Architectural Project Manager

Senior Project Manager (Architect) – Aviation Projects

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Represented by Luxus Group Recruiting —

About Saltz Michelson Architects

Saltz Michelson Architects (SMA) is a highly respected, award-winning architectural firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, known for delivering innovative, functional, and forward-thinking design solutions across aviation, public safety, municipal, higher education, healthcare, and civic markets.

With a legacy spanning 40+ years , SMA has become a trusted partner for some of the region’s most impactful and complex projects. The firm is recognized for:

• Expertise in Aviation Architecture

SMA has a long-standing history of delivering airport terminals, airside/landside facilities, operations centers, security projects, and major aviation infrastructure across Florida and the Southeast.

• Award-Winning, High-Profile Work

SMA has received numerous design and industry awards throughout its history and continues to be celebrated for its collaborative approach, technical expertise, and ability to deliver highly functional environments with strong design intent.

• Mid-Sized, Agile, and Growth-Focused

The firm maintains a tight-knit team size (typically 20–40 professionals) , allowing for hands-on leadership, mentorship opportunities, and direct interaction with clients, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

• Strong Reputation for Collaboration & Client Service

SMA is known for long-term client relationships, exceptional planning and design standards, and delivering projects that prioritize functionality, performance, budget, and schedule integrity.

With a culture built on mentorship, technical excellence, and strategic growth, Saltz Michelson Architects offers a compelling career path for architects seeking meaningful leadership opportunities—including future principal-level advancement.

Position Overview

Saltz Michelson Architects is seeking a Senior Project Manager (Architect) with 12–15 years of experience , preferably licensed, and with a strong background in aviation architecture . This role is ideal for an architect ready for an expanded leadership track with a clear pathway toward a potential future principal position .

The Senior Project Manager will serve as a hands-on leader responsible for managing projects, directing teams, ensuring design and technical excellence, and contributing to firmwide business development and operational growth.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Oversight

• Manage and supervise all project-related activities for assigned teams of architects, designers, and technicians.

• Oversee project design development, construction documentation, quality control, and technical accuracy.

• Ensure that project delivery aligns with timeline expectations, budget goals, and firm standards.

Client, Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as one of the primary client-facing leaders for aviation projects.

• Coordinate effectively with engineers, consultants, contractors, permitting authorities, and airport stakeholders.

• Prepare and lead presentations, progress updates, and project reviews.

Team Mentorship & Staff Development

• Mentor and coach project managers, emerging leaders, and technical staff.

• Identify strategies to improve workflow, production efficiency, quality, and professional development.

• Model strong leadership, communication, and organizational behaviors.

Firm Leadership & Growth Initiatives

• Contribute to SMA’s marketing, business development, and proposal efforts.

• Participate in revenue-generating initiatives that support firm growth objectives.

• Engage in internal leadership conversations on strategy, long-term planning, and operational improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (required).

• Architectural license preferred ; ability to become licensed if not already.

• 12–15 years of experience in architecture, with significant aviation project experience (airports, terminals, operations centers, airside/landside facilities, etc.).

• Strong experience leading multi-disciplinary coordination and large, complex project teams.

• Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and related design/production tools; understanding of airport/aviation standards and regulatory agencies.

• Proven ability to manage clients, schedules, budgets, and technical execution.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-development abilities.

• Demonstrated interest in marketing, business development, and firmwide growth initiatives.

Salary Range (Fort Lauderdale, FL | 12–15 Years Experience)

Based on current market data for South Florida architecture firms specializing in aviation and major public-sector work:

Base Salary:

$120,000 – $150,000 (DOE, licensure, project portfolio, leadership capabilities)

Estimated Total Compensation:

$135,000 – $170,000+ , including:

• Performance bonuses

• Profit-sharing (if applicable)

• Healthcare benefits

• Retirement contributions

• Paid time off & holidays

Saltz Michelson Architects is known to offer competitive compensation aligned with leadership responsibility and long-term advancement opportunities.

Why Join Saltz Michelson Architects?

• Direct pathway to principal-level leadership

• Hands-on involvement in major aviation and public-sector projects

• A respected, stable, and growing mid-sized firm with strong industry reputation

• Opportunities for mentorship, creative influence, and strategic impact

• Collaborative, high-performance culture with long-term career potential