Senior Project Manager – Mixed-Use / Multifamily (Placemaking)

Location: San Diego, CA
Company: RDC Collaborative Architecture (RDC) — Represented by Luxus Group
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $105,000 – $135,000 annually (DOE)
Experience Required: 12+ years
Focus: Architecture Project Leadership – Mixed-Use, Placemaking, Multifamily, Adaptive Reuse

About RDC Collaborative Architecture

RDC is a nationally respected architecture and design firm with a long-standing reputation for design excellence, placemaking, and delivering meaningful built environments. With multiple offices and decades of successful project delivery, RDC is known for blending strong design culture with real-world execution—creating environments that elevate communities and strengthen the public realm.

RDC’s platform spans placemaking, mixed-use, multifamily, adaptive reuse, and destination-style environments, and the firm is recognized for its ability to unite design vision, technical rigor, and client-focused delivery under one integrated team.

This is an excellent environment for senior project leaders who want to work with a firm that values leadership, accountability, and high standards, while also supporting career growth, mentorship, and professional development.

Position Overview

RDC is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead a growing portfolio of Mixed-Use, Placemaking, and Multifamily projects in San Diego, CA.

This is a leadership-level role responsible for:

• Serving as the primary client liaison and project leader

• Driving project execution from concept through completion

• Overseeing schedules, staffing plans, budgets, and deliverables

• Partnering with design teams, technical leadership, and operations to ensure project success

• Developing and mentoring staff while upholding RDC standards

This role is ideal for an experienced architectural professional who thrives at the intersection of:
client leadership + technical execution + team development + accountability-driven delivery.

What You’ll Work On

This role supports RDC’s growth in projects such as:

• Mixed-Use developments and placemaking districts

• Multifamily residential (market-rate and/or high-density product)

• Adaptive Reuse and modernization initiatives

• Complex entitlement-driven or multi-stakeholder projects

• New construction programs requiring strong coordination and milestone discipline

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Serve as the primary client liaison, managing expectations, communication cadence, and project outcomes

• Lead project teams on new construction and adaptive reuse projects from:

  • concept

  • schematic design

  • design development

  • construction documents

  • permitting / agency review

  • construction administration

• Own project schedules, staffing strategies, and deliverable coordination

• Monitor project performance across:

  • scope control

  • schedule adherence

  • budget health

  • milestone execution

• Develop fee proposals and lead:

  • scope-of-work definition

  • contract negotiations

  • project kickoff and alignment with client goals

• Maintain continuous reporting and transparency to operations leadership regarding project health, risks, and forecasting

Technical & Quality Oversight

• Partner with Project Architects and Technical Directors to enforce quality standards and milestone readiness

• Direct preparation and submission of:

  • bid documents

  • addenda

  • RFI responses

  • architectural revisions and clarifications

• Lead construction contract administration as required, including construction meetings and field coordination

• Evaluate and implement:

  • energy-efficient solutions

  • innovative product applications

  • cost-saving measures

  • continuous improvements to departmental workflow / process

Team Leadership, Development & Mentorship

• Build high-performing teams through leadership, accountability, and structured mentorship

• Support staff growth in:

  • technical proficiency

  • code knowledge

  • detailing / constructability

  • presentation and client communication

• Review weekly timesheets and support monthly billing processes

• Ensure project documentation aligns with RDC standards and quality expectations

Business Development & Growth Support

• Strengthen relationships with existing clients and pursue repeat work

• Support growth initiatives through:

  • identifying new opportunities

  • helping position RDC for future projects

  • contributing to client strategy and relationship development

Requirements (Must-Haves) — Very Clear

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in architectural practice

• Proven experience leading new construction and/or renovation/adaptive reuse projects

• Proven experience as a Project Manager / Senior PM (client-facing leadership role)

• Strong ability to manage:

  • project schedules

  • scope / change control

  • budgets

  • staffing plans

  • milestone deliverables

• Advanced understanding of:

  • architectural detailing

  • construction standards

  • agency review processes and permitting workflows

• Strong leadership ability with demonstrated success:

  • mentoring teams

  • managing performance

  • aligning multidisciplinary stakeholders

• Strong communication skills including:

  • client-facing leadership

  • business writing

  • meeting facilitation

• Software proficiency:

  • Revit (required)

  • AutoCAD

  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Valued)

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program (preferred)

• Licensed Architect (preferred) or actively pursuing licensure

• Familiarity with:

  • building code and jurisdictional processes

  • energy analysis and sustainability-driven design strategies

• Additional tools a plus:

  • SketchUp

  • Photoshop

  • 3D visualization / rendering software

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $105,000 – $135,000 annually (DOE)

This band is aligned with senior PM market expectations in San Diego for architectural professionals with 12+ years of experience and client-facing project ownership.

Benefits & Perks

RDC offers a competitive overall package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Retirement plan options

• Paid time off + paid holidays

• Continuing education and professional development support

• Collaborative, inclusive culture with growth opportunities and leadership visibility

• Diverse project portfolio across placemaking, mixed-use, and multifamily

Why This Role at RDC (Selling Points for Passive Candidates)

This is a compelling opportunity for experienced architectural leaders who want:

• A leadership role with true ownership of client outcomes and project health

• Exposure to complex, meaningful placemaking projects (not commodity architecture)

• A firm environment that supports career advancement, mentorship, and growth

• The ability to shape and lead teams—not just manage deliverables

• A stable platform with a strong reputation that continues expanding its portfolio in high-impact markets like Southern California

Work Location

San Diego, CA
This role is designed to support RDC’s San Diego project portfolio and team growth initiatives.