An architectural project manager oversees all aspects of the design and construction process of a building project. They monitor every step of the process, which includes anything from developing and reviewing building plans to making sure a project meets safety and environmental standards. Their typical duties and responsibilities include:
Developing, organizing and reviewing building plans
Preparing construction contracts for general contractors
Interviewing and hiring contractors for projects
Formulating cost estimates based on equipment, materials and labor requirements
Ensuring that construction projects meet environmental, safety, structural, zoning and aesthetic standards
Determining and scheduling different stages of the building process, in accordance to the client needs.
Monitoring the progress of the project and ascertain whether phases of the construction process are in compliance with building plans and project deadlines
After building completion, project managers may provide additional services for expansion and relocation projects.
Skills and relevant work experienceArchitectural project managers receive extensive training, which teaches them all the key skills they need. Architectural project managers must also have skills such as:
Creativity, as architects are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project are aesthetically pleasing, and must resolve any cosmetic issues if they arise
Organizational skills, as architectural project managers will need to keep on top of paperwork, contracts, arrange meetings with clients and delegate and manage contractors.
Leadership skills, as they are responsible for managing and directing other professionals involved in the project
Communication skills, as architectural project managers must share their ideas, both in written and verbal format, with clients, other architects, construction workers and all other professionals involved in the process
Analytical skills, as architectural project managers must understand complexed designs and the context in which they were created. Furthermore, they must be able to explain this to other people
Technical skills, as architectural project managers need to use CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM)
Visulization skills, as architectural project managers must be able to look at the big picture and envision how a building will look once completed
Skills and Competencies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
Time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Technical and computer skills for scheduling and budgeting