Project Manager (Architecture Studio)

Otak•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Otak is seeking a design-minded, proactive, relationship-driven Project Manager for its Architecture Studio in Portland, Oregon. The role leads multifamily housing, mixed-use, public and community-focused, and renovation projects through design and construction, turning ideas into coordinated, buildable solutions that balance creativity, technical rigor, sustainability, and lasting value. The Project Manager connects people, decisions, resources, and priorities around a shared vision, working with clients and multidisciplinary teams to bring clarity to complex work and balance design excellence with scope, schedule, fee, quality, and client expectations. The position leads small to mid-size, moderately complex architectural projects from design through documentation, permitting, construction administration, and closeout. It manages client relationships, project delivery, team coordination, design intent, quality, financial performance, and business development. The role also champions sustainable, resilient, and community-centered design strategies. Otak is a multidisciplinary firm whose architects, urban designers, planners, engineers, and construction management professionals work together on thoughtful, sustainable solutions. The company describes its design philosophy as grounded in current needs while anticipating future opportunities, and notes that its multidisciplinary approach has served clients for more than 40 years.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
Professional architectural registration.
10+ years of progressive architectural and project management experience, including independent leadership of small to mid-size or moderately complex projects through design and construction.
Demonstrated ownership, initiative, sound judgment, and timely decision-making as project conditions change.
Clear, direct, client-ready communication and a collaborative leadership style that establishes accountability, navigates conflict, and develops emerging professionals.
Strong architectural judgment and knowledge of design processes, building systems, codes, accessibility, life safety, permitting, specifications, constructability, and construction administration.
Knowledge of sustainable and integrated design principles, and ability to balance performance, constructability, project goals, and long-term value.
Strong client relationship skills, including understanding priorities, building trust, guiding decisions, managing relationship risks, and recognizing opportunities for additional or repeat work.
Working knowledge of BIM, project delivery methods, and digital workflows.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, and project management and financial systems such as Deltek Vantagepoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public-sector, multifamily housing, mixed-use, federal, adaptive reuse, or renovation projects.
PMP, LEED, CDT, or similar credentials.

Responsibilities

Lead small to mid-size, moderately complex architectural projects through design, documentation, permitting, construction administration, and closeout.
Define and manage project goals, scope, schedule, fee, milestones, staffing, resources, and risks; establish work plans, decision tracking, coordination, financial reviews, and QA/QC checkpoints.
Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, clarifying priorities and decisions and communicating project status, schedule, fee, risks, and required actions.
Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate consultants, contractors, agencies, and client stakeholders to support timely decisions and integrated solutions.
Partner with Project Architects, designers, and technical leaders to explore design possibilities, resolve challenges, maintain design intent, and deliver coordinated, buildable work.
Delegate responsibilities, set expectations, provide timely feedback, and reinforce accountability, mentorship, and team growth.
Integrate quality into daily project execution through self-checks, peer and milestone reviews, and clear ownership of deliverables; ensure work aligns with Otak’s quality and professional practice standards.
Manage budgets, forecasts, billing, profitability, and scope changes, using project data to guide staffing and delivery decisions.
Lead meetings, presentations, and difficult conversations with clarity, professionalism, and respect.
Lead proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, interviews, and business development activities; identify opportunities for additional services, repeat work, and long-term client relationships.
Champion sustainable, resilient, and community-centered design strategies that enhance the human experience and create lasting value.