Architectural Project Manager, Level 2 (Retail & Interiors)

Able City is a firm that integrates architecture, planning, economic development, and community engagement to enable cities to respond effectively to their challenges and opportunities. Able City is contributing to the equitable evolution of cities by helping citizens define quality of life and responding to these community needs through our proven methodologies, planning, and design work. We have a passionate office culture centered around our company’s value proposition to make cities great places for everyone.

In order to achieve our shared value proposition in a sustainable manner and strengthen our award-winning team, we are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Project Manager for our growing retail and interiors studio.

Description

We are seeking a creative, collaborative Interior Designer to develop design solutions to support our client’s goals and coordinate those designs throughout all phases of the project. This position requires the Interior Designer to work closely with Architecture Studio. The PM2 is a leadership position responsible for managing complex projects while fostering collaboration across teams and serving as a trusted client liaison. This position will be responsible for overseeing design and technical execution from concept through construction, specifically focused on interiors and retail environments. The PM2 will independently manage projects, balance design quality with budgets and schedules, and mentor junior staff. This position operates with a level of autonomy that requires discipline, integrity, excellent communication, and self-motivation.

Location: This role is open to San Antonio with required travel. If located in Dallas or Austin, the position will be remote with required travel.

Key Responsibilities

As a PM2, you will be asked to:

• Manage the adaptation and implementation of national retail prototype drawings and implement them as construction sets. This includes adapting the design intent to local prevailing building methods, product availability, and all engineering coordination.
• Lead the production of construction drawings, millwork details, elevation schematics, and finish specifications.
• Visual Merchandising Integration: Collaborate with retail display teams to design high-impact storefront windows, focal zones, and modular point-of-sale fixtures.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Vet and coordinate with external fabricators, lighting consultants, and general contractors during the build phase.
• Site Supervision: Conduct regular site visits to audit construction quality, troubleshoot structural issues, and ensure compliance with design plans.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate directly with Marketing, Procurement, and Store Operations to ensure designs meet product launch timelines and functional needs.

Technical and Professional Skills

• Advanced CAD/3D Modeling: Mastery of AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, for complex space planning.
• Construction Documentation: Creating detailed millwork, fixture drawings, and interior architectural construction sets.
• Lighting Manipulation: Engineering ambient, accent, and task lighting to enhance product visibility and mood.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for client mood boards and environmental graphics.
• FF&E Specification: Sourcing high-traffic commercial finishes, textiles, durable fixtures, and custom furniture.
• Spatial Optimization: Calculating product density, fixture-to-floor ratios, and clear path accessibility margins.
• Project Management: Budgeting, vendor sourcing, contractor scheduling, and site supervision from concept to completion.

Preferred Qualities

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering seamlessly with Visual Merchandising, Marketing, and Retail Operations teams.
• Client Presentation: Articulating complex design concepts, and spatial strategies,
• Agile Problem-Solving: Resolving on-site construction issues, structural limitations, and sudden supply chain delays quickly.
• Negotiation & Diplomacy: Managing expectations and resolving conflicts between contractors, vendors, and internal departments.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple store opening timelines and design deadlines simultaneously without losing quality.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in Architecture and Interior Design, with a professional degree from an accredited program.
• Bachelors and/or Master’s in Architecture / Interior Design or a related field.
• Architectural license in Texas (preferred) or actively pursuing licensure with significant progress.
• NCIDQ (Highly Preferred) or actively pursuing with significant progress.
• Excellent oral and written communication and client management skills.
• Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and other presentation graphic software.
• Travel is required for this position.

Contact for more information

Email: bryan@able.city | kesandra@able.city

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Professionalism: 8 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Architecture License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person