Project Director

Architecture | Commercial, Office & Multifamily Projects

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Director to provide executive-level leadership for complex architectural projects and strategic client accounts. This role is responsible for overseeing project delivery, financial performance, contract management, client relationships, and team leadership across a portfolio of large-scale commercial, office, and multifamily developments.

The ideal candidate will be a licensed architect with 20-30+ years of experience leading significant projects and managing high-profile client relationships. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, mentor project leadership teams, and ensure the successful execution of projects from initial pursuit through completion and occupancy.

This position is designed for a proven leader who excels at balancing business development, project oversight, financial accountability, and operational excellence while driving long-term client success.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Business Development

• Serve as the executive point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships that generate repeat business opportunities.
• Lead client negotiations, project pursuits, interviews, and presentations.
• Identify opportunities for growth within existing accounts and cultivate new business relationships.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout project planning, design, and construction.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• Provide executive oversight for multiple projects and project teams simultaneously.
• Ensure projects are delivered in alignment with established scope, schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Guide project strategy and resolve high-level project challenges.
• Support Project Managers and Senior Project Managers in achieving project objectives.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective action when necessary.
• Maintain involvement throughout design, documentation, permitting, and construction phases.

Financial Management

• Maintain accountability for project profitability and overall financial performance.
• Oversee project budgets, fee structures, staffing plans, and resource allocation.
• Review project forecasts, utilization, invoicing, and cash flow performance.
• Monitor project risks and ensure financial objectives are achieved.
• Support leadership in annual business planning and revenue forecasting.

Contract Management

• Lead negotiations of owner agreements, consultant contracts, and project-related contracts.
• Review contractual obligations and manage associated project risk.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, project milestones, and client expectations.
• Resolve contract-related issues and provide strategic direction regarding project liabilities and risk mitigation.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead and mentor Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, and technical staff.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining overall project accountability.
• Assist with staffing decisions, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Foster collaboration among project teams, consultants, and firm leadership.
• Promote a culture of accountability, quality, communication, and professional growth.

Quality & Technical Leadership

• Provide guidance on project execution strategies and technical problem-solving.
• Participate in project reviews and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure design and technical teams maintain high standards of excellence and client service.
• Serve as an internal resource for project planning, delivery methods, and best practices.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates should possess significant experience leading projects such as:

• High-rise multifamily residential developments
• Mixed-use developments
• Corporate office buildings
• Commercial office campuses
• Large-scale commercial developments
• Urban infill and redevelopment projects
• Class A office environments
• Complex, multi-phased projects exceeding $50M+ construction value

Required Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active Architectural Registration (required).
• 20-30+ years of architectural project leadership experience.
• Significant experience managing large-scale commercial, office, and/or multifamily projects.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining and growing client relationships.
• Extensive experience negotiating contracts and managing project-related risk.
• Strong understanding of project financials, budgeting, profitability, and forecasting.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects and project managers.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as Principal-in-Charge, Project Director, Studio Leader, or similar senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of construction administration and project delivery methods.
• Experience managing projects through entitlement, design, permitting, and construction.
• Established network within the commercial real estate, development, or multifamily markets.
• Experience leading projects valued at $25M-$500M+ in construction cost.

Leadership Competencies

• Executive Presence
• Strategic Client Management
• Financial Acumen
• Contract Negotiation
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Business Development
• Decision-Making & Problem Solving
• Risk Management
• Operational Leadership
• Relationship Building