Project Lead / Senior Project Manager - Grand Rapids, MI (hybrid)
DISHER is partnering with a growing, design-forward architecture firm in Grand Rapids that specializes in education and community-focused projects in their search for a Project Lead / Senior Project Manager. This firm is about five years old and combines a startup feel with solid systems and processes. This role leads projects from contract through construction, serving as the primary client contact and internal project leader, while working closely with a tight-knit team of architects and designers.
What it's like to work here:
This is a smaller studio with most of the team in Grand Rapids and a highly collaborative, open-studio environment. The work is heavily rooted in K–12 and private education, with additional projects in healthcare, nonprofit, municipal, and mixed-use spaces. The culture is casual, social, and very people-centered. Leadership is intentional about planning workloads to avoid chronic overtime, and project leaders have a real voice in how work gets done and how processes evolve.
What you'll get to do:
Lead architectural projects from contract through construction, acting as the main point of contact for clients and representing the firm’s process and values.
Own project scope, schedule, and fees, including staffing plans and overall project profitability.
Guide and mentor project teams of architects and designers, providing direction while staying close to the work.
Coordinate with engineering and specialty consultants, ensuring alignment between internal teams and external partners.
Oversee construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field reports.
Draft and manage professional services agreements and standard AIA contracts.
Facilitate internal and external meetings—setting agendas, documenting decisions, and driving follow-through.
Support and help refine project delivery workflows and tools as the firm continues to grow.
What will make you successful:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture; licensure preferred.
Approximately 8–10+ years of architectural project experience, with at least 5 years in a project management or project lead role.
Experience leading projects through construction administration, ideally in K–12 education and related community-focused sectors; bond work experience is a plus.
Strong understanding of project delivery, A/E fee structures, staffing, and project financials.
Comfortable working with tools like Bluebeam, Google Workspace, and project planning/tracking software (such as Monograph).
Clear, confident communicator who can build trust with clients, internal teams, consultants, and contractors.
Organized, proactive problem-solver who can think on their feet and enjoys being both client-facing and hands-on with the work.
Collaborative, approachable, and energized by working in a close-knit studio environment where culture and relationships matter.
