Interior Design Project Manager

Common Arts; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Common Arts in Scottsdale, AZ is seeking a senior Design Project Manager to own a portfolio of major interior design projects from kickoff through closeout. You will serve as the primary client contact, mentor junior designers, and contribute to business development and firm culture with high autonomy.

You will work closely with PDO Principals and lead a team across programming, design development, and CA, ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met in large spaces.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in interior architecture, workplace, or office design.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage large, complex projects from programming through CA.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, BOMA standards, and construction documentation.
• Proven client relationship and business development skills.
• NCIDQ certification preferred, or active pursuit encouraged; LEED or WELL accreditation a plus.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of multiple active projects from kickoff to closeout.
• Serve as primary client contact and mentor junior designers.
• Develop and manage project schedules; hold the full project team accountable to deadlines and quality standards.
• Oversee construction documents and engineering drawings; perform quality control and ensure PDO standards are met.
• Apply building codes with depth and accuracy; perform and review area and BOMA calculations.
• Conduct project retrospectives on larger projects for continuous improvement.
• Manage client expectations and participate in business development including proposals and marketing presentations.
• Review project billings, track fee performance, and advocate for appropriate fee levels.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentorship

Client communication

Business development

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Interior Design or Architecture

NCIDQ certification preferred

LEED or WELL accreditation a plus

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Project Management

This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role. As Design Project Manager, you will own a portfolio of major projects from kickoff through closeout, serve as the primary client contact, mentor junior designers, and contribute meaningfully to business development and firm culture. You'll work closely with PDO Principals and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of multiple active projects simultaneously, serving as the primary point of contact for all client correspondence
• Manage projects from programming and visioning through construction administration, including large-scale spaces (25,000+ SF)
• Develop and maintain project schedules; hold the full project team including consultants accountable to deadlines and quality standards.
• Oversee construction documents and engineering drawings; perform quality control and ensure PDO standards are met.
• Apply building codes with depth and accuracy; perform and review area and BOMA calculations.
• Conduct project retrospectives on all projects larger than 8,000 SF for continuous improvement.

Client & Business Development

• Manage client expectations with consistency - meeting deadlines, maintaining responsiveness, and generating repeat work
• Participate in business development including responding to RFPs, preparing proposals, and leading marketing presentations with limited Principal oversight
• Support the growth of existing client relationships and identify new business opportunities under Principal supervision
• Contribute to award submissions and represent PDO in at least one relevant professional organization

Financial Oversight

• Review project billings, track fee performance, and flag budget overruns proactively
• Prepare and negotiate proposals; understand project profitability and advocate for appropriate fee levels
• Identify and secure approvals for additional services before work begins; support collections when needed

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as liaison between Principals and junior staff; delegate work strategically for quality, efficiency, and team development
• Mentor junior designers toward senior-level performance; contribute to onboarding, training, and standardization efforts
• Foster a culture of responsiveness, modeling same-day acknowledgment of emails and 24-hour turnaround on requests

Design Contribution

• Contribute meaningfully to concept development; bring fresh materials, ideas, and perspectives to elevate project design
• Lead and participate in programming and visioning sessions; produce clear, client-ready deliverables from those meetings

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in interior architecture, workplace, or office design
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage large, complex projects from programming through CA
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit required
• Strong knowledge of building codes, BOMA standards, and construction documentation
• Proven client relationship and business development skills
• NCIDQ certification preferred, or active pursuit encouraged; LEED or WELL accreditation a plus
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field

PDO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.