Project Lead/Senior Project Manager (Architect)

TL;DR

Project Lead/Senior Project Manager (Architect): Lead architectural projects from contract through construction, acting as primary client contact and internal project leader with an accent on scope, schedule, fees, staffing, and profitability. Focus on guiding and mentoring teams of architects and designers, coordinating with consultants, overseeing construction administration, and refining project delivery workflows.

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (hybrid)

Company

Growing design-forward architecture firm about five years old, specializing in K–12 and private education plus healthcare, nonprofit, municipal, and mixed-use projects.

What you will do

• Lead projects from contract through construction as main client contact, representing firm processes and values.
• Own project scope, schedule, fees, staffing plans, and profitability.
• Guide and mentor teams of architects and designers while staying involved in the work.
• Coordinate with engineering and specialty consultants for alignment.
• Oversee construction administration including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field reports.
• Draft and manage professional services agreements and AIA contracts.
• Facilitate meetings, document decisions, and drive follow-through.
• Support refinement of project delivery workflows and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture; licensure preferred
• 8–10+ years architectural project experience, 5+ in project management/lead role
• Experience leading projects through construction administration, ideally K–12 education and community sectors
• Strong knowledge of project delivery, A/E fees, staffing, and financials
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Google Workspace, project planning software (e.g., Monograph)
• Clear communicator who builds trust with clients, teams, consultants, contractors
• Organized proactive problem-solver, client-facing and hands-on
• Collaborative and energized by close-knit studio environment

Culture & Benefits

• Small collaborative open-studio environment, mostly team in Grand Rapids
• Casual, social, people-centered culture
• Intentional workload planning to avoid chronic overtime
• Project leaders have voice in work processes and evolution