Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager | San Francisco

Studio: IA | Design That Moves - San Francisco

At IA, we bring architecture, design, and strategy together to create environments that move people and organizations forward. Our teams help clients respond to changing business needs by designing places that strengthen connection, support performance, and adapt to what comes next. Join us and bring your perspective to work that aligns culture, operations, and long-term goals. Together, we shape the future through people-centered design.

Our San Francisco studio is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex commercial interiors projects and strengthen lasting client partnerships. Working with integrated teams of architects, designers, and consultants, you'll translate client priorities into clear project strategies, guide resources, and oversee financial performance and delivery. In partnership with studio leadership, you'll support business growth and mentor teams to deliver thoughtful design and consistent results.

What You'll Do

• Lead large, complex projects or multiple concurrent assignments from initial assessment of client needs through design, documentation, construction administration, and completion.
• Develop project scopes, work plans, fees, budgets, and schedules, aligning staffing and consultant resources with project requirements.
• Serve as the primary client contact, establishing expectations, guiding decisions, and maintaining clear communication throughout delivery.
• Partner with design and technical leaders to maintain alignment among design intent, client objectives, scope, budget, and schedule.
• Lead client presentations and project meetings, communicate recommendations, and secure approvals that keep projects moving forward.
• Oversee coordination among internal teams and engineering consultants to support integrated building systems and timely, complete deliverables.
• Monitor project financial performance, staffing, and utilization; identify potential variances early and coordinate corrective action with the Project Director and studio leadership.
• Manage contracts, track scope changes, and secure authorization for additional services.
• Partner with Finance on invoicing and collections, addressing overdue payments directly with clients and escalating concerns as needed.
• Anticipate project risks and resolve complex delivery, contractual, and team coordination issues.
• Grow existing client relationships and pursue new opportunities through proposals, presentations, expanded services, and referrals.
• Lead and mentor Project Managers and project staff, delegating responsibilities, reviewing performance, and supporting professional development.

What You Bring

• A degree in architecture, design, or business, or equivalent professional experience.
• 12 or more years of experience delivering design projects, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Corporate interiors experience is valued.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining project quality, financial performance, and client satisfaction.
• Extensive knowledge of materials, furnishings, construction methods, and project delivery practices related to interior architecture.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, applicable building codes, and accessibility requirements, including ADA.
• Proven ability to develop and negotiate project scopes, fees, service agreements, and consultant contracts.
• Strong judgment in resolving complex contractual and project administration issues while supporting design intent and client objectives.
• Experience managing project budgets, staffing, schedules, invoicing, and collections.
• Demonstrated success building client relationships, expanding accounts, and contributing to new business pursuits.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite to support project coordination, reviews, and presentations.
• Advanced presentation, graphic, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to guide decisions and build alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff at varying experience levels through clear expectations, thoughtful delegation, and constructive feedback.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 annually, based on education, licensing, and relevant industry experience.