Architecture Project Manager: Higher Education

LPA, Inc. • Irvine, CA

2d • $100,000 - $155,000

About The Position

LPA is seeking an Architecture Project Manager to join their dynamic Higher Education practice. This role is within a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. The Higher Education team is committed to creating engaging environments that put 21st century skills at the center of learning. The position involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across LPA's studios in California and Texas to bring high-performance, community-first design to life. LPA is an integrated design firm focused on creating forward-thinking, sustainable spaces that make a positive impact, fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where creativity, curiosity, and professional growth are encouraged. The culture values diversity, promotes wellness, and supports a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Revit and Adobe Create Suite.
• Experience with the California DSA process for education projects.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Competitive salaries
• Robust benefits package—including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial planning, wellness initiatives, and flexible work/life programs.
• Annual bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior