Senior Project Architect for Higher Ed & Civic

Carrier Johnson + Culture; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C) in San Diego seeks a Senior Project Manager / Architect to lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects. You will align design vision, technical execution, and performance across higher education, civic, and mixed-use programs.

With 12+ years of experience and CA licensure preferred, you will manage clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams, guiding RFQ/RFP pursuits and construction administration to deliver on time and on budget.

Qualifications

• Registered/Licensed Architect required.
• California licensure strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university required.
• 12+ years of professional experience, including significant work managing higher education and civic projects.
• Proven experience leading RFQ and RFP pursuits, including complex design‑build submissions.
• Strong experience working with institutional clients, public agencies, and complex stakeholder groups.
• Experience delivering projects within active campus environments, including phasing and coordination.
• Deep understanding of project delivery methods (design‑build, CM at risk, traditional).
• Strong knowledge of California Building Code and local permitting, with DSA experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Revit and project management tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and drive project delivery across all phases, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources.
• Serve as the primary client interface, leading stakeholder engagement with campus leadership, user groups, facilities teams, and public agencies.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to deliver integrated design and technical solutions.
• Guide projects through regulatory approvals, permitting, and campus‑specific processes.
• Collaborate with Design Leaders and technical staff to align design intent with constraints.
• Direct RFQ and RFP pursuits, including design‑build submissions and procurement processes.
• Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field coordination.
• Manage project planning, including workplans, staffing, fees, and resources.
• Negotiate and manage project contracts to meet goals.
• Mitigate risks and maintain consistent project performance.
• Uphold quality standards and ensure compliance with codes and firm practices.
• Mentor project teams and promote collaboration.

Skills

Project leadership

Client management

Stakeholder coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Project management tools

Job description

Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C) in San Diego seeks a Senior Project Manager / Architect to lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects. You will align design vision, technical execution, and performance across higher education, civic, and mixed-use programs.

With 12+ years of experience and CA licensure preferred, you will manage clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams, guiding RFQ/RFP pursuits and construction administration to deliver on time and on budget.