Project Lead / Senior Project Manager - Grand Rapids, MI (hybrid)
DISHER is partnering with a growing, design-forward architecture firm in Grand Rapids that specializes in education and community-focused projects in their search for a Project Lead / Senior Project Manager. This firm is about five years old and combines a startup feel with solid systems and processes. This role leads projects from contract through construction, serving as the primary client contact and internal project leader, while working closely with a tight-knit team of architects and designers.
What it's like to work here:
This is a smaller studio with most of the team in Grand Rapids and a highly collaborative, open-studio environment. The work is heavily rooted in K–12 and private education, with additional projects in healthcare, nonprofit, municipal, and mixed-use spaces. The culture is casual, social, and very people-centered. Leadership is intentional about planning workloads to avoid chronic overtime, and project leaders have a real voice in how work gets done and how processes evolve.
What you'll get to do:
- Lead architectural projects from contract through construction, acting as the main point of contact for clients and representing the firm’s process and values.
- Own project scope, schedule, and fees, including staffing plans and overall project profitability.
- Guide and mentor project teams of architects and designers, providing direction while staying close to the work.
- Coordinate with engineering and specialty consultants, ensuring alignment between internal teams and external partners.
- Oversee construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field reports.
- Draft and manage professional services agreements and standard AIA contracts.
- Facilitate internal and external meetings—setting agendas, documenting decisions, and driving follow-through.
- Support and help refine project delivery workflows and tools as the firm continues to grow.
What will make you successful:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture; licensure preferred.
- Approximately 8–10+ years of architectural project experience, with at least 5 years in a project management or project lead role.
- Experience leading projects through construction administration, ideally in K–12 education and related community-focused sectors; bond work experience is a plus.
- Strong understanding of project delivery, A/E fee structures, staffing, and project financials.
- Comfortable working with tools like Bluebeam, Google Workspace, and project planning/tracking software (such as Monograph).
- Clear, confident communicator who can build trust with clients, internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
- Organized, proactive problem-solver who can think on their feet and enjoys being both client-facing and hands-on with the work.
- Collaborative, approachable, and energized by working in a close-knit studio environment where culture and relationships matter.