Design Project Manager Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description
Architectural Project Manager
Position Description
Join an innovative firm delivering a wide range of commercial design projects across the U.S., shaping how teams create high-quality, efficient, and profitable outcomes for complex clients.
As an Architectural Project Manager, you will lead the Commercial project delivery, coordination, operational efficiency, and financial performance for a portfolio of commercial design projects, serving as a key point of contact for major clients. You'll bring a creative, forward-thinking mindset to the role, helping teams not only deliver work effectively, but also continuously elevate how projects are executed.
Working directly with architects, engineers, and client stakeholders, you'll manage multidisciplinary teams to produce high-quality design documentation while ensuring alignment with client expectations, budgets, and timelines.
In addition to project delivery, you will play a key role in strengthening client partnerships, anticipating needs, identifying opportunities, and driving consistent, high-value service across projects. To support the continued growth of this program, you will also identify trends, develop scalable templates, and implement standardized workflows and process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
Position Salary Range*
The expected salary range for this position is $105,000 to $140,000 annually.
Required Qualifications**

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience managing design delivery or program management within architecture, engineering, or multi-disciplinary design consulting environments
• Experience coordinating architects and engineers through the design and documentation phases of national or multi-site large-format commercial programs
• Strong understanding of commercial design programs, building codes, and architecture/engineering documentation standards
• Experience managing high-volume project portfolios or multi-site programs
• Experienced in both interior and exterior architectural document development
• Proficiency with project/program management software, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Deltek Vantagepoint, and Outlook
• Excellent design insight, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn and adapt quickly
• Exceptional communication, collaboration skills, and relationship management with clients, internal teams, and external partners
• Experience with Seattle permitting, City of Seattle Codes, and Washington State Codes

Preferred Qualifications**

• Experience working within architecture, engineering, or multidisciplinary design consulting firms strongly preferred
• Current professional license/registration or a project management certification (or equivalent in-house training)

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don't meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don't want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!
Position Responsibilities***

• Provide leadership over project processes, maintain clear communication with teams and clients, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency
• Collaborate with design leaders and discipline leads to establish, monitor, and manage project budgets
• Prepare fee proposal templates, support development and negotiation of project contracts, and oversee program-level scope changes
• Ensure project profitability targets (20% or higher) are met or exceeded
• Plan, communicate, and track project milestones from client request through the delivery of complete design documentation packages
• Participate in QA/QC reviews, identify recurring issues across projects, and implement strategies to improve program-wide quality and consistency
• Conduct weekly project reviews to monitor earned value, resource utilization, and staffing alignment
• Oversee and establish standards for the initiation and maintenance of project information and opportunities in Deltek Vantagepoint
• Develop project work plans and budgets in collaboration with Project Coordinators
• Coordinate project billing with client accounting requirements, ensuring accurate and timely invoices
• Manage accounts receivable and support collections efforts to meet the firm's goal of payment within 30 days of deadlines
• Identify opportunities for additional services and ensure project outcomes align with client goals
• Schedule regular reviews with the Principal in Charge and other PM leadership
• Oversee project closeout activities and lead lessons-learned discussions, ensuring follow up on actionable items to drive improvements
• Supervise Project Coordinators, including training, task assignment, performance review, coaching, and conflict resolution, in alignment with company policies
• Build and strengthen client relationships, support business development and market growth initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working at Cushing Terrell
Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.
Why Cushing Terrell
At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, "design meets you." Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CushingTerrell_Benefits-Guide_2025.pdf
Things to Note
*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.
**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.
Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.
Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.