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Project manager/design manager vs architectural designer

The differences between project manager/design managers and architectural designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a project manager/design manager, becoming an architectural designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a project manager/design manager has an average salary of $83,794, which is higher than the $59,122 average annual salary of an architectural designer.

The top three skills for a project manager/design manager include project management, CAD and construction management. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.

Project manager/design manager vs architectural designer overview

Project Manager/Design ManagerArchitectural Designer
Yearly salary$83,794$59,122
Hourly rate$40.29$28.42
Growth rate8%-3%
Number of jobs139,53154,358
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4645
Years of experience812

Project manager/design manager vs architectural designer salary

Project manager/design managers and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Project Manager/Design ManagerArchitectural Designer
Average salary$83,794$59,122
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $126,000Between $45,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateHawaiiVermont
Best paying companyIntuitive SurgicalApple
Best paying industryManufacturingProfessional

Differences between project manager/design manager and architectural designer education

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

Project Manager/Design ManagerArchitectural Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorArchitectureArchitecture
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Project manager/design manager vs architectural designer demographics

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

Project Manager/Design ManagerArchitectural Designer
Average age4645
Gender ratioMale, 66.0% Female, 34.0%Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.9% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage4%6%

Differences between project manager/design manager and architectural designer duties and responsibilities

Project manager/design manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and approve all changes to the project along with all AIA document approvals.
  • Involve in Unix shell script development to automate ETL jobs by using Informatica sessions and workflows.
  • Manage the schematic phase and generate all the necessary documents to be submit to the structural and MEP consultants.
  • Manage internal prototype injection molding operations on a project basis.
  • Lead efforts to redesign and convert existing self-pace and instructor-le course materials into eLearning and web-base formats.
  • Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
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Architectural designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage in- house projects and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Manage design and coordinate construction of grind up, interior finish, conversions and remodel projects.
  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Submit drawings to OSHPD for approval.
  • Submit & review OSHPD back check comments.
  • Participate in sustainable practices for leer certified projects.
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Project manager/design manager vs architectural designer skills

Common project manager/design manager skills
  • Project Management, 20%
  • CAD, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Fire Protection, 5%
  • Project Scope, 5%
  • Revit, 4%
Common architectural designer skills
  • Sketch, 15%
  • SketchUp, 7%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Architectural Design, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Construction Drawings, 4%

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