Job Purpose
The Architectural Project Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the Drafting Team while bridging traditional residential architectural management with modern 3D homebuilding automation, overseeing CAD/BIM workflows, directing internal/external drafting resources, ensuring structural and code compliance across multiple states, and transitioning legacy processes into high-efficiency Higharc platform workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Higharc Platform Leadership & Digital Transformation
- Drive Higharc Adoption: Lead the end-to-end, long-term deployment of Higharc across divisions, guiding teams away from legacy CAD workflows toward new automated digital workflows.
- Technical Setup & Translation: Serve as the primary technical lead translating existing plan sets, option matrices, and architectural documentation into Higharc-compatible configurations and settings.
- Implementation & Training: Orchestrate training, rollout schedules, and onboarding for internal CAD staff and external stakeholders, tracking deliverables and mitigating adoption risks.
- Continuous Feedback Loop: Partner with software providers and internal teams (Implementation, Solutions, Product, and Estimating) to communicate workflow needs, define system requirements, and resolve gaps.
Team Leadership & Project Management
- Drafting Team Oversight: Manage daily, weekly, and monthly task assignments for the architectural team to ensure accurate, on-time delivery of permit sets and start packages.
- Resource Allocation: Oversee recruitment, staffing, and workload distribution for internal CAD/BIM personnel and external architectural/engineering consultants.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Facilitate alignment across Homes Divisions, Estimating, and Field Operations regarding plan updates, option rules, and engineering updates.
- Control Logs & Reporting: Maintain division control logs (RFIs, Change Orders, Plan Status) and lead regular coordination meetings.
Code Compliance & Structural Engineering Support
- Building Code Authority: Interpret IRC/IBC codes across multiple states; represent the company with plan examiners, address rejection letters, and secure formal code clarification letters from the ICC when needed.
- Structural Sizing & Calculations: Calculate sizing for wood/steel beams and concrete footings, providing preliminary structural calculation packages for third-party engineering stamps.
- Building Components Expertise: Coordinate structural components (roof trusses, floor trusses, wall panels, engineered lumber like LVL/PSL/Timberstrand) with manufacturers and field teams.
Quality Control & Architectural Operations
- QA/QC Oversight: Perform final quality assurance reviews on all plan deliverables, construction documents, and MEP distributions prior to division release.
- File & Design Maintenance: Direct the maintenance of master home design files, option catalogs, and permit packages across current toolsets (ArchiCAD, MicroStation, AutoCAD) and Higharc.
- Estimating Alignment: Ensure plan changes, options, and structural details align with divisional budget models and cost estimates.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent technical/industry experience.
- Experience: 5+ years of experience leading CADD/BIM teams in high-volume residential homebuilding or light commercial construction.
- Software Proficiency:
- Core Requirement: Direct experience with Higharc platform setup/administration, or demonstrated success leading major digital BIM software transitions.
- CAD/BIM Tools: Proficiency in ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, MicroStation, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Building Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of single-family and multi-family construction methods, MEP integration, engineered wood products, and multi-state building codes.
- Technical Capability: Hands-on experience sizing structural members (beams, footings, headers) and managing RFI/submittal processes.
Core Competencies & Soft Skills
- Change Management: Ability to guide teams through technological shifts, driving software adoption and establishing new operational standards.
- Technical Communication: Skill in translating complex code, structural, and software specifications into concise, actionable guidance for site superintendents, trade partners, and plan reviewers.
- Problem Solving: Proactive diagnostic skills to spot process bottlenecks, software configuration gaps, or code disputes early.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Sedentary Work: Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a workstation using computer equipment.
- Up to 15% a month Travel/Site Visits: Periodic visits to field sites or divisional offices for inspections and alignment with field personnel.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting or moving of drawing sets or presentation materials up to 20 lbs.
