What Does an Architectural Project Manager Do?
An architectural project manager oversees the planning, design, and execution of architectural projects from concept through construction. Combining deep architectural knowledge with project management expertise, they serve as the central point of contact between clients, design teams, engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. Their job is to ensure that the vision becomes reality, on time, within budget, and in compliance with building codes and stakeholder requirements.
Unlike general construction project managers, architectural project managers work within design or architectural firms, often holding architectural degrees and experience. They lead internal design coordination, manage external consultants, track schedules and costs, and ensure deliverables meet both technical and aesthetic standards. Their blend of creative insight and executional rigor makes them critical to the successful delivery of buildings and spaces.
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Architectural Project Manager Core Responsibilities
- Lead design team coordination from schematic design through construction documentation
- Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and milestone deliverables
- Serve as liaison between clients, consultants, contractors, and permitting agencies
- Monitor project scope and respond to changes or delays with proactive planning
- Oversee preparation of construction documents and quality control reviews
- Support contract negotiation, bidding, and value engineering processes
- Attend site visits and lead meetings during construction administration
- Resolve RFIs, submittals, and change orders in collaboration with stakeholders
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Deltek)
- Knowledge of architectural detailing, building codes, and permit processes
- Familiarity with contract types (AIA, DBB, CMAR) and consultant coordination
- Budget tracking and project accounting
- Understanding of construction sequencing and technical oversight
Soft skills
- Leadership and team coordination under deadline pressure
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Conflict resolution and stakeholder diplomacy
- Prioritization and decision-making in fast-paced environments
- Detail orientation with big-picture accountability
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or a related design discipline
Certifications
- Architectural license preferred, but not always required
- PMP or LEED AP certification is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience delivering commercial, healthcare, or institutional projects
- Background in both design and construction environments
- Expertise in sustainability and building performance standards
- Client-facing experience and ability to lead presentations or proposals
National Average Salary
Architectural project manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Architectural Project Manager is:
$101,265
Sample Job Description Templates for Architectural Project Managers
Assistant Architectural Project Manager
Position Overview
An assistant architectural project manager supports senior staff with administrative and technical tasks throughout the design and construction lifecycle. Ideal for early-career professionals, this role builds foundational skills in architectural project coordination.
Responsibilities
- Assist in drafting schedules, RFIs, and meeting agendas
- Maintain project files, drawing sets, and submittal logs
- Coordinate vendor/product information and samples
- Support permit applications and zoning research
- Attend site visits and prepare follow-up documentation
Requirements
Hard skills: Revit/AutoCAD proficiency, familiarity with project tracking software
Soft skills: Detail orientation, eagerness to learn, multitasking
Education: Bachelor’s in architecture or construction management
Certifications: AXP enrollment preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or studio experience with built projects
Senior Architectural Project Manager
Position Overview
Senior architectural project managers oversee the execution of high-budget, multi-phase projects and lead cross-functional teams. They ensure delivery excellence while representing the firm’s design and operational standards.
Responsibilities
- Manage full project delivery from concept to closeout
- Lead internal teams and external consultants
- Present to clients, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders
- Oversee budget control, quality assurance, and scheduling
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate contract amendments
Requirements
Hard skills: Contract negotiation, advanced project controls, risk mitigation
Soft skills: Strategic leadership, client engagement, high-level communication
Education: Professional degree in architecture
Certifications: Licensure required; PMP or LEED AP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multi-site or public sector architecture
Healthcare Architectural Project Manager
Position Overview
This role specializes in managing design and construction of healthcare facilities, ensuring compliance with clinical workflows, code requirements, and infection control standards.
Responsibilities
- Oversee medical planning and specialized healthcare design integration
- Coordinate with clinical consultants and regulatory agencies (e.g., FGI)
- Ensure compliance with ADA, IBC, NFPA, and HIPAA
- Manage OSHPD or AHCA approval processes where applicable
Requirements
Hard skills: Medical planning knowledge, code fluency, healthcare design software
Soft skills: Client guidance, patience under regulation-heavy timelines
Education: Architecture degree
Certifications: LEED AP, EDAC preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Portfolio of completed hospital or clinic projects
Residential Architectural Project Manager
Position Overview
This role manages residential design projects, including custom homes, multifamily developments, and planned communities. It balances client vision, design creativity, and code compliance.
Responsibilities
- Translate homeowner/developer needs into architectural plans
- Coordinate zoning, building permits, and energy code compliance
- Oversee consultants and client communication
- Ensure delivery of residential documentation sets
Requirements
Hard skills: Residential code knowledge (IRC), wood-frame detailing
Soft skills: Empathy, client education, personal accountability
Education: Architecture degree
Certifications: State license preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with custom homes or design-build firms
Commercial Architectural Project Manager
Position Overview
This role leads projects in retail, office, hospitality, and mixed-use development. It combines space planning expertise with tight budget and schedule controls.
Responsibilities
- Manage stakeholder expectations from site feasibility to occupancy
- Coordinate shell/core design, TI packages, and vertical integration
- Interface with landlords, corporate clients, and tenants
- Ensure brand consistency and code compliance
Requirements
Hard skills: ADA, IBC, life safety integration; commercial specs
Soft skills: Time management, corporate diplomacy
Education: Degree in architecture
Certifications: Licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multi-site rollouts or adaptive reuse