BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Senior Project Manager works faithfully with the Studio Directors and reports to the Principals in a coordinated and collaborative manner to advance and successfully deliver projects in the studio while leading project teams. During all phases of the Project, the Senior Project Manager plans out, measures and directs the execution of phased services by overseeing and deploying the Firm’s Project Management, Design and Delivery Processes. The Project Manager works with the Studio Directors and Principal to develop detailed Firm Goals, Project Goals, Client Goals and a Project Start Up Process and/or informed programming exercises to develop adequate strategies and work plans focused on successful and effective results.
The Project Manager leads the studio teams using the Firm’s Design Process to research, explore and generate successful design solutions. Responsible for the economic and schedule performance from initial project startup and design, through the full development and delivery of the project.
The Senior Project Manager plays a critical role in attracting, nurturing and maintaining relationships with clients and coordinating with Studio Directors, while closely overseeing multiple projects and project teams, to meet the client’s and firm’s objectives. Responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction and using a “best practice” approach to systems, process and procedures with a focus on delivering high quality designs.
A Senior Project Manager typically handles the most complex projects of the largest magnitude. Project size differentiates this position from the non-senior level. May manage several projects simultaneously or, in rare circumstances, may manage only one project depending on project scope, complexity and requirements. Has far reaching relationships and resources within the Architecture, Design, Engineering and Construction Industry. Can understand and manage projects with a deep professional understanding of typical practices in Public Relations, Business, Finance and Project Based Accounting. Responsible for coordination and oversight of all project efforts, administrative and technical, to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned projects. Serves as primary liaison contact with the project’s client, key stakeholders, jurisdictional agencies, project consultant team, builders, general contractors, etc. Actively manages client and project budgets, schedules, and programs; project communications and documentation; office administrative tasks; and project team assignments. Senior Project Managers are typically experts in certain project typologies and may serve as a market sector leader for the firm in those areas.
A Senior Project Manager at AB design studio is the central figure on any project and the productive and organized operation of the studio. The Senior Project Manager is the project leader and producer of results. The Project Manager works at the pleasure of the client and the firm’s principal leadership to consistently and effectively advance the projects while achieving their defined goals. The Project Manager serves the client, the studio and the firm by effectively balancing project Scope, Schedule, and Budget. The Project Manager prepares strategic work plans, defines the critical pathways, coordinates the resources, delegates work assignments, and supervises the advancement and quality of the project deliverables. The relationship between the Principal(s) and the Project Manager should be built as a partnership devoted to achieving client and project goals while simultaneously fulfilling all of AB design studio’s Key Business Objectives (KBO’s) and Vision. Each of the following KBO’s define the measure of success for the AB design studio Project Manager Role:
Financial Success - All projects start with a defined budget or at least an expectation of cost. It is up to the PM to define the client’s budget and establish a clear financial baseline before the project begins. Profit must be included in the budget.
Client Fulfillment -The PM is responsible for managing the combined expectations of the client, principal owners, principals and the project itself.
Productive Studio Culture - leading staff pro-actively and positively for organized and predictable outcomes.
Creating Inspired Work - Making a difference - Creating Signature Design and Producing Award Winning, Notable and Important work. Good Design is Good Business!
Securing New Business - It is often said that the best way to secure additional work is to do great work. Great work results in repeat business. The PM assists the Principals in the proposal effort, helps to develop a strategy to win the project, and links the firm’s direct experience to meeting or exceeding the client’s needs.
The Senior Project Manager oversees all aspects of the design and construction process of their assigned projects, from developing and reviewing plans to making sure a project meets aesthetic, environmental, zoning, and building standards. This is an EXPERT LEVEL position that requires broad knowledge about design, project delivery, project management and the art and science of building and documentation. This position requires practical and relevant work experience following the completion of a Professional Degree in Architecture or a related Undergraduate Design Degree Program. Employees holding this position are preferred to be licensed in their respective design discipline [i.e. Architect, Interior Designer and Planner.]
The Senior Project Manager sits atop the Ideal Project Pyramid; the Project Manager’s strategic work plans, and critical path planning and scheduling, define the workflow and staffing matrix of the studio. The entire productivity of the studio is reliant upon the Project Manager’s effective and well-coordinated work planning efforts. Sometimes a Project Manager may not be experienced in important technical aspects of a project. In such a case it could be appropriate to delegate some project management responsibilities to a Project Architect or other qualified studio staff member. Whenever there is a Principal-in-Charge and a Project Manager, the two shall build a strong collaborative and productive relationship. Any delegation of management responsibility should be clear, consistent, and devoid of second-guessing. From the Project Manager’s standpoint, it is important to remember that the Principal Owners and Principals in the firm have probably acquired the project, and will assume responsibility and liability for the services being performed. The Senior Project Manager must therefore be willing to learn and work with the Principal Owner’s and Principal’s Operating Style. Project Managers are often invested with both authority and responsibility, but the Principal cannot fully abdicate these functions. Both professionals can work together to prepare a winning proposal with a management of services & objectives that meet client and firm goals. As the project progresses, it is a good management practice to hold regular assessments of the Client’s satisfaction and the project’s performance.
GENERAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 15+ years Licensed Professional Preferred
