Architecture Project Manager: Higher Education

lpadesignstudios; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Professional development grants

In-house training

Volunteer time

Community projects

Pro bono opportunities

Job summary

LPA Design Studios is seeking an Architecture Project Manager for its Higher Education practice. You will lead projects from inception to completion, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across California and Texas, delivering high-performance, sustainable design.

The role emphasizes integrated design, budget stewardship, and mentorship within a culture that values growth and collaboration. Strong leadership and professional licensure in CA are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects.
• Active architecture license in California.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel.
• Knowledge in management of project scope, fee, schedule, and budget.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of projects from inception to completion, across all phases, ensuring design excellence and timely delivery.
• Lead achievement of project goals, including integrated design and planning objectives, budget adherence, and schedule management.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans through all phases.
• Oversee contracts, financials, and construction administration with accuracy.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, builders, authorities, stakeholders, and team members.
• Review and guide research into products, systems, and construction methods for innovation and quality.
• Serve as Architect of Record, providing oversight, signing, and stamping as required.
• Mentor and support the growth of team members.

Skills

Bachelor's/Master's in Architecture

CA Architecture license

MS Project

Excel

Project management

10+ years experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Join the 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner shaping a more sustainable future.

LPA is a collective of designers, engineers, and researchers committed to tackling the biggest issues of our time. Our "No Excuses" integrated design approach was recognized by the AIA as “a trailblazer in sustainable, high-performance architecture". At LPA you’ll be part of the team that is changing the way the industry thinks about design and carbon emissions, built around the belief that we only achieve our goals when everybody has a seat at the table and all input is valued.

We’re currently seeking an Architecture Project Manager to join our dynamic Higher Education practice. You’ll be part of a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. Our Higher Education team is committed to creating engaging environments that put 21st century skills at the center of learning. We have completed projects such as Palomar College Learning Resource Center and Santa Barbara City College Physical Education Replacement Building. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our studios in California and Texas—and help bring high-performance, community-first design to life.

Follow these links to learn more about our California community college experience and our California university experience.

What You'll Do:

• Take ownership of projects from inception to completion, contributing across all phases and ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy, and successful delivery.

• Lead the achievement of project goals, including integrated design and planning objectives, budget adherence, schedule management, and overall financial performance.

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans throughout all phases.

• Oversee contracts, financials, and construction administration with accuracy and accountability.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, builders, governing authorities, stakeholders, and internal team members.

• Review and guide research into products, systems, and construction methods to support project innovation and quality.

• Serve as the Architect of Record, providing professional oversight, signing, and stamping project documentation as required.

• Mentor, coach, and support the professional growth of team members by sharing knowledge, training, and leadership.

What We Offer:

At LPA, your growth and contributions matter. We foster a collaborative culture where creative ideas are valued, and voices are heard.

• Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines.

• Career development support, including professional development grants and in-house training.

• Ongoing education through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks focused on innovative, sustainable practices.

• 8 paid hours of volunteer time each year.

• Opportunities to propose and lead projects that impact your local community, including more than $1 million since 2015 in Habitat for Humanity builds, scholarships, and other pro bono community projects.

• Access to our Professional Development Grants program, created to encourage professional development and further LPA's collective knowledge as a firm. Over the life of the grant program, we have invested $1,196,890 and impacted 848 LPA employees.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Architecture.

• 10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects.

• Active architecture license in California.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel.

• Knowledge in management of project business: scope, fee, schedule, work plans, and budget.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Revit and Adobe Create Suite.

• Experience with the California DSA process for education projects.

LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas, focused on creating forward-thinking, sustainable spaces that make a positive impact. We believe great design begins with great people, which is why we foster a supportive, collaborative environment where creativity, curiosity, and professional growth are encouraged. Our culture values diversity, promotes wellness, and supports a healthy work-life balance. At LPA, we offer competitive salaries and a robust benefits package—including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs.

This position 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 the internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

LPA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires.

NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND RECRUITERS:

Please note that LPA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation an agency or recruiter submits a candidate or resume without a previously signed agreement and/or without LPA’s request, LPA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LPA.