Summary
Architectural project managers are responsible for leading an entire architectural project, from budget to implementation. They visit construction sites to provide recommendations and perform site inspections. An architectural project manager is also responsible in procuring construction bids, recruiting and selecting contractors and mediating construction contracts.
Duties
Architectural project managers oversee architectural projects from the conception stage right down through construction and eventual completion of the project, making sure that project teams meet quality, schedule, contractual, and budget goals. Architectural project managers lead a team of designers and junior architects, oversee architectural projects, evaluate existing facilities and reformulate building programs. They establish and sustain client relations, participate in assessing and hiring architectural or engineering advisers, collaborate with governmental agencies and selected project architectural firms. Architectural project managers also adapt building codes, design and implement creative concepts of architectural layout and formulate and oversee project range, budgets, schedules and client expectations. They provide expert input in marketing, contractual, design, and production meetings; observe project performance and coordinate workload through the entire project to complete documents on schedule. Architectural project managers are also responsible for studying the financial aspect of projects; organizing construction documents and assuming responsibility for finished plans, specifications, and management approval of materials and construction. Some architectural project managers participate in mapping out program requirements, schematic drawings and preliminary cost estimates on large projects used in establishing guidelines for contract architects and engineers.
Education and Training Requirements
Architectural project engineers hold bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering or architectural and at least 5 years of relevant work experience. Some companies prefer individuals with a master’s degree or PhD, plus 5 years architecture-related work experience.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
To become a successful architectural project manager, one must have advanced knowledge of federal, state and local building administrative codes relating to building projects, knowledge of modern architectural methods and background on solving architectural design and construction problems. Important skills for this managerial position include good written and oral communication skills, decision-making and problem solving skills, administrative and management skills; leadership and interpersonal skills, advanced computer knowledge, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Working Conditions
The architectural project manager works on a quiet, comfortable and well-lit office. These managers are exposed to outside weather conditions and construction site dangers. They work regular office hours but may work long hours, nights and weekends due to tight schedules
Salary
An architectural project manager makes $69,000 annually on average. Factors such as size of company, location, nature of the industry, benefits and experience may cause salaries to vary considerably among architectural project managers.
