Senior Project Manager - SME - Interior Design/Architecture

Senior Project Manager - SME - Interior Design/Architecture

Description: Huitt-Zollars Houston Downtown office is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project manager Subject Matter Expert Interior Design/Architecture to lead dynamic interior design, interior architecture, and architecture projects. This position offers an opportunity to participate in the design and manage projects across all phases, from business development and proposal writing, through concept to design development and finally construction administration and project closeout. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in themed entertainment, commercial, and hospitality, a refined design voice, exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality results while fostering strong client relationships.

Location: Los Angeles, CA or Orlando, FL

Employment Type: 40 FT Hours

Compensation Type: Salary

Registration(s): Registered Interior Designer or Architect or eligible for reciprocity

Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program

Duties:

• Primary Client Contact: Serve as the primary liaison for clients, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Comprehensive Oversight: Lead all aspects of projects, including design, planning, directing, monitoring, and resolving challenges for projects with varying degrees of complexity.
• Team Supervision: Supervise and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports individual and team success.
• Workload Coordination: Manage team workloads and collaborate with other project directors to balance assignments across the office.
• Project Completion: Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and meet contractual terms, design guidelines, and client objectives.
• Design Development: Lead the collaboration process amongst the project team to develop innovative concept designs, programming, and space planning tailored to project needs.
• Technical Excellence: Review work for compliance with design intent, code requirements, and budgetary constraints.
• Documentation: Prepare and review architectural documents, including specifications, meeting minutes, agency applications, and project reports.
• Construction Oversight: Conduct site visits and assessments to monitor progress, address technical issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Mentorship: Provide leadership and technical guidance to junior staff, promoting professional development and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Proposals and Contracts: Write proposals, recommend appropriate fees, and participate in contract negotiations with clients and consultants.
• Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, contributing to repeat business and new opportunities.
• Market Development: Assist in preparing proposals, pursuing new clients, and participating in project presentations as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepares and follows comprehensive Project Framework Instructions and proper work planning for a project. Ensures proper staff is assigned and utilized on their projects.
• Reviews project reports and performance metrics to track project progress and budget. Leads successful projects (profit, on-schedule, quality, satisfied client).
• Contributes to successful delivery and performance of projects.
• Cultivates relationships with clients and holds strong relationships with clients.
• Understands, follows, and enforces Huitt-Zollars' business process including weekly rhythm.
• Takes active steps in the pursuit of winning new business or additional opportunities with existing clients and may be responsible for a stated portion of office sales goal. Assists and/or leads team in pursuit of new work (repeat work, SOQ and Proposals). Develops and/or executes project Win strategy.
• Understands and follows HZ QMS and Quality initiatives. Ensures quality control measures are being adhered to on projects and daily operations.
• Actively engages and participates in the training, coaching, and mentoring of junior staff.
• Understands duties and responsibilities, possesses necessary job knowledge and technical skills, maintains job knowledge current.

Role Competencies:

• Adaptable: Adjusting behaviors and plans to new circumstances while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Manages Time and Priorities: Maintaining focus on high priority work through thoughtful management of time and utilization of systems, tools and processes.
• Organizes Resources: Fostering thoughtful utilization of human and material resources to optimize success.
• Sharing Information: Conveying up-to-date information in the most efficient and useful manner to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Plans Effectively: Making plans for work to be accomplished in a timely manner and utilizing resources sparingly.
• Builds Relationships: Showing deep interest in others and intentionally developing rapport.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture from a NAAB-accredited program.
• Licensure: Registered Interior Designer or Architect in Texas or eligible for reciprocity.
• Experience: Minimum of 1015 years in interior design, interior architecture, architectural design, construction, and project management, with a focus on client relationships.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and other 3D modeling tools (e.g., Enscape, SketchUp)
• Construction Knowledge: Deep understanding of interior design, building design, construction methods, codes, and sustainability principles.
• Business Acumen: Solid experience in business development, including fee proposals, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas effectively to clients and teams.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This position is also required to adhere to Huitt-Zollars Core Value and Leadership Competencies

About Huitt-Zollars:

• Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a privately held, 100% employee-owned leading Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firm since being established in 1975. Since then, our firm has been providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build services to our clients.
• Located in more than 20 locations throughout 10 different US states, Huitt-Zollars holds a vision to improve the environment in which we live, work, and play. Employees/co-owners can expect to collaborate with their team, listen to client and community needs, and deliver world-class professional services. Learn more about a career with #teamHZ by viewing our LinkedIN Life age .

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion
• The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Huitt-Zollars in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Currently, Huitt-Zollars does not sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions.

Annual Base Salary Range: $128,000-$142,000 depending on experience and qualifications of the selected candidate(s). The expected salary range for this position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The final agreed upon compensation is based on the success candidate's individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and consideration to participate in our discretionary annual bonus incentive program.

Huitt-Zollars does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a previously signed third-party agreement. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to any Huitt-Zollars hiring manager or employee will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency submitting the unsolicited resume. Huitt-Zollars will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Human Resources team and without an active, fully executed service agreement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Huitt-Zollars is a federal contractor and subcontractor and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.