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Architectural project manager vs project designer

The differences between architectural project managers and project designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an architectural project manager, becoming a project designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an architectural project manager has an average salary of $102,292, which is higher than the $64,943 average annual salary of a project designer.

The top three skills for an architectural project manager include revit, project management and healthcare. The most important skills for a project designer are revit, sketch, and design concepts.

Architectural project manager vs project designer overview

Architectural Project ManagerProject Designer
Yearly salary$102,292$64,943
Hourly rate$49.18$31.22
Growth rate8%1%
Number of jobs102,88260,364
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4642
Years of experience84

What does an architectural project manager do?

An architectural project manager is someone who leads an architectural project from the conception stage to its implementation. His/Her or her tasks include leading a team of designers and junior architects, assessing existing facilities, and reformulating building programs. The skills that an architectural project manager should possess include knowledge of building administrative codes and good communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include possessing a bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, or a related field and prior architecture-related work experience.

What does a project designer do?

A Project Designer provides assistance in project design and development activities based on customer requirements. They develop solutions to client architectural complexities.

Architectural project manager vs project designer salary

Architectural project managers and project designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Architectural Project ManagerProject Designer
Average salary$102,292$64,943
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $166,000Between $47,000 And $89,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew Mexico
Best paying companyMetaApple
Best paying industryProfessionalManufacturing

Differences between architectural project manager and project designer education

There are a few differences between an architectural project manager and a project designer in terms of educational background:

Architectural Project ManagerProject Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorArchitectureArchitecture
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCornell University

Architectural project manager vs project designer demographics

Here are the differences between architectural project managers' and project designers' demographics:

Architectural Project ManagerProject Designer
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 80.3% Female, 19.7%Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage4%23%

Differences between architectural project manager and project designer duties and responsibilities

Architectural project manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
  • Utilize REVIT to create a BIM model of the house before construction.
  • Develop drawings of architectural, structural, and MEP.
  • Prepare detailed working drawing and bill of quantities and estimate in Revit.
  • Staff management, design solutions , 3D modeling, rendering, and visualization.
  • Develop specifications, solicit and evaluate bids, award contracts, and carry out QA inspections.
  • Show more

Project designer example responsibilities.

  • Lead efforts to redesign and convert existing self-pace and instructor-le course materials into eLearning and web-base formats.
  • Provide 2D AutoCAD and 3D Sketchup drawings for client presentations.
  • Implement AIA layering standards and create file management standards for the office.
  • Calculate size of ductwork, hydronic piping, plumbing, and gas piping.
  • Time management, procedure, and field sketch expertise, must be absolute, and perfect.
  • Prepare and deliver construction documents using Revit and AutoCAD for each project on time and within budget.
  • Show more

Architectural project manager vs project designer skills

Common architectural project manager skills
  • Revit, 20%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Architectural Project, 5%
  • CAD, 3%
Common project designer skills
  • Revit, 17%
  • Sketch, 8%
  • Design Concepts, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%
  • SketchUp, 5%
  • Design Development, 4%

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