Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

PDO is a leading workplace and office design firm within the Common Arts family of brands. We partner with clients to create environments that elevate how people work, from programming and concept through construction administration. Our Scottsdale studio is growing, and we're looking for a seasoned Design Project Manager to lead client relationships, deliver complex projects, and help shape the next chapter of our practice.

This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role. As Design Project Manager, you will own a portfolio of major projects from kickoff through closeout, serve as the primary client contact, mentor junior designers, and contribute meaningfully to business development and firm culture. You'll work closely with PDO Principals and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Lead a portfolio of multiple active projects simultaneously, serving as the primary point of contact for all client correspondence

• Manage projects from programming and visioning through construction administration, including large-scale spaces (25,000+ SF)

• Develop and maintain project schedules; hold the full project team including consultants accountable to deadlines and quality standards.

• Oversee construction documents and engineering drawings; perform quality control and ensure PDO standards are met.

• Apply building codes with depth and accuracy; perform and review area and BOMA calculations.

• Conduct project retrospectives on all projects larger than 8,000 SF for continuous improvement.

Client & Business Development

• Manage client expectations with consistency - meeting deadlines, maintaining responsiveness, and generating repeat work

• Participate in business development including responding to RFPs, preparing proposals, and leading marketing presentations with limited Principal oversight

• Support the growth of existing client relationships and identify new business opportunities under Principal supervision

• Contribute to award submissions and represent PDO in at least one relevant professional organization

Financial Oversight

• Review project billings, track fee performance, and flag budget overruns proactively

• Prepare and negotiate proposals; understand project profitability and advocate for appropriate fee levels

• Identify and secure approvals for additional services before work begins; support collections when needed
  

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as liaison between Principals and junior staff; delegate work strategically for quality, efficiency, and team development

• Mentor junior designers toward senior-level performance; contribute to onboarding, training, and standardization efforts

• Foster a culture of responsiveness, modeling same-day acknowledgment of emails and 24-hour turnaround on requests

Design Contribution

• Contribute meaningfully to concept development; bring fresh materials, ideas, and perspectives to elevate project design

• Lead and participate in programming and visioning sessions; produce clear, client-ready deliverables from those meetings

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in interior architecture, workplace, or office design

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage large, complex projects from programming through CA

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit required

• Strong knowledge of building codes, BOMA standards, and construction documentation

• Proven client relationship and business development skills

• NCIDQ certification preferred, or active pursuit encouraged; LEED or WELL accreditation a plus

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field

PDO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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