Architectural Project Manager

Full-Time • Hybrid in Santa Monica • Reports to the Managing Principal

About the Role

Westside Build, in partnership with Westside Design, is a design and construction firm based in Santa Monica, rebuilding homes across the Pacific Palisades in the wake of the wildfire. We bring architecture, design, and construction under one roof, with a strong emphasis on technology, speed, and craft.

We are seeking a Project Manager to take ownership of our most complex and high profile projects from inception through completion. Working directly with the Managing Principal, you will lead multiple projects of your own with the support of a Job Captain, coordinating every facet of the work, both administrative and technical, while serving as the primary point of contact our clients trust. This is a senior delivery role for a seasoned professional with a strong technical background and proven client management capability, who excels at managing projects and staff simultaneously, and who will help set the standard for how the office delivers.

Role Summary

The Project Manager coordinates all project efforts, both administrative and technical, to ensure the efficient and cost effective execution of assigned projects. The role prepares strategic plans for project success, serves as the primary client liaison, estimates the scope of work, and provides oversight to less experienced project managers. This is the firm's lead delivery role, entrusted with the most complex projects of the largest magnitude.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Execution
• Coordinate all project efforts, both administrative and technical, to ensure the most efficient and cost effective execution of assigned projects.
• Prepare strategic plans that set each project up for success across schedule, budget, and quality.
• Actively manage client budgets, schedules, and programs throughout the life of the project.
• Oversee project communications and documentation, office administrative tasks, and project team assignments.
• Handle the most complex projects of the largest magnitude, bringing structure and clarity to high stakes work.
• Lead two concurrent projects of your own with the support of a Job Captain.
• Help lead and develop firm wide standards for project delivery, documentation, and quality.
• Implement and review drawings/documentation, leading QA/QC.

Client Leadership
• Serve as the primary liaison and point of contact with clients, completing projects on schedule, within budget, and with maximum client satisfaction.
• Build and sustain client relationships, acting as the steady, confident presence clients turn to throughout the project.
• Estimate fees, determine the scope of work, and help prepare proposals and.

Team Leadership
• Provide oversight and monitoring of the work of less experienced project architects.
• Work directly with the Managing Principal on project direction, resourcing, and office standards.
• Mentor and develop project management staff, raising the firm's overall delivery capability.
• Act in a team leader capacity in the absence of the Principal or Director.

Requirements

Required Qualifications
• Professional degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• 10+ years of professional experience in architecture or integrated design and build delivery.
• Strong technical background in residential or commercial construction documentation and detailing.
• Proven staff management experience, including a track record of managing staff and managing projects at the same time.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects from inception through completion, on schedule and within budget.
• Revit proficiency (required).
• Strong command of project budgets, schedules, scope estimation, proposals, and contracts.
• Proven client management capability, able to serve as the primary client liaison, lead client meetings and presentations, and manage relationships confidently through difficult decisions.
• Excellent client facing communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications
• Construction background (highly preferred), with California experience.
• Licensure as an architect in California (preferred but not required).
• Experience with residential construction, including custom single family homes, ADUs, and/or rebuilds.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam and Procore.
• Experience working on rebuild or disaster recovery housing.

Benefits
Benefits
• Hybrid work schedule: four days in office and one day remote.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative, innovative work environment with a supportive culture focused on mentorship and growth.
• A rare opportunity to lead high impact projects at an early stage firm while doing meaningful work rebuilding a community.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and scope of responsibility. The salary range for this role is $115,000 to $145,000.

Westside Build is an equal opportunity employer.