Senior Project Manager

SGPA Architecture and Planning is a leading architectural design firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, and San Luis Obispo. For over 50 years, we’ve become specialists in diverse projects that feature or blend retail, residential, education, senior living, and wellness. Our practice is committed to enhancing the quality of people’s lives through smart design, rooted in creative approaches, effective management, and technology.

Our San Francisco office is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead projects from early concept through final closeout, ensuring design excellence, technical rigor, and seamless project delivery. This role is responsible for guiding teams, managing client relationships, and upholding SGPA’s standards for quality, communication, and professional service. This role is ideal for an experienced project leader who thrives in a collaborative studio environment and enjoys managing complex, multi‑disciplinary architectural projects.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in project management for Education, Senior Living, Multi‑Family Residential, Retail, or related architectural project types.
• Active California Architect license
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. SGPA is unable to provide current or future employment visa sponsorship for this position.
• Must be able to work from the San Francisco office at least three days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all phases of the design process —from feasibility and concept development through construction documents, construction administration, and final punch list—while maintaining SGPA’s standards of design quality, execution, and client service.
• Manage all aspects of project delivery , prepares strategic plans, and serves as primary client liaison ensuring work is completed efficiently, within scope, on schedule, and aligned with approved budgets and contract requirements.
• Direct and mentor project teams , fostering collaboration, clear communication, and a positive, high‑performance environment that supports strong design solutions and successful project outcomes.
• Develop and validate project scope, fees, schedules, and services with the Project Principal during pursuit, proposal, and contract negotiations, including consultant proposal requests and coordination.
• Serve as the primary point of communication for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members, ensuring timely and complete exchange of project information.
• Actively manage projects using SGPA’s project management system , including work plans, staffing, budgets, consultant coordination, schedules, fee tracking, and project change documentation.
• Coordinate closely with Project Team to anticipate and resolve scheduling conflicts, technical issues, and design challenges across multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide consistent project communication through team meetings, agendas, minutes, and written documentation that supports clarity, accountability, and alignment.
• Oversee construction administration , including site observations, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and coordination with contractors to maintain design intent and project quality.
• Evaluate technical implications of design decisions , ensuring solutions are feasible, code‑compliant, and aligned with SGPA’s project delivery standards.
• Manage project risk proactively , addressing client concerns, technical issues, and potential liabilities in a timely and professional manner.
• Review project documents for accuracy, completeness, clarity, and compliance with SGPA’s Project Delivery Manual and quality standards.
• Coordinate staffing needs with the Operations Director to ensure appropriate resource allocation across all phases of the project.
• Mentor and support staff development , providing guidance, feedback, motivation, and leadership that strengthens SGPA’s project teams and studio culture, including oversight and monitoring of work of less experienced project managers.
• Participate in marketing and client‑development activities , strengthening relationships and supporting SGPA’s ongoing business growth.

Our Office Culture

We are proud to support our teams work-life balance by offering flexible and remote work hours. Our unique office schedule of 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday allows you to enjoy longer weekends, as the office closes at 11:30am every Friday. SGPA's flexible work policy allows for up to 18 hours of remote work per week.

Professional Development

SGPA offers a Mentorship Program, an Associates Program, SGPA Academy, and ARE Study Groups to promote staff growth and professional development. SGPA recognizes the contributions of our current and future leaders through appointment to the Associates Program. Associates who perform successfully can grow to Senior Associate, Associate Principal, and Principal. The purpose of the Associate' program is to lead the charge for the betterment and growth within SGPA. Associates are expected to continually drive change, inspire new ideas, and improve processes within the firm.

Additional Benefits of joining our team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 401k, medical, dental, paid vacation, group life insurance, disability, flexible spending options and annual holiday time off. Capable and enthusiastic job performance will be rewarded with opportunity and responsibility.

SGPA Hires for Careers not Projects:

SGPA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes that our talented team members are our best resource. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences to cultivate a team that can achieve our mission Enriching Life Through Design . We fully support the career growth and professional goals of our team, and our preference is always to promote from within. Leadership opportunities are available on an equitable performance basis and firm leadership are dedicated to cultivating talent through mentorship, training, and hands on experience.