Architecture Project Manager: Civic + Cultural

LPA, Inc.
Irvine, CA
Hybrid

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior-level architectural professionals with integrated design experience who value collaboration and community impact.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 10+ years of experience in full-cycle architectural projects and a passion for sustainable, high-performance design
    — “10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects”
  • Professionals who have led integrated design and planning objectives while maintaining technical and financial precision
    — “Lead the achievement of project goals, including integrated design and planning objectives, budget adherence, schedule management, and overall financial performance.”
  • Individuals who can serve as the Architect of Record and provide professional oversight and documentation sign-off
    — “Serve as the Architect of Record, providing professional oversight, signing, and stamping project documentation as required.”

Things to consider

  • Must be actively licensed in California and able to work full-time with potential for on-call responsibilities
    — “Active architecture license in California”
  • Candidates should be prepared for cross-studio collaboration across California and Texas locations
    — “Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our studios in California and Texas”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience in integrated design and carbon emissions reduction in your resume and interviews
    — “changing the way the industry thinks about design and carbon emissions”
  • Highlight your ability to manage complex project schedules and budgets with technical accuracy
    — “Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans throughout all phases.”
  • Showcase your leadership in mentoring and fostering team growth in your professional background
    — “Mentor, coach, and support the professional growth of team members by sharing knowledge, training, and leadership.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • successful project completion
  • client satisfaction
Typical background
architecture degreeproject management experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Project ManagementBudget ManagementContract ManagementClient Relationship ManagementTechnical Oversight

Preferred

Sustainability KnowledgeCommunity Engagement

Stack & domain

ArchitectureProject ManagementSustainable DesignConstruction AdministrationCollaborationLeadershipMentorship

About the role

Original posting from LPA, Inc. via Ashby

Join the 2025 AIA Firm Award Winner https://www.aia.org/about-aia/press/lpa-design-studios-receives-2025-aia-architecture-firm-award shaping a more sustainable future.

LPA is a collective of designers, engineers, and researchers committed to tackling the biggest issues of our time. Our "No Excuses" integrated design approach was recognized by the AIA as “a trailblazer in sustainable, high-performance architecture". At LPA you’ll be part of the team that is changing the way the industry thinks about design and carbon emissions, built around the belief that we only achieve our goals when everybody has a seat at the table and all input is valued.

We’re currently seeking an Architecture Project Manager to join our dynamic Civic + Cultural team. You’ll be part of a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. Examples of completed projects include West Hollywood Park Aquatics and Recreation Center https://lpadesignstudios.com/projects/west-hollywood-aquatics-and-recreation-center, Michelle Obama Library https://lpadesignstudios.com/projects/michelle-obama-branch-library and Environmental Nature Center. https://lpadesignstudios.com/projects/environmental-nature-center Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our studios in California and Texas—and help bring high-performance, community-first design to life.

What You'll Do:

  • Take ownership of projects from inception to completion, contributing across all phases and ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy, and successful delivery.
  • Lead the achievement of project goals, including integrated design and planning objectives, budget adherence, schedule management, and overall financial performance.
  • Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans throughout all phases.
  • Oversee contracts, financials, and construction administration with accuracy and accountability.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, builders, governing authorities, stakeholders, and internal team members.
  • Review and guide research into products, systems, and construction methods to support project innovation and quality.
  • Serve as the Architect of Record, providing professional oversight, signing, and stamping project documentation as required.
  • Mentor, coach, and support the professional growth of team members by sharing knowledge, training, and leadership.

What We Offer:

At LPA, your growth and contributions matter. We foster a collaborative culture where creative ideas are valued, and voices are heard.

  • Mentorship from Managing Directors, Design Directors, and senior team members across disciplines.
  • Career development support, including professional development grants and in-house training.
  • Ongoing education through LPA+U courses and Tech Talks focused on innovative, sustainable practices.
  • 8 paid hours of volunteer time each year.
  • Opportunities to propose and lead projects that impact your local community, including more than $1 million since 2015 in Habitat for Humanity builds, scholarships, and other pro bono community projects.
  • Access to our Professional Development Grants program, created to encourage professional development and further LPA's collective knowledge as a firm. Over the life of the grant program, we have invested $1,196,890 and impacted 848 LPA employees.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Architecture.
  • 10+ years of experience in all phases of architectural projects.
  • Active architecture license in California.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel.
  • Knowledge in management of project business: scope, fee, schedule, work plans and budget.

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of Revit and Adobe Create Suite.

LPA is an integrated design firm with offices in California and Texas, focused on creating forward-thinking, sustainable spaces that make a positive impact. We believe great design begins with great people, which is why we foster a supportive, collaborative environment where creativity, curiosity, and professional growth are encouraged. Our culture values diversity, promotes wellness, and supports a healthy work-life balance. At LPA, we offer competitive salaries and a robust benefits package—including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs.

This position is eligible for an annual bonus. If you are hired at LPA, your base salary is based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience and/or project complexity. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

LPA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires.

NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AND RECRUITERS:

Please note that LPA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed contract, LPA will not agree to pay any recruiter fee. In the situation an agency or recruiter submits a candidate or resume without a previously signed agreement and/or without LPA’s request, LPA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of LPA.

Source: LPA, Inc. careers (Ashby)

Similar roles