Project Architect

Design Collaborative; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Collaborative in Charlotte is seeking a full-time Project Architect / Project Manager to lead design efforts and manage project teams from concept through construction administration in a hybrid office setting.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of architectural experience, 1+ year of project management, and licensure pursuit. Proficiency in Revit, CAD, BIM tools, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an NCARB-accredited program.
• 5+ years of professional architectural experience within an architecture or design firm.
• 1+ year of project management experience, preferably within a commercial architecture/design environment.
• Registered Architect preferred, or actively working toward licensure.
• Experience managing clients, consultants, and internal design teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to projects from programming and conceptual design through construction administration.
• Develop architectural designs, models, and construction documents using Revit, CAD, BIM tools, and other design/documentation platforms.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, guiding project vision and communication.
• Coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal designers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Lead project coordination across architecture, MEP, interior design, and other disciplines.
• Develop and manage project schedules, staffing plans, resources, and budgets.
• Meet design goals, schedules, and budgets with internal teams.
• Oversee design documentation, technical coordination, permitting, and approvals.
• Participate in client meetings, consultant coordination meetings, and on-site observations.
• Support construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, and punch lists.

Skills

Project leadership

Client management

Team coordination

Communication

Autonomous working

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

NCARB-accredited program

Tools

Revit

CAD

BIM tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Design Collaborative is seeking a full-time Project Architect / Project Manager to join our Charlotte office. This hybrid role is ideal for an experienced architectural professional who enjoys leading design efforts, managing project teams, building strong client relationships, and helping deliver thoughtful, people-first places from concept through construction.

This individual will contribute as both a technical design leader and project manager, serving as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members. They will help guide project vision, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage day-to-day project responsibilities, and support successful outcomes through strong communication, organization, technical oversight, and relationship-building.

Most importantly, this person should fully embrace Design Collaborative’s way of working and be eager to help improve people’s worlds through meaningful, collaborative design.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and contribute to projects from programming and conceptual design through construction administration.
• Develop architectural designs, models, and construction documents using Revit, CAD, BIM tools, and other design/documentation platforms.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, helping guide project vision, communication, expectations, and overall satisfaction.
• Manage and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal design team members to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions.
• Lead project coordination efforts across architecture, MEP, interior design, and other disciplines.
• Develop and manage project schedules, staffing plans, resources, and budgets to support timely and financially successful project delivery.
• Partner with internal team members to meet design goals, project requirements, schedules, and budgets.
• Oversee design documentation, technical coordination, code compliance, permitting, and regulatory approvals.
• Participate in and lead client meetings, consultant coordination meetings, project team meetings, and on-site construction observations.
• Support construction administration activities, including site visits, RFIs, submittals, punch lists, and contractor coordination.
• Balance big-picture design thinking with technical precision to ensure thoughtful, coordinated, and constructible solutions.
• Support and mentor junior staff while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture.
• Help strengthen communication and project delivery across Design Collaborative’s office locations.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an NCARB-accredited program.
• 5+ years of professional architectural experience within an architecture or design firm.
• 1+ year of project management experience, preferably within a commercial architecture/design environment.
• Registered Architect preferred, or actively working toward licensure.
• Prior experience managing clients, consultants, and internal design teams.
• Commercial project experience, preferably in one or more of the following markets: workplace, financial, education.
• Experience successfully contributing to or leading projects from programming through construction.
• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, including design, documentation, permitting, construction administration, and project closeout.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, coordinate schedules, and keep project teams moving forward.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Knowledge and understanding of BIM modeling and architectural documentation practices.
• Proficiency with Revit, CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with internal teams, clients, consultants, contractors, and community partners.
• Strong leadership aptitude and a desire to continue growing in a leadership capacity.
• Ability to shift between big-picture project awareness and technical details while maintaining a high level of quality.

Why Design Collaborative?

At Design Collaborative, we are passionate about creating people-first places. Our multidisciplinary team includes architects, engineers, interior designers, environmental graphic designers, project managers, and support professionals who work together to deliver meaningful results for our clients and communities.

Our Charlotte team is growing, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape projects, strengthen client relationships, lead multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to a collaborative culture built around improving people’s worlds.

If you are an architectural professional who enjoys both the technical side of design and the leadership side of project delivery, we’d love to meet you.