Architectural Project Lead

FORGE; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

FORGE is a design-focused firm seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead complex design projects from concept through construction. You will keep projects, teams, consultants, clients, schedules, and budgets aligned while upholding design and technical quality.

The role serves as a key client contact and provides leadership to the internal project team, balancing design, client relationships, and financial performance of a project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum of 7 years of related architectural experience.
• Registered Architect is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of the full design and construction process.
• Experience managing projects, work plans, schedules, deliverables, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with building systems, materials, permitting requirements, RFIs, submittals, and site observations.
• Ability to review architectural drawings for quality, constructability, coordination, and design alignment.
• Strong client relationship, communication, presentation, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Deltek Vantagepoint experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from concept through construction, establishing scope, schedules, deliverables, milestones, and priorities.
• Manage day-to-day project workflows, anticipate challenges, identify risks early, and adjust plans to keep projects moving.
• Serve as primary client contact, maintaining clear communication with owners, brokers, consultants, and contractors.
• Lead client presentations, coordinate approvals, manage expectations, and guide clients through decisions.
• Coordinate project teams and consultants to ensure responsibilities and milestones are understood.
• Delegate work based on team skills, monitor progress, and provide coaching and mentorship.
• Review project work for quality, constructability, coordination, and alignment with design intent.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, site observations, and other construction administration activities.
• Monitor schedules, staffing, fees, and financial performance to deliver on time and within budget.
• Manage scope changes and support accurate and timely billing.
• Attend and document meetings throughout all project phases; participate in interviews and proposals.

Skills

Client relationship

Communication

Presentation

Facilitation

Negotiation

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

FORGE is a design-focused firm seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead complex design projects from concept through construction. You will keep projects, teams, consultants, clients, schedules, and budgets aligned while upholding design and technical quality.

The role serves as a key client contact and provides leadership to the internal project team, balancing design, client relationships, and financial performance of a project.