Architecture Project Manager: Civic + Cultural

About the role

LPA is seeking an experienced architect to lead projects within our Civic + Cultural division. You will manage the full lifecycle of high-performance building projects while working alongside a multidisciplinary team focused on sustainable design. In this capacity, you will own the strategic direction and operational execution of complex cultural initiatives from initial concept through final delivery. You will ensure that every project meets the highest standards of technical excellence, design integrity, and client satisfaction. The role requires a proactive leader who can navigate the intersection of creative vision and practical construction realities. You will be responsible for balancing ambitious design goals with budget constraints and schedule demands. This position offers the opportunity to shape the built environment of significant public and institutional projects. Your work will directly influence the quality and functionality of spaces that serve communities for generations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage projects from initial concept through final delivery, ensuring high technical standards and design quality.
• Oversee project financials, including budget tracking, contract administration, and schedule management.
• Act as the Architect of Record by signing and stamping project documentation.
• Coordinate with clients, stakeholders, contractors, and internal staff to ensure project success.
• Evaluate construction methods, systems, and materials to maintain project innovation.
• Provide mentorship and professional guidance to junior staff members.
• Administer project schedules using industry-standard software to track critical milestones.
• Facilitate integrated project meetings to align design, engineering, and construction teams.
• Monitor construction progress through rigorous site observation and quality control measures.
• Ensure all project deliverables comply with regulatory standards and client objectives.
• Develop detailed project scopes that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Mitigate project risks by identifying potential issues and implementing proactive solutions.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive project records for future reference and reporting.
• Drive the implementation of sustainable design principles throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in Architecture.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience across all architectural project phases.
• Current California architecture license.
• Ability to manage project scope, fees, work plans, and budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel.
• Demonstrated success managing projects with budgets exceeding one million dollars.
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interactions.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of client information and project details.
• Willingness to work collaboratively within a structured corporate framework.
• Capacity to travel domestically for project meetings and site visits as needed.
• Reliability in meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work products.
• Alignment with the firm's values of innovation, integrity, and excellence.

Nice to have

• Experience with Revit and Adobe Creative Suite.

Practical notes

• We utilize E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires.
• This role includes access to professional development grants, in-house training, and 8 hours of paid volunteer time annually.
• Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
• The position is based in Irvine, California, and follows a hybrid work schedule requiring presence in the office.
• This is a full-time engagement with standard business hours and expectations for availability during critical project phases.
• Domestic travel may be required to fulfill project obligations and client expectations.
• Candidates must possess the ability to obtain and maintain the necessary clearances if required for specific project access.
• Applications must be submitted directly through the firm's portal to be considered for review.
• The selection process will include interviews, reference checks, and verification of credentials.
• Successful candidates will be notified within the specified timeframe following the application deadline.
• Professional growth is supported through structured training programs and continuous learning opportunities.
• The firm is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.
• This role is critical to the strategic growth of the Civic + Cultural sector within the organization.
• The successful candidate will contribute to the firm's reputation for delivering exceptional architectural solutions.