Senior Project Architect (Aviation)

Job Description

IA is seeking a dynamic Senior Project Architect/Manager to work in our Aviation Sector. This role is ideal for an experienced, client-focused leader with a strong understanding of airport environments, complex stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of high-performing, passenger-centered spaces.

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The Senior Project Architect/Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to airport authorities, airlines, terminal operators, and industry partners while partnering with IA’s studios and firmwide practice leaders to build relationships, pursue new opportunities, and deliver exceptional project outcomes. This individual will bring a balance of business development acumen, technical and project leadership, and design-forward thinking to advance IA’s presence in the aviation market.

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Location: Can be based in several IA Studio locations: Miami, Denver, Seattle, NorCal, SoCal

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Responsibilities

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• Lead the strategic growth and market positioning of IA’s aviation practice, with a focus on expanding both aviation interiors and architectural project opportunities.
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• Partner with IA’s current aviation project teams and clients to strengthen relationships, support active work, and identify opportunities for additional services and future projects.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with airport authorities, airlines, terminal operators, aviation consultants, developers, contractors, and industry partners.
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• Identify, cultivate, and convert business-development opportunities, including client outreach, networking, proposal strategy, interviews, and presentations.
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• Pursue projects across aviation interiors and architecture, including airport lounges, passenger amenities, concessions, airline workplaces, terminal renovations, expansions, and related airport facilities.
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• Serve as a senior client contact and trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle.
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• Lead or support aviation projects from early planning and programming through design, documentation, construction administration, and project closeout.
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• Collaborate with IA design, architecture, strategy, technical, and project management teams to deliver thoughtful, operationally sound, and passenger-centered environments.
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• Guide project teams in navigating complex aviation requirements, stakeholder groups, phasing, security considerations, operational continuity, and procurement processes.
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• Provide project leadership related to scope, schedule, staffing, budget, risk management, consultant coordination, and quality control.
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• Champion a strong understanding of evolving aviation trends, including passenger experience, accessibility, hospitality, technology integration, sustainability, resiliency, and future-ready terminal planning.
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• Partner with firm leadership to develop aviation thought leadership, marketing collateral, case studies, and external visibility opportunities.
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• Mentor and develop team members, sharing aviation-sector knowledge and fostering a collaborative, high-performing project culture.
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• Represent IA at industry conferences, client meetings, networking events, and relevant aviation organizations.
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Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, or a related discipline.
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• Professional licensure preferred.
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• 12+ years of professional experience, including significant experience leading aviation, airport, transportation, or other complex public-sector projects.
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• Demonstrated experience working with airport authorities, airlines, terminal operators, and multidisciplinary consultant teams.
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• Proven ability to develop client relationships, lead pursuits, and contribute to business growth.
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• Experience with aviation interiors and architectural project delivery, including terminal modernization, passenger processing, concessions, lounges, workplace, back-of-house, and related airport facilities.
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• Experience managing complex project requirements, phasing, stakeholder engagement, and operational constraints in active facilities.
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• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
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• Strong leadership abilities with a collaborative, entrepreneurial approach.
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• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
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• Ability to travel as needed to support clients, projects, and business-development efforts
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