Architecture Project Manager: Construction Administration

LPA, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Architecture Project Manager with a focus on Construction Administration. In this role, you will oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring quality and compliance while building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. You will lead a talented team in a collaborative environment, focusing on education projects that make a positive impact. With a commitment to sustainability and innovative design, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while advancing your career in a supportive atmosphere. Join a firm that values diversity, wellness, and work-life balance.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plans

Wellness Programs

Professional Development Grants

In-house Training Opportunities

Education Opportunities

Study Grants for Exploration

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects.
• 5+ years of recent and relevant Construction Administration experience.
• Architectural license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage project construction contract administration and ensure quality control.
• Maintain excellent relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and train team members in project processes.

Skills

Construction Administration

Project Management

Client Communication

Quality Assurance

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Master’s Degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Blue Beam

Microsoft Excel

Newforma Project Center

Job description

Join the firm AIA calls “a trailblazer in sustainable, high-performance architecture.” Winner of the AIA 2025 Firm Award, we’re an integrated collective of designers and researchers united in a mission to eliminate carbon emissions and build a more equitable, livable future.

LPA is seeking a passionate Architecture Project Manager (Construction Administration Focus) to join our integrated team of architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and master planners. Our Education studio is committed to creating engaging environments that put 21st century skills at the center of learning. We have completed projects such as Environmental Nature Center Preschool, Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School and Eastvale STEM Academy. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with our in-house multidisciplinary teams including engineering, landscape and interiors. We work primarily on education projects in Southern California.

We walk the talk in changing lives by design. Our sustainability commitment is real, we are the only large firm in the nation to comply with the 2030 Challenge for the past two years running. Our award-winning projects aim to have a positive and enduring environmental, economic and social impact.

You will be working with directors and principals in the studio and across the firm. We are looking to you to help us continue to develop our talented designers and engineers.

We’re committed to diversity, wellness and work-life balance and it is neatly summarized in our Just label. We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans.

What you will do:

• You will be working onsite with one of our clients as the prime point of contact to see one of our projects through the entirety of construction.
• Maintain excellent relationships with the client and their stakeholders, contractors, Agencies Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), consultants, subconsultants and team members.
• Lead and manage the team during the Bid and Award Phase including attending pre-bid meetings and site walks, reviewing substitution requests, answering Contractor inquiries and issuing addenda, and processing the addenda through the appropriate AHJ.
• Manage and direct all activities related to project construction contract administration, including, but not limited to, quality assurance/quality control of Contract Documents, team management, client communication, field observation reports, review of change orders, pay application review and processing, RFI review and answers, submittal review and tracking, information management/document control, and project closeout.
• Perform, and oversee if performed by others, on-site observations and document findings.
• Understand project detail and design intent with the ability to interpret and resolve issues in the field expeditiously.
• Attend construction meetings.
• Perform punch walks and document findings.
• Review close out documents including as-built drawings, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals, etc.
• Determine dates for substantial completion and warranty commencement.
• Manage client billing process and project finances, including revenue and staffing projections.
• Mentor and communicate with LPA staff regarding CA procedures and project processes.
• Prepare project schedules, additional service proposals, budgets, work plans, etc. and staff/team planning.
• Review contractual and financial documents including the Owner-Architect Agreement and Owner-Contractor Agreement.
• Serve as the Architect of Record. Affix professional stamp and signature to all required project documentation.
• Mentor your team members and help to train and upskill them.

What we will do:

• Provide mentorship from Managing Directors and Design Directors as well as other in-house disciplines on all projects.
• Provide career growth opportunities including professional development grants and our professional development process.
• In-house management and leadership training opportunities.
• Education opportunities including LPA+U and LPA Tech Talks.
• Provide study grants for exploration – Catapult, LPA Foundation.

Project Manager Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects.
• 5+ years of recent and relevant Construction Administration experience.
• Architectural license.
• Experience in Design/Bid/Build process.
• Public K-14 / DSA (Division of the State Architect) experience; must have completed at least one project through DSA closeout and certification.
• Proficiency in Revit, Blue Beam, Microsoft Excel and Newforma Project Center.
• Knowledge in management of project business: scope, fee, schedule, work plans and budget.

LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas. We specialize in creating innovative, sustainable environments that work better, do more with less and improve people’s lives. We provide a vibrant and rewarding work environment—one that values and fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community engagement and ongoing career development and growth. LPA is also committed to diversity, wellness and work-life balance. LPA offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans.

The salary range for this position is $98,000 - $150,000 and is eligible for an annual bonus. If you are hired at LPA, your base salary is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.