Architectural Project Manager - Federal Programs

Larson Design Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Larson Design Group in Phoenix, Arizona seeks an experienced Architectural Project Manager to lead complex federal architectural projects. The role requires a seasoned project manager to oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets exceeding $1 million, and ensure compliance with federal standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and hold necessary professional certifications. Strong skills in project management and client relations are a must. This position offers a chance to contribute to impactful federal projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of job-related experience in the A/E industry.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or PMP required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive project management plans for federal projects.
• Lead all phases of the project lifecycle per federal project delivery standards.
• Direct project cost estimating and financial forecasting.

Skills

Project management

Risk management

Client relations

Budget management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

MS Projects

Primavera

Job description

The Architectural Project Manager – Federal Projects leads the successful delivery of complex federal architectural projects from planning through closeout. This role is ideal for a seasoned project manager who excels in highly regulated environments and understands federal design, procurement, and compliance requirements. Leveraging a strong foundation in the PMI Competency Framework and AEC best practices, the Project Manager oversees multidisciplinary teams, manages budgets exceeding $1 million, and ensures projects are delivered on scope, on schedule, and in compliance with federal standards. This position serves as a key client‑facing leader, balancing technical coordination, risk management, and quality to achieve exceptional project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive project management plans that align with federal agency requirements, organizational objectives, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate architectural, engineering, and consultant teams while serving as a primary point of contact for federal clients and stakeholders.
• Lead all phases of the project lifecycle—including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closeout—in accordance with PMI and federal project delivery standards.
• Define, manage, and control project scope using formal change management processes, documenting impacts to cost, schedule, and risk.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, track milestones, and ensure timely completion of deliverables and agency submissions.
• Direct project cost estimating, budgeting, financial forecasting, and Earned Value Management (EVM) to maintain alignment with federal funding and project objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement cost control strategies and optimize project value and efficiency.
• Manage contract administration and performance, including coordination with federal contracting officers, approval of modifications, and support of negotiations.
• Establish, implement, and maintain quality standards that meet federal regulations, agency design criteria, and firm QA/QC requirements.
• Conduct quality audits, document findings, and implement corrective and preventive actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with technical and discipline managers to ensure appropriate staffing, resource allocation, and workload balance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and execute project communication plans to keep federal clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Prepare and present clear, concise project status reports addressing progress, financial performance, risks, and key issues.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, maintaining active risk registers and implementing proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support federal procurement activities, including consultant selection, contract coordination, and issue resolution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal clients, ensuring satisfaction, resolving concerns, and supporting repeat work.
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and accountability, setting a strong example for project teams.
• Mentor and develop associate project managers and team members, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Stay current with PMI standards, federal project delivery requirements, and AEC industry trends to continuously enhance project performance and outcomes.

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Master’s degree, preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of job‑related experience, preferably in the A/E industry.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrates a strong desire to expand knowledge and take on new responsibilities within the field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook) and MS Projects or Primavera.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet project deadlines effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a project team.
• Ability to interact with clients, project team, vendors, and other external groups in a professional manner.

Larson Design Group, Inc. is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (EEO) that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.