Studio space at Studio-MLA. Photo by Amanda Ortland © Archinect

In our study of the various job titles within the industry of architecture, we’ve so far explored a wide variety, each with its own unique qualities. Today we move to the Project Architect (PA), a position that quite literally captures the essence of the architect. Project Architects are typically tasked with the technical delivery of a project: leading the production of the construction documents, ensuring its quality, coordinating with consultants, leading an internal team of design professionals, and a number of other duties key to the development and delivery of a given project. Sometimes this role might overlap with that of a Project Manager (PM), and sometimes they are one in the same, both topics we’ll discuss in this piece.

This is our sixth installment of Archinect's Guide to Job Titles. We’ll look at the Project Architect (PA), the multi-faceted position that truly captures the historical and intrinsic characteristics of the architect. Let’s look at what this role entails, what firms look for when seeking such team members, and the qualifications and competencies required to operate at this level.

The role of the Project Architect

According to the Architectural Handbook of Professional Practice, a “Project Manager” is a “term frequently used interchangeably with ‘Project Architect’ to identify the individual designated to manage the firm’s services related to a given project. Normally these services include administrative responsibilities as well as technical responsibilities.” With this definition in mind, it’s important for us to start by acknowledging the tendency for some firms to combine the PA and PM roles, having one individual fulfill the duties of both designations. Since we are exploring the individual role of the PA in this article we will assume an organizational structure that employs separate professionals to each of these respective roles. In this context, a PA will typically report to a PM, who is in charge of the broader strategies of the project and the communications between the firm and the client. More on that later.

On a fundamental level, the Project Architect is a licensed professional who oversees the development of the design of a project along with the production of the construction documents

On a fundamental level, the Project Architect is a licensed professional who oversees the development of the design of a project (and can often collaborate with a design principal or principal-in-charge) along with the production of the construction documents. This individual can also oversee the construction administration of a project if the client has retained the firm for such services. Similar to a Job Captain, the Project Architect moves the firm’s projects forward, coordinates with consultants, and realizes all of the instruments of service agreed upon in the contract. A notable difference tends to be the greater years of experience, an architectural license, and the level of responsibility. However, while technically inaccurate, some firms may use the term “Project Architect” to merely refer to a project team member who is not a licensed architect (sometimes this is for billing reasons) who would otherwise be called a “Designer.”

Qualifications and responsibilities

The duties of the Project Architect are pretty regular across firms. Overseeing the delivery of a project is one of the most important responsibilities within the practice of architecture. While a team effort, the PA is heavily relied upon to ensure the quality, accuracy, and professionalism of the instruments of service and the facilitation of the final architectural product. Some of the common qualifications sought in a Project Architect include:

• Registered Architect 

• Proficiency in applicable BIM and CAD software(s).

• Ability to lead and guide the production of construction documents

• Thorough knowledge of codes and zoning regulations

• QA/QC

• Coordination skills: consultants, schedule, construction administration, etc.

• Leadership and mentorship of staff and internal project team

“A Project Architect's primary responsibility focuses on elements involved with the instruments of services, such as managing consultants, code compliance and production,” said Jovan Gayton, a Project Manager at AC Martin. In regards to a single individual fulfilling the roles of both Project Architect and Project Manager, Gayton said, “It depends on the scope, complexity, schedule, and budget of the project.  For example, smaller simpler projects with a reasonable schedule and fee may require one person who can fulfill both roles, while larger more complex projects with reduced time may require one person for each role.”

As we’ll discuss in another piece, Project Architects may sometimes fulfill the duties of a Project Manager, focusing also on client project team relationships such as contractual obligations, project expectations, quality of service and overall communication amongst all parties.

What are firms looking for?

So what are firms looking for in a Project Architect? In Los Angeles-based ShubinDonaldson’s search for a Project Architect, the firm states:

A Project Architect is the team leader in charge of overseeing timely and profitable completion of a project. The project architect coordinates the work team, consults with clients and is responsible for the overall development and implementation of a specific architectural project.  Participates in design studies and evaluation of design proposals in collaboration with the Senior Designer or Senior Design Manager.

Candidates should have 8 to 10 years of experience, be comfortable with construction administration, developing projects in Revit, and hold an experienced understanding of building codes, zoning, and planning regulations. Additionally, candidates should be able to produce  fully coordinated set of drawings and lead and mentor a team to do so. 

New York-based Heitler Houstoun Architects seeks a hybrid Project Architect/Manager. Concerning the position, the firm states:

The position will involve leading a 1-4 person team for residential, commercial office and/or national service-based retail projects through all phases (pre-design, design, drafting, approval,  construction administration, and close-out). We are looking for someone with the ability to work across several project types.

Similar to the aforementioned qualifications, candidates should be comfortable leading the production and development of construction documents, ensuring adequate coordination across disciplines. Code knowledge is also crucial along with an ability to lead a team of architects and designers, communicate well, and have proficiency in a wide range of software.

What about pay?

According to Archinect's Salary Poll, with a response pool of 1,393 respondents across the country, the average salary for a Project Architect, covering all levels of experience, in the United States sits at $71,634 annually. In Los Angeles, professionals holding 11 to 15 years of experience hold an $87,600 per year average. Move that to professionals with 6 to 7 years of experience, and the average comes in at about $75,000 annually, according to the Archinect’s Salary Poll Data. The average overall pay for Project Architects in New York City is approximately $76,800. Ultimately, compensation will be commensurate on experience, ability, region, size of the firm, and the current job market.

A bona fide title

Many firms, if the individual has shown themselves capable, will promote an unlicensed professional who may have been working as a Job Captain, to a Project Architect, acknowledging their milestone, but more importantly, their capability to fulfill the responsibilities of such a role. This is the funny thing about “titles.” They can get tricky. There are countless professionals with years of experience, far beyond even those licensed team members, who have never gotten their license, and who never will. Yet, they can run circles around those who might have recently obtained licensure. These unlicensed professionals have full careers as “Project Architects” and execute their jobs formidably. In the end, the Project Architect will be what each firm determines it is, but if we’re looking for the fundamental components, we’ve established that basic criteria in this brief exploration.

Interested in a Project Architect job? 
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