Project Director

LVI Associates; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates seeks an accomplished Project Director to provide executive-level leadership for complex architectural programs in commercial, office, and multifamily sectors. The role emphasizes client relationship stewardship, strategic growth, and robust financial governance across a portfolio of high-value projects.

The candidate will bring 20–30+ years of experience, hold an architectural license, and demonstrate a track record of guiding teams from pursuit through occupancy, ensuring design

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed architect with extensive leadership experience.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale commercial/office/multifamily projects.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing project risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for complex architectural projects and strategic client accounts.
• Oversee project delivery, budgets, schedules, and quality across multiple projects.
• Mentor Project Managers and senior staff; develop leadership within the team.
• Maintain and grow client relationships to generate repeat business opportunities.
• Lead negotiations of owner and consultant contracts and manage risk.

Skills

Executive leadership

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Contract negotiation

Team development

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Architectural Registration

Tools

BIM (Revit)

PM software

Job description

Architecture | Commercial, Office & Multifamily Projects

Position Overview

Project Director

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Director to provide executive-level leadership for complex architectural projects and strategic client accounts. This role is responsible for overseeing project delivery, financial performance, contract management, client relationships, and team leadership across a portfolio of large-scale commercial, office, and multifamily developments.

The ideal candidate will be a licensed architect with 20-30+ years of experience leading significant projects and managing high-profile client relationships. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, mentor project leadership teams, and ensure the successful execution of projects from initial pursuit through completion and occupancy.

This position is designed for a proven leader who excels at balancing business development, project oversight, financial accountability, and operational excellence while driving long-term client success.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Business Development

• Serve as the executive point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships that generate repeat business opportunities.
• Lead client negotiations, project pursuits, interviews, and presentations.
• Identify opportunities for growth within existing accounts and cultivate new business relationships.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout project planning, design, and construction.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• Provide executive oversight for multiple projects and project teams simultaneously.
• Ensure projects are delivered in alignment with established scope, schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Guide project strategy and resolve high-level project challenges.
• Support Project Managers and Senior Project Managers in achieving project objectives.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective action when necessary.
• Maintain involvement throughout design, documentation, permitting, and construction phases.

Financial Management

• Maintain accountability for project profitability and overall financial performance.
• Oversee project budgets, fee structures, staffing plans, and resource allocation.
• Review project forecasts, utilization, invoicing, and cash flow performance.
• Monitor project risks and ensure financial objectives are achieved.
• Support leadership in annual business planning and revenue forecasting.

Contract Management

• Lead negotiations of owner agreements, consultant contracts, and project-related contracts.
• Review contractual obligations and manage associated project risk.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, project milestones, and client expectations.
• Resolve contract-related issues and provide strategic direction regarding project liabilities and risk mitigation.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead and mentor Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, and technical staff.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining overall project accountability.
• Assist with staffing decisions, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Foster collaboration among project teams, consultants, and firm leadership.
• Promote a culture of accountability, quality, communication, and professional growth.

Quality & Technical Leadership

• Provide guidance on project execution strategies and technical problem-solving.
• Participate in project reviews and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure design and technical teams maintain high standards of excellence and client service.
• Serve as an internal resource for project planning, delivery methods, and best practices.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates should possess significant experience leading projects such as:

• High-rise multifamily residential developments
• Mixed-use developments
• Corporate office buildings
• Commercial office campuses
• Large-scale commercial developments
• Urban infill and redevelopment projects
• Class A office environments
• Complex, multi-phased projects exceeding $50M+ construction value

Required Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active Architectural Registration (required).
• 20-30+ years of architectural project leadership experience.
• Significant experience managing large-scale commercial, office, and/or multifamily projects.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining and growing client relationships.
• Extensive experience negotiating contracts and managing project-related risk.
• Strong understanding of project financials, budgeting, profitability, and forecasting.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects and project managers.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as Principal-in-Charge, Project Director, Studio Leader, or similar senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of construction administration and project delivery methods.
• Experience managing projects through entitlement, design, permitting, and construction.
• Established network within the commercial real estate, development, or multifamily markets.
• Experience leading projects valued at $25M-$500M+ in construction cost.

Leadership Competencies

• Executive Presence
• Strategic Client Management
• Financial Acumen
• Contract Negotiation
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Business Development
• Decision-Making & Problem Solving
• Risk Management
• Operational Leadership
• Relationship Building