Project Manager

Our client, an Architect Firm in NYC, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to manage commercial architectural projects from initial planning and design through construction and project closeout. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with commercial/corporate interiors and building renovation/restoration projects and be comfortable managing clients, consultants, contractors, project schedules, budgets, and internal design teams.
An architectural background is highly desirable; however, being a licensed architect is not required. We are open to candidates with strong project management experience within architecture, design, engineering, construction, or a closely related field who possess a solid understanding of the architectural design and construction process.
Core Responsibilities
• Manage multiple architectural projects from initial concept and design through construction administration and project closeout.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and providing regular communication regarding project status, schedule, budget, and outstanding issues.
• Develop and manage project schedules, milestones, deliverables, staffing requirements, and overall project workflow.
• Monitor project budgets, architectural fees, consultant costs, staff utilization, additional services, and overall project financial performance.
• Lead and coordinate internal project teams, including architects, designers, technical staff, and junior team members.
• Manage and coordinate outside consultants, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and other specialty disciplines.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of schematic design, design development, construction documents, specifications, and permit submissions.
• Manage commercial and corporate interior fit-out projects, including coordination of interior layouts, finishes, building systems, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Manage building renovation and restoration projects, including evaluation and coordination of existing building conditions, construction sequencing, and integration of new work with existing structures and systems.
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documentation for quality, accuracy, constructability, code compliance, and coordination between disciplines.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable building codes, zoning requirements, accessibility standards, life-safety requirements, and other regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with building departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, owners, and other project stakeholders throughout the permitting and approval process.
• Participate in bidding, contractor selection, value engineering, and pre-construction activities as required.
• Provide construction administration, including responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings and submittals, evaluating change orders, attending construction meetings, conducting site visits, and preparing punch lists.
• Identify and proactively address potential project risks, including schedule delays, budget concerns, scope changes, technical issues, and consultant coordination challenges.
• Maintain effective communication with firm leadership regarding project progress, staffing requirements, financial performance, client concerns, and significant project issues.
• Manage project closeout, including punch-list completion, final documentation, outstanding construction items, and turnover requirements.
Required Experience & Qualifications
• 7 years of relevant professional experience, ideally within an architectural, interior design, engineering, construction, or related professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing projects from design through construction.
• Must have experience with commercial and/or corporate interior projects.
• Must have experience with building renovation and/or restoration projects.
• Strong understanding of interior fit-outs, existing building conditions, renovation sequencing, and coordination of architectural and building-system requirements.
• Experience managing architects, designers, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong client-facing skills with the ability to manage expectations and develop long-term professional relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project schedules, budgets, staffing, deliverables, and competing priorities.
• Strong understanding of construction documents and the architectural design and construction process.
• Experience with construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, site visits, and punch lists.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Interior Design, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working for an architecture or architecture/interiors firm is highly desirable.
• Architectural training and experience are strongly preferred.
• Registered Architect (RA) or progress toward architectural licensure is a plus, but not required.
• Experience working on projects within New York City and the greater NYC metropolitan market is preferred.
• Familiarity with NYC building codes, permitting processes, regulatory agencies, and construction practices is a plus.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a hands-on Project Manager who can take ownership of a project, communicate effectively with clients, coordinate multiple disciplines, and keep projects moving from design through construction. This individual should be equally comfortable managing the business side of a project, including schedules and budgets, as well as working closely with architects, designers, consultants, and contractors on technical and construction-related matters.
Candidates do not need to be licensed architects, but they should possess a strong working knowledge of architectural projects and be capable of effectively managing commercial interiors, corporate fit-outs, renovation, and building restoration assignments.
Experience Level
Target: 7-10 years of relevant experience
Candidates with somewhat less experience may be considered if they have demonstrated the ability to independently manage complex commercial interior and renovation projects.