Architectural Design Associate Jobs in Chatham, MA

For over 25 years, Polhemus Savery DaSilva (PSD) has collaborated with individuals, families, and institutions to design and build exceptional custom homes that celebrate creative design and quality craftsmanship, honor their natural environments, and set the stage for lasting memories — for generations to come.

PSD is nationally recognized for thoughtfully integrated architecture and construction on Cape Cod and coastal southeastern New England. PSD provides a highly collaborative process that is as special as the buildings we create. Our single-source approach provides seamless communication among the project team and our clients to ensure we meet deadlines, stay on budget, and deliver quality workmanship that realizes our client’s vision.

The Architectural Project Manager (APM) reports to the Director of Architectural Operations and acts as primary point of communication with PSD clients from start of design through completion of construction. The APM ensures design intent is maintained and is responsible for the quality and completeness of drawings and specifications. The APM must possess superb communication skills, attention to detail, high follow-through, and the ability to drive projects forward. Candidates must be experienced in wood frame construction documentation and proficient in CAD and Revit. 

Responsibilities include:                                                                                                

• Responsible for client communication from start of design to completion of construction. Responsible for quality and completeness of communications with clients and consultants at all phases of the work including during construction. Primary point of communication with clients through the architectural phase and with consultants in all phases.  Oversees work of consultants.
• Primary point of accountability for progress of specific architectural projects as assigned. Leads architectural team for those projects.  Understands character of project’s client and manages client expectations.  Assists in client selection process and works with them to complete selections on schedule.
• Responsible for quality and completeness of drawings and specifications. Oversees and coordinates work of Design Associates and presents it to Senior Designer and/or Landscape Senior Designer.  Coordinates with Designers to understand design intent and works to maintain it throughout the project. 
• Responsible for meeting design goals within agreed upon architectural budgets and construction budgets. Fully understands contractual obligations in both design and construction phases. Can answer management or client’s questions on job progress or details at any time.  Available for occasional weekend meetings.
• In regular contact and coordination with Project Director and Construction Project Managers (at least weekly during construction phase). Reviews job sites periodically to determine if execution is consistent with contract documents.  Reports lack of consistency to Construction Project Manager immediately.
• Creates and maintains project schedules. Makes other project participants aware of schedules and works with them to ensure schedules are met.  Tracks and reviews all hours billed to projects and compares them to budgeted hours. Creates and maintains architectural project budgets.  Works with other project participants to ensure budgeted hours are met.  Notifies Director of Architectural Operations if schedules or budgets are going off track and proposes solutions for getting back on track. 
• Works with construction staff to understand costs so architectural work can meet client’s construction budgets. Reviews drawings in all stages, including schematic design, with construction staff and consultants, if necessary, for constructability issues including cost effectiveness of design and detailing.
• Ensures, with help of Design Associates, code, and other regulatory compliance of their project’s work.
• Organizes project records and meetings with consultants, clients, or PSD staff. Runs project meetings and creates meeting minutes as needed. 
• Works with client and Senior Designer to complete budget pricing checklist and drawing set. Supports construction cost estimator in clarifying RFI’s during budget pricing process.
• Exerts judgment as to when Principals need to be called in and manages time, responsibilities, and client communications as they relate to specific projects. Schedules adequate time for drawing review by Senior Designer and Landscape Senior Designer. 
• May act as Architectural support Staff on own or other’s projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors in architecture, Masters in Architecture, or equivalent degree.
• Architectural Licensure preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of applicable design experience in residential architecture.
• Able to self-motivate and work well under deadlines.
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and strong ability to manage client relationships.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong commitment to quality.
• Able to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Strong Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit software and Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel required.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive base salary range:  $90,000 to $130,000
• Annual performance bonus opportunity
• Competitive paid time off and paid holidays
• Employer-paid health insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development support
• Wellness and fitness reimbursement
• Community service and giving programs
• Role-based access to company vehicle, phone, and iPad

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Office and/or field environment. Travel to off-site locations may be required.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment, file, and perform specialized skills.
• Needs a high degree of concentration in a busy office environment.