Design-Driven Architecture Project Leader (Hybrid)

Otak; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 94,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Discretionary performance bonuses

No-cost medical, dental, vision, life,

HRA/HSA insurance

401(k) retirement match

Flexible PTO

Commuter allowance

Relocation assistance

Professional registration and/or cert.

Job summary

Otak is seeking a design-minded, proactive Project Manager for our Architecture Studio in Portland, OR. You will lead multifamily, mixed-use, public and renovation projects through design and construction, translating ambitious ideas into coordinated, buildable solutions.

You will connect people, decisions, and resources around a shared vision, balancing design excellence with scope, schedule, fee, quality, and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• 10+ years of progressive architectural and project management experience, including independent leadership of small to mid-size or moderately complex projects through design and construction.
• PMP, LEED, CDT, or similar credentials are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead small to mid-size, moderately complex architectural projects through design, documentation, permitting, construction administration, and closeout.
• Define and manage project goals, scope, schedule, fee, milestones, staffing, resources, and risks; establish clear work plans, decision tracking, coordination, financial reviews, and QA/QC checkpoints.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, clarifying priorities and decisions while communicating project status, schedule, fee, risks, and required actions.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate consultants, contractors, agencies, and client stakeholders to support timely decisions and integrated solutions.
• Partner with Project Architects, designers, and technical leaders to explore design possibilities, resolve challenges, maintain design intent, and deliver coordinated, buildable work.
• Delegate responsibilities, set clear expectations, provide timely feedback, and reinforce accountability, mentorship, and team growth.
• Integrate quality into daily project execution through self-checks, peer and milestone reviews, and clear ownership of deliverables; ensure work aligns with Otak's quality and professional practice standards.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, billing, profitability, and scope changes, using project data to guide staffing and delivery decisions.
• Lead meetings, presentations, and difficult conversations with clarity, professionalism, and respect.
• Lead proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, interviews, and business development activities while identifying opportunities for additional services, repeat work, and long-term client relationships.
• Champion sustainable, resilient, and community-centered design strategies that enhance the human experience and create lasting value.

Skills

Client communication

Team leadership

Design thinking

BIM knowledge

Microsoft Office

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Bluebeam

Job description

Otak is seeking a design-minded, proactive Project Manager for our Architecture Studio in Portland, OR. You will lead multifamily, mixed-use, public and renovation projects through design and construction, translating ambitious ideas into coordinated, buildable solutions.

You will connect people, decisions, and resources around a shared vision, balancing design excellence with scope, schedule, fee, quality, and client expectations.