * BCI World Hybrid 2026 the countdown to BCI World Hybrid 2026 has begun! Save the date: 10-11 November 2026 Register your interest today register your interest. Grab the super early bird discount for BCI World Hybrid 2026. Join us for BCI World Hybrid 2026 at the Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's, London, on 10-11 November 2026! Register your interest now to secure a super early bird discount for both in-person and virtual attendance. This is a limited-time opportunity so get your name in early! Simply fill in the form below and we'll reach out before registration opens so you can book at our best rate.
London Filmed has been working with Convene to provide support for their events since 2022, with the official partnership signalling the next step in their professional relationship.
Global Leaders to Convene at 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum to Tackle Ocean Conservation and Climate Action Challenges highlights a timely and necessary step toward ensuring a sustainable future.