What Does a Construction Project Captain Do?
A construction project captain plays a pivotal role in bridging design intent and built reality. Typically employed at architecture firms or design-build companies, project captains coordinate drawing production, manage consultants, and ensure technical accuracy throughout design development and construction documentation. They serve as a vital link between architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.
This role requires strong knowledge of construction methods, building codes, and digital tools like Revit. Project captains lead internal production teams, perform quality checks on drawings, and address field questions during construction. Their contributions directly impact project accuracy, timeline adherence, and team collaboration.
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Construction Project Captain Core Responsibilities
- Coordinate internal teams to develop construction documentation
- Ensure drawings meet applicable building codes and regulations
- Collaborate with consultants, contractors, and engineers on technical details
- Respond to RFIs and submittals during construction administration
- Maintain drawing standards and quality control protocols
- Monitor schedule milestones related to design deliverables
- Assist project managers with tracking deliverables and team coordination
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other drafting tools
- Strong knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements
- Construction documentation and detailing
- Consultant coordination and RFI management
- Understanding of material assemblies and structural integration
Soft skills
- Precise attention to detail
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Technical problem-solving
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, or related field required
Certifications
- LEED accreditation or Revit certification preferred
- Working toward architectural licensure (if applicable) is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience in architecture or design-build environments
- Experience with multi-family, commercial, or institutional projects
- Familiarity with design phases from schematic through construction
- Background in BIM coordination and clash detection
National Average Salary
Construction project captain salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Construction Project Captain is:
$73,659
Sample Job Description Templates for Construction Project Captains
Junior Project Captain
Position Overview
A Junior Project Captain supports architectural teams in producing construction documents and coordinating technical details under the direction of senior staff. This entry-level role is ideal for professionals beginning their architectural careers and gaining hands-on experience with construction documentation and design coordination.
Responsibilities
- Assist in drafting construction documents using Revit or AutoCAD
- Collaborate with team members during schematic and design development phases
- Incorporate redlines and revise drawings based on supervisor feedback
- Coordinate with consultants to incorporate MEP and structural elements
- Maintain organization of project files and documentation
- Support responses to RFIs and submittals during construction
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD
- Familiarity with construction detailing
- Basic knowledge of building codes and ADA compliance
- File organization and document control
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Coachability and openness to feedback
- Clear communication and collaboration
- Time management across deliverables
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, or related field
Certifications
- Revit certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 1–2 years of architectural experience
- Exposure to commercial or residential project types
- Working toward NCARB licensure or ARE exam completion
Mid-Level Project Captain
Position Overview
A Mid-Level Project Captain takes ownership of documentation sets and consultant coordination for assigned projects. This role balances technical production with project coordination, ensuring that deliverables meet quality and code standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage construction document sets with minimal supervision
- Coordinate directly with consultants for structural, MEP, and civil integration
- Ensure drawings meet zoning, code, and accessibility requirements
- Respond to RFIs and lead submittal reviews during construction
- Support project managers with schedules, task tracking, and client updates
- Conduct internal drawing reviews for quality control
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in Revit and construction documentation
- Consultant coordination and multidisciplinary integration
- Code review and documentation compliance
- Familiarity with permitting processes
Soft skills
- Proactive communication with project teams
- Organizational skills across multiple deadlines
- Accountability and independent work ethic
- Adaptability to shifting project needs
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification preferred for field coordination
- Revit certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in design or documentation roles
- Experience with commercial, education, or institutional projects
- BIM coordination or clash detection experience
Senior/Lead Project Captain
Position Overview
A Senior or Lead Project Captain oversees construction documentation and technical execution for complex projects or multiple project teams. This highly experienced role is responsible for ensuring technical accuracy, building code compliance, and consultant alignment — often leading junior staff and supporting project managers during both design and construction phases.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical coordination across architecture, engineering, and construction teams
- Manage drawing sets from schematic through construction administration
- Conduct code analysis and oversee ADA, zoning, and permitting compliance
- Mentor and review work from junior team members
- Respond to field issues, RFIs, and construction documentation revisions
- Lead internal QA/QC reviews and drawing audits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of Revit and BIM workflows
- Full knowledge of building systems, materials, and codes
- Technical team leadership and drawing oversight
- Construction administration coordination
Soft skills
- Team mentorship and leadership
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Quality-focused mindset
- Problem-solving under tight deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- Revit certification required
- LEED or CDT credential preferred
- NCARB progress or licensure strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of architectural production experience
- Prior experience leading large-scale or multi-phase projects
- Strong QA/QC and technical documentation portfolio