DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors

About the role

The Project Manager leads and delivers a wide range of projects from early planning and front-end design through schematic design and entitlement. This role serves as the primary liaison between clients, jurisdictions, and subconsultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning efforts and author policy documents, including specific plans, design guidelines, and objective design standards.
• Lead project planning and execution by managing scope, schedule, staffing, budgets, work plans, deliverables, and team performance to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prepare and negotiate proposals, fees, schedules, and contracts for clients and consultants.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring timely communication and effective resolution of issues.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while staying informed of client goals, market conditions, and industry trends.
• Schedule, facilitate, and document project meetings with clients, internal teams, consultants, and agency representatives.
• Cook up multidisciplinary project teams to maintain quality standards and meet budget and schedule objectives.
• Manage project documentation and consultant coordination throughout planning, entitlement, and early design phases.
• Identify and resolve project challenges in collaboration with Principals, planning staff, and design teams.
• Support business development efforts with current and prospective clients.
• Contribute to project reporting, resource planning, and staffing discussions to support team performance and financial goals.
• Foster a positive team environment by supporting staff development, training, and mentoring.
• Oversee project setup, including contracts, project processes, and coordination with accounting for invoicing.
• Ensure a seamless transition of projects into design development and construction documentation phases.
• Conduct post-project follow-ups to assess client satisfaction and identify future opportunities.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the planning, entitlement, design, and production process.
• Exceptional writing skills for planning and design documentation.
• Proven project management experience, including scheduling, scopes, fees, coordination, and client communication.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• High design competency with working knowledge of zoning regulations and building codes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• A proactive, adaptable approach and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading planning, entitlement, urban design, or architectural projects, including client management and consultant coordination.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Urban Design, Planning, or Architecture.
• 5+ years of experience in urban design, planning and/or architecture, including project management and leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. building codes, permitting processes, and construction practices.
• Experience coordinating with U.S. - based clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• AICP or architectural licensure preferred.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions.