Project Management
This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role. As Design Project Manager, you will own a portfolio of major projects from kickoff through closeout, serve as the primary client contact, mentor junior designers, and contribute meaningfully to business development and firm culture. You'll work closely with PDO Principals and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead a portfolio of multiple active projects simultaneously, serving as the primary point of contact for all client correspondence
Manage projects from programming and visioning through construction administration, including large-scale spaces (25,000+ SF)
Develop and maintain project schedules; hold the full project team including consultants accountable to deadlines and quality standards.
Oversee construction documents and engineering drawings; perform quality control and ensure PDO standards are met.
Apply building codes with depth and accuracy; perform and review area and BOMA calculations.
Conduct project retrospectives on all projects larger than 8,000 SF for continuous improvement.
Client & Business Development
Manage client expectations with consistency - meeting deadlines, maintaining responsiveness, and generating repeat work
Participate in business development including responding to RFPs, preparing proposals, and leading marketing presentations with limited Principal oversight
Support the growth of existing client relationships and identify new business opportunities under Principal supervision
Contribute to award submissions and represent PDO in at least one relevant professional organization
Financial Oversight
Review project billings, track fee performance, and flag budget overruns proactively
Prepare and negotiate proposals; understand project profitability and advocate for appropriate fee levels
Identify and secure approvals for additional services before work begins; support collections when needed
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Act as liaison between Principals and junior staff; delegate work strategically for quality, efficiency, and team development
Mentor junior designers toward senior-level performance; contribute to onboarding, training, and standardization efforts
Foster a culture of responsiveness, modeling same-day acknowledgment of emails and 24-hour turnaround on requests
Design Contribution
Contribute meaningfully to concept development; bring fresh materials, ideas, and perspectives to elevate project design
Lead and participate in programming and visioning sessions; produce clear, client-ready deliverables from those meetings
Qualifications:
5+ years of experience in interior architecture, workplace, or office design
Demonstrated ability to independently manage large, complex projects from programming through CA
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit required
Strong knowledge of building codes, BOMA standards, and construction documentation
Proven client relationship and business development skills
NCIDQ certification preferred, or active pursuit encouraged; LEED or WELL accreditation a plus
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
PDO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.