Architectural Project Manager at Carrier Johnson

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE:

Is a design-centric architectural, interior design, and strategic branding practice, focused on creating individualized design solutions for higher education, public buildings, corporate workplace environments, advanced technology + life science clientele, multi-family residential developments, and mixed-use compositions, including hospitality uses.

Established in 1977, the firm maintains headquarters offices in San Diego, with branch offices in the Los Angeles, Seattle and New York.

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE approaches design through exploration of the authentic connections between design opportunity and existing environmental context – this includes: social, physical, historical, & aesthetic influences– this exploration is in an attempt to reveal opportunities within a real framework. A balance is sought between aesthetic, experiential, and functional qualities, serving to define a project’s individuality and unique expression.

The following describes the desired qualifications for this role:

1. Medium to Large projects will be managed by a Level 2 PM. So they need at least 8-12 years of successfully managing Residential, Commercial, or Institutional Architectural or Interiors projects.
2. If coming into CJ as a new employee, show strong evidence of being a profitable team leader for past design firm. For PM’s grown from within CJ: previous mentoring by a Level 1 PM and DP, as well as  project accounting training by Vince/Jackie .  In addition, this level of PM should be paired with a senior (Level 1 if possible) PA or a hands on PIC/DP that is willing to mentor this PM when needed.
3. High level of analytical skills is needed: Proficiency in using budgeting analysis (MS Excel spreadsheet creation), and doing code and zoning related research.  Experience in getting previous work done on time and on budget is critical.  Knowledge of how to create a design schedule is important, should be previously trained on a scheduling software program (MS Project).
4. Understanding of how long design and production tasks should take to be completed is required by a level 2 PM (PIC or Level 1 PA mentoring may still be needed). It is critical to make sure that this person can forecast staffing needs and also be able to guide their team so that staff gets their work done efficiently.  Being able to regularly track progress is a key PM skill.
5. This level of PM should know how to measure up the CJ consultants as well (PIC/ Level 1 PA mentoring may still be needed) to ensure the project progresses smoothly.
6. Should have a varied portfolio of past project types that can be drawn on while leading current project.
7. Previous experience with the same project type that they are now leading is a key requirement for success.
8. Personality wise, this person needs to be someone that naturally follows through on commitments. Has to be able to build both PIC’s and Client’s trust.  Important for the PIC to still teach Level 2 PM how to negotiate difficult issues as they arise (add service requests, time delays, budget issues, design errors) with professionalism.  
9. Level 2 PM will still benefit from being mentored by Senior Designer and Level 1 PA if staffing allows them to be on this team. A level 2 PM must be able to make their project better from a financial viewpoint as well as design and technical execution.  They also need to be able to make all team members accountable for their specific part of the project.
10. Knowledge of what each design consultant can offer the team in terms of specific system selections is also quite important. This person should enjoy researching what alternative systems are out there (requires constant outreach with other firms in each discipline) and learning the technical risks and budget impacts for each.  A level 2 PM needs to push the individual consultants to offer the best systems for the current project.  The PIC may still need to mentor this level of PM about appreciating the promise of a particular system innovation, and judging the potential risks involved with using new technologies.  
11. Financial success comes from constant monitoring and adjusting efforts when needed to stay on track so this person needs to be diligent. Being able to judge the progress of design studies and offer constructive criticism to guide teammates is also critical.  A level 2 PM has to correct the course of the project when needed and cannot be afraid to confront folks (whether it be the design principal, PA, client, or consultant) if something is going the wrong way.   PIC/DP really needs to let the Level 2 PM lead on their own as much as possible. 
12. A successful PM needs to be passionate about improving the CJ design process by pursuing continuing education opportunities. This person should already be involved with outside organizations that are research oriented by CJ management.  Another way to have gained PM leadership skills is to have been involved with a Community group that is development related, or have professional organization involvement that is leadership oriented.
13. CJ my still need to train this level of PM to become very organized so outside training classes may be good to encourage. This level 2 PM has to be able to mentor younger teammates to develop/exhibit good organization skills as well.  The PM has to have the discipline to hold regular team meetings so the team members stay aware of each other’s progress and can offer suggestions on solving particular problems. 
14. Having a strong technical background in terms of materials knowledge, detailing, and systems coordination is a key attribute for a PM. A level 2 PM may have to keep learning on the project so that this person has the ability to lead teammates with confidence. 
15. Be willing to offer their best effort (Personal Guarantee) at all times, likely on multiple projects. Also be able to admit when overloaded so that a project does not suffer from a lack of needed attention.
16. This person will need to develop a broad knowledge of CJ’s activities and culture, so they may still need mentoring from PIC/DP or CJ Admin leaders. They need to possess ownership type thinking. A level 2 PM needs to have an Architectural, Interior Design, or CM professional license.

Skillsets:

1. MS Word document creation and writing skills. Effective letter writing, narrative writing, marketing pursuit writing skills are all critical.
2. MS Project schedule creation and editing skills will be very important. Ability to develop a project timeline that can be maintained through the bumps and hurdles that happen in the design and construction of projects. 
3. MS Excel spreadsheet document creation and editing skills are needed to develop fees, revenue projections, etc.
4. Auto-Cad program - have the knowledge to do viewing, printing, commenting. Level 2 PMs should be able to use Auto-Cad fairly proficiently so they can do project tasks along the side of team.
5. REVIT program – have the ability to decide on level of modeling needed. Know the program well enough to understand its capabilities and limitations so it is used wisely.
6. Deltek – will need to have a strong working knowledge of this account tracking system. Training from senior CJ accounting leader is critical.
7. Data filing system expertise – need to be able to store immense amounts of information that range in content and detail. Organizing drawings, graphics, financial, correspondence, product data are key to running a project well and retrieving information effectively.  
8. Math skills – have strong knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, and basic algebra formulas. Will be looking at and creating many documents that rely on good math knowledge.
9. Public Speaking/ Leadership training – Dale Carnegie or LEAD type training to effectively motivate/manage groups of individuals is important. May need to take training classes if not previously trained.
10. Sustainability knowledge will be more important every day – LEED AP expected, Cal Green knowledge critical. Knowledge about materials (thermal properties and embodied energy costs to produce), and building systems (especially HVAC & lighting) In terms of energy efficiency is valuable.
11. Specifications – have the ability to edit master sections, knowledge of products to support why used, liability risks.
12. System coordination and detailing experience – have the ability to gauge how complete the design documents are at any point in the project. Be able to identify the impact of one material or system on the others that it needs to be integrated with.
13. Construction cost estimating – have the cost comparison knowledge to first set the project’s budget with the Client. Have the ability to do effective value engineering to guide the team back to the budget when needed.