Architectural Assistant Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager to join our Program Management team. The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for managing the entirety of planning, procurement, design, construction, supplemental services, and project closeout processes for renovation and new construction projects. The PM performs a broad range of tasks with the focus of keeping projects on schedule and on budget. The PM produces accurate and timely reports on project development and execution for all relevant parties. The PM serves as the representative coordinating all parties to ensure the successful completion of projects. Assuming the projects assigned to the PM are funded through a federally funded program, the PM will track grant eligible and ineligible expenses throughout the life of the project. The PM provides detailed and timely reports on progress and status of the project and provides expert advice and assistance on complex project execution issues, coordinate their resolution, and perform other assignments as required.

• Manages architectural projects from the Programming phase through construction.
• Reviews and approves procurement packages for design and supplemental professional services and ensures the procurements departments has all required documentation.
• Facilitates design review meetings, project coordination meetings, pre-bid meetings, pre-construction meetings, and construction meetings.
• Attends bid openings.
• Reviews Architecture/Engineering (A/E) bid tabulations, and coordinates the resolution of any issues.
• Reviews all A/E consultant payment applications for acceptability.
• Reviews the design scope, plans and specs and provides feedback and coordinates with them on any needed or recommended revisions.
• Assist the owner with evaluation of scope changes.
• Reviews and assists in cost estimates.
• Makes routine site visits with the A/E and contractor to evaluate progress, performance, and compliance.
• Evaluates change order proposals (scope of work and costs) for changes or additions, reviewing for scope and cost reasonableness.
• Identifies potential project risks and develops mitigation strategies, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the client's satisfaction.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on invoices for all services related to the delivery of the project(s).
• Maintains comprehensive project documentation in accordance with 'The CSRS Way' best practices, ensuring all decisions, progress, and key milestones are accurately recorded and accessible to stakeholders.
• Participates in the review and approval of Final Inspections of completed work.
• Coordinates with grant managers frequently so they can ensure funding compliance.
• Assists in project closeout preparations.
• Reviews final as-built records produced by the A/E for compliance and filing.
• Assist client with coordination of Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E).
• Assist client with move/relocation efforts where applicable.
• Assist with resolving warranty items.
• Coordinates with all necessary third-party agencies (such as DOTD, USACE, utilities, etc.)
• Leads purposeful meetings with clear agendas and action items to ensure progress, accountability, and alignment with project objectives.
• Coordinates with Program Director and Client Manager to provide timely project updates and ensure alignment with client expectations. Work autonomously, as well as participate in a highly collaborative team environment
• Maintain a high level of performance in a fast-paced environment, adapting to and overcoming changing priorities and deadlines
• Ensures that all projects are delivered with a client-centric approach, aligning with exceeding client expectations through clear communication, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving Implements quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes to ensure compliance with internal standards, client specifications, and industry regulations throughout the project lifecycle. Review all design phases of contract documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture or Engineering.
• 5 years of experience with construction, architecture, or engineering project management.
• General knowledge of means and methods of construction and Building Codes and regulations.
• Proficient in basic Microsoft Office Products, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Great verbal and written communication, analytical, business, customer service, and decision-making skills.
• Exhibit exceptional standards for quality and a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with A/E Design Teams and Contractor.
• General knowledge of AIA Documents, specifically, but not limited to B101, A101 and A201.
• General knowledge of Construction Documents and Specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong leadership, client management and project coordination abilities.
• Ability to cultivate relationships, both inside and out of the office.
• Professional drive, passion and self-direction.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.

We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.