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Architectural Project Manager – Aviation (Terminal Retail & Food and Beverage

Company Name: Zebra Project Architecture

Location: San Diego, CA

Project Focus:  Terminal Retail, Restaurant, & Food & Beverage (F&B)

Work Setting: On-Site / Hybrid Flexibility (San Diego International Airport)

Salary: $90,000 – $165,000 + Performance Bonus

Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

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Position Overview

Are you ready to lead high-impact architectural delivery at the intersection of global branding and complex aviation infrastructure? We are seeking an Architectural Project Manager to spearhead Retail and Food and Beverage projects and tenant interface projects within the San Diego International Airport. In this role, you aren’t just managing a build-out; you are orchestrating the passenger experience by bridging the gap between sophisticated airport systems and world-class retail and dining brands.

Joining our team means becoming part of a globally integrated design powerhouse that operates across the world’s most influential cities. This is a premier platform for an experienced architect to steer complex, phased construction projects within an active terminal environment, building a legacy of functional, brand-driven spaces in a fast-paced aviation hub.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership: Lead the full architectural lifecycle—from programming and SD through CD and CA—for diverse terminal commercial spaces including retail storefronts, food halls, and full-service restaurants.

• Infrastructure Integration: Mastermind the complex interface between base-building systems (MEP, structural, life safety) and tenant-specific needs such as commercial kitchens, grease waste routing, and high-load power requirements.

• Stakeholder Diplomacy: Serve as the primary liaison between airport authorities, global brand representatives, franchise operators, and multidisciplinary consultant teams.

• Operational Stewardship: Manage project schedules, budgets, and logistics within a fully operational airport, ensuring passenger safety and operational continuity during night work and phased construction.

• Technical Compliance: Ensure all designs and installations rigorously adhere to airport design guidelines, health department codes, and federal security regulations (TSA/FAA).

• Team & Quality Mentorship: Direct internal architectural teams and global collaborators, driving accountability and technical excellence across all project deliverables.

• Construction Administration: Oversee RFIs, submittals, and field conflict resolution, specifically addressing the friction points between base-building infrastructure and brand-specific tenant elements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.

• Experience: 7–20+ years of professional architectural experience, with a proven track record in aviation or airport terminal projects.

• Technical Expertise: Direct experience coordinating Tenant Improvements (TI) and core-and-shell infrastructure for retail or F&B environments.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of commercial kitchen design, food service codes, and airport authority standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure: Active Registered Architect (RA) license.

• Sector Specialty: Experience managing large-scale airport concessions programs or multi-tenant brand rollouts within transportation hubs.

• Project Delivery: Familiarity with design-build or alternative delivery methods in high-security environments.

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About Zebra Project Architecture

Zebra Project Architecture is a globally integrated architecture, design, and brand implementation firm specializing in complex, high-impact environments. With a physical presence in global hubs including London, New York, Dubai, and Sydney, Zebra delivers scalable, brand-driven environments for the world’s most recognized clients. The firm is uniquely positioned at the intersection of aviation infrastructure and commercial brand rollout, shaping the way people shop, dine, and travel across the globe.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of Zebra Project Architecture. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

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Keywords: Airport Architecture, Aviation Projects, Terminal Design, Airport Concessions, Retail Architecture, Restaurant Design, Food & Beverage Design, F&B Architecture, Core & Shell, Tenant Improvements (TI), San Diego Airport, Revit, Construction Administration, TSA, FAA, Commercial Kitchen Design