What Does an Architectural Project Manager Do?
Architectural project managers oversee the design and construction process of a building project. They monitor the progress of the process, making sure it’s on track. They might typically develop, organize, and review building plans, ensuring that a project meets all safety and environmental standards. They also prepare construction contracts, as well as interview and hire contractors for projects. An architectural project manager is creative, organized, and has excellent leadership skills. They need strong communication and analytical skills as well. They must have solid technical skills and be proficient with CAD technology.
A typical day for an architectural project manager might be in the office or in the field where they consult with clients, work on formulating equipment and labor cost estimates, ensuring a project meets environmental, safety, structural, zoning, and aesthetic standards, and monitoring the progress of a project to assess whether or not it is in compliance with building plans and project deadlines. Attention to detail, exceptional time management, and strong problem-solving and communication skills are required for this role.
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National Average Salary
Architectural project manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for an Architectural Project Manager is:
$92,152
Architectural Project Manager Job Descriptions
The first step in the search for an exceptional architectural project manager is a well-crafted job description. Below we have multiple real-world examples to get you started and set the foundation for attracting the exact talent your team needs.
Example 1
[Your Company Name] is in need of an experienced leader to fulfill the role of architectural project manager. We are in need of someone with 5-10 years of architectural experience as you will be overseeing construction projects from preliminary designs until completion. We are looking for someone who can communicate clearly with colleagues across multiple disciplines such as engineers and interior designers. You will be supervising other designers and architects, as well as preparing schedules and budgets throughout the progression of construction projects. You will also be asked to work on administrative tasks, processing contracts and financial documents, so your integrity and attention to detail are key.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Develop and review building plans in collaboration with design and architect teams
- Estimate project costs and budgets
- Consult with clients
- Manage relationships with contractors and vendors
- Develop and oversee schedules and timelines
- Manage site planning and compliance
Education and experience
- Degree in architecture or a related field
- Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
Required skills and qualifications
- Strong leadership abilities
- Keen attention to detail
- Experience with proposal management
- Knowledge of AutoCAD and related drafting software
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Expertise in budgeting and creating project timelines
- Strong collaborative and problem-solving skills
Preferred qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in architecture management
- Demonstrates success in building and growing new accounts
- Understands how to strategically and effectively navigate large, complex projects
- Ability to work under pressure, organize, and prioritize responsibilities
Example 2
ABC Company is currently seeking talented individuals that can join our team. We’re a growing, highly collaborative firm with a progressive, upbeat culture looking for a go-getter to help us to the next level. Candidates should be self-motivated, team-oriented, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.
Duties and responsibilities
- Oversite of the project team
- Work on multiple projects
- Participation in the design process
- Prepare reports and presentations for client meetings
- Development of schematic design, design development, and construction documents
- Review architectural drawings for federal, state, and local code compliance
- Coordination of the project team’s work
- Monitor the progress of all construction phases
- Manage correspondence with clients, vendors, consultants, etc.
- Responsible for project schedule and budget
- Build and maintain client relations
- Assist with construction administration
Qualifications
- Strong communication and design skills
- Proficient with Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and BIM360
- Wood Construction Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (Registration Preferred)
- 7 years minimum required experience
- Eligible to work in the US
Example 3
Job details
- Ability to handle multiple projects or one account with diligence and commitment
- Review and develop construction plans requested by the client
- Oversee the work done by the assistant project manager and draftsperson
- Oversees drafting, review shop drawings, and respond to RFI’s
- Analyze and estimate project cost for labor, equipment, and material
- Monitor progress of all construction phases in compliance with building plans and deadlines
- Manage correspondence with clients, vendors, consultants, building departments, landlords, construction teams, and other personnel involved in projects
- Review and research state and local code compliances
- Prepare reports and presentations for client meetings
- Execute site surveys on a need basis
- Manage people on the team and their expectations and review and approve time cards of the team in a timely manner
- Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned by the Senior Project Manager/Studio Director/Director of Operations
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in architecture
- Minimum 6 years experience as an Architecture Project Manager in an architectural firm
- Minimum 4 years experience in retail architecture required
- Ability to interpret construction data, engineering calculations, and drawings
- Proficiency in AutoCAD with strong 3D design skills required, with basic knowledge of Sketch Up, Photoshop, or Illustrator preferred
- Strong skillset in Excel, Word, and Powerpoint is a plus
- Experience drafting retail or commercial construction documents preferred
- Must possess strong time management and people management skills, as well as have the ability to handle the pressure of tight deadlines
- Must be able to travel on a need basis
Example 4
What it takes to be qualified
- Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited School or Equivalent
- 8-20 Years of Experience Post Graduation
- Project Experience is flexible
- Revit, AutoCAD, SKetchUP
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and with outside consultants or clients
- Demonstrated history of excellent Project Management
- Licensure/Registration is a plus
What you can expect
- Work with the production team to complete construction documents and coordinate with designers, consultants, and engineers
- Project delivery from initial programming through to construction administration and closeout
- Manage multiple projects and clients at the same time, providing top-notch service throughout
- Complete project submittals, code reviews, and coordination of consultants
- Meet with regulatory authorities and parties as needed
- Review drawings and ensure accurate document preparation
- Manage project teams, deliver for the client, and see the project through to completion
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) – This certification showcases a candidate’s leadership, professionalism, career advancement, and pursuit of continued education within the field. An exam is required and the certification can be renewed every three years.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – This certification is awarded to those with successful project management skills. Candidates are required to have two or more years of experience before applying, and the certification can be renewed every three years. This exam covers six topics regarding project management, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility while completing projects.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – This certification is for candidates who want to improve their project management skills. It requires 23 hours of education and a 3-hour long test with 150 questions. This certification can be taken at any level of their career and needs to be renewed every three years.
How to Hire an Architectural Project Manager
Consider the following when hiring an architectural project manager:
- Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
- Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
- Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. When hiring an architectural project manager, we recommend the following options:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Advertise your opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
We recommend using CareerBuilder when hiring an architectural project manager:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
3. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- How do you feel about working with colleagues across multiple disciplines?
- Why did you want to become an architect?
- Describe something you designed that you’re especially proud of.
- Tell me about a time that you met a deadline successfully.
- Where do you see your career heading in the next five years?
- What do you like about working in the architecture industry?
- What are some challenges you experience in the architectural industry?
- Who is an architect or designer you admire? Why?
- Can you describe how you delegate tasks to your team?
- What programs do you like to use when designing your projects?
- Tell me about your favorite project you have ever been a part of. What part did you play?
- What is your management style?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
- What expectations do you have for yourself as an architectural project manager?
- Describe a time you received criticism from your supervisor. How did you respond?
- What is your least favorite project you have done and why?
