Junior Architect / Development Manager Assistant
Location: New York City
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us:
New Empire Corp is a comprehensive real estate development conglomerate headquartered in New York City. Since its establishment in 1997, New Empire has become a leader in medium-sized residential development in the city. The group offers a range of services including procurement, analysis, planning, financing, construction and design, construction management, marketing, and property management. In prime locations throughout New York City, New Empire has successfully renovated, constructed, and developed over 120 mixed-use residential and hotel projects. Additionally, New Empire has achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments in the residential development field, including being the 2020 Sales Champion for the Neighborly LIC project, the 2021 Brooklyn Sales Champion, and the New York Sales Runner-up for the 567 Ocean Ave project, as well as the 2022 Sales Champion for boutique properties and the most investment-worthy property for the 208 Delancey project. The innovative spirit and market insights of New Empire Group have driven design innovation throughout the entire industry in New York. https://www.newempirecorp.com/
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and highly organized Junior Architect / Development Manager Assistant with a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience to join our real estate development team.
This position is ideal for an architectural professional who wants to expand beyond traditional design work and gain deeper, hands-on experience in real estate development, construction coordination, and project management.
The candidate will work directly with the Development Manager and assist in managing projects throughout the development lifecycle — from design development and permitting through construction, inspections, closeout, and turnover.
The role offers a strong career path for someone interested in growing into a Development Manager / Project Manager position.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Development Manager with day-to-day management of active real estate development and construction projects
- Review architectural drawings, construction documents, specifications, and consultant submissions
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal teams
- Track project schedules, deliverables, permits, approvals, inspections, and outstanding items
- Assist with NYC DOB filings, permitting, and agency coordination
- Attend design, development, and construction meetings and manage follow-up items
- Conduct regular site visits and document construction progress and field conditions
- Review and track RFIs, submittals, change orders, punch lists, and other project documentation
- Identify potential design or construction issues and coordinate with the appropriate parties to resolve them
- Assist with construction administration and quality-control efforts
- Maintain organized project records, drawings, schedules, reports, and correspondence
- Support the Development Manager with project research, presentations, reporting, budgeting, and general project coordination
- Assist with inspections, project closeout, punch-list completion, and turnover
- Take ownership of individual project responsibilities and gradually assume greater project management duties
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in architecture, construction, real estate development, or project management
- Strong ability to read, review, and understand architectural and construction drawings
- Proficiency in AutoCAD; Revit experience strongly preferred
- Good understanding of construction methods, building systems, and construction documentation
- Familiarity with NYC Building Code, DOB processes, permitting, and inspections is strongly preferred
- Previous experience coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants
- Strong organizational and project-management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
- Comfortable working both in the office and regularly visiting construction sites
- Proactive, responsible, resourceful, and able to follow through on assignments independently
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has a solid architectural foundation but is interested in moving beyond a traditional architecture-only career path.
We are looking for someone who wants to understand and participate in the entire real estate development process, including design, permitting, construction, scheduling, budgeting, consultant coordination, problem-solving, and project delivery.
This position provides substantial exposure to the development side of the business and is designed for someone with the potential to grow into a Development Manager / Project Manager role.
What We Offer
- Direct exposure to active New York City real estate development projects
- Hands-on involvement throughout the full development and construction lifecycle
- Opportunity to work directly with senior development management
- Career advancement toward a Development Manager / Project Manager position
- Broad exposure to architecture, construction, permitting, budgeting, and development operations
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Language:
Work Location: In person
