Project management is the backbone of successful architecture and design projects, especially within the healthcare, government and education sectors, where complexity, collaboration and community impact intersect. As a top 25 Architecture Engineering Firm recognized by Building Design + Construction, we understand that effective project leadership is about more than managing timelines and budgets; it’s about guiding teams, aligning diverse goals and ensuring the final design truly serves its community.
Our experienced project managers bring coordination and strategic oversight to every project, fulfilling innovative spaces that meet both functional and community needs while balancing client expectations with technical precision. They play a crucial role in transforming ideas into tangible spaces by guiding each phase of development to ensure visions evolve into purposeful, lasting spaces for the people who use them. From the first conversations to the day doors are open, project managers bring structure, clarity and collaboration to every stage of the architectural process.
We recently spoke with Jared Brown, a project manager and architect in our Tennessee office, about how project managers lead successful projects, support their teams and deliver spaces that make a lasting impact:
Leading by example is fundamental. As project managers, we need to be the first ones engaged, demonstrating commitment and setting the tone for the team. Clear expectations are also critical. Establishing “who does what by when” creates accountability and helps everyone understand their role, regardless of project size or complexity.
Communication is equally important. Project managers must maintain consistent, transparent dialogue with both internal teams and owners. Early in a project, this often involves significant engagement with owners to collect information, after which the team moves forward confidently. Throughout every phase of the project, the full team should know the status.
Formal leadership training can be helpful and at Wold, we’ve hosted speakers like Adar Cohen, Ph.D., a mediator who teaches effective conflict management. These sessions give our teams tools for navigating challenging conversations, fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts constructively. We also learn from experience. Drawing on 10 years of experience, I pair industry best practices with practical execution to deliver projects aligned with client priorities.
Project managers are essential in embedding sustainability and resilience beyond compliance. This starts with understanding both existing and emerging codes and regulations, and then identifying opportunities to enhance the project beyond the minimum requirements. For example, if an owner expresses interest in a more sustainable building, we can explore solutions ranging from simple strategies like increasing insulation thickness to reduce heating and cooling demand, which then reduces equipment sizes and lowers utility bills, to larger investments such as solar panels, which have a higher initial cost but yield long-term savings.
Resilience involves selecting appropriate materials and designing for functionality. Gymnasiums, for instance, require more durable walls while metal shops need a floor that can withstand high abuse and provide slip resistance. Fire stations or schools may require tornado-rated enclosures to keep occupants protected during extreme weather events.
Project managers guide owners through these decisions by asking the right questions, presenting options and translating technical considerations into clear recommendations. In this way, sustainability and resilience become integrated into the building’s design, long before construction begins.
Early and clear scheduling is key. Establishing milestones and responsibilities upfront allows the team and stakeholders to understand expectations. Project scale influences the complexity of this process: larger projects include multiple review stages where project scope, estimates of probable cost and owner expectations must be aligned. Each stage requires continual evaluation of accuracy and collaboration among third-party cost estimators and construction partners.
Equally important is engaging the owner and end-users. Holding core planning group meetings and outlining key project values at the outset helps define priorities. For instance, in a recreation center, a concession stand kitchen may rank higher in priority than an additional multipurpose room if budgets are constrained. Project managers act as mediators, ensuring transparent communication about budget, design decisions and functional requirements while balancing the needs of various stakeholders.
Adaptability is crucial. When unforeseen issues arise, we first gather information and assess the situation rather than overreacting. This may involve evaluating new codes, adjusting to reduce budgets or addressing unexpected site conditions like unsuitable soils.
Next, we identify options and solutions. For example, federal funding cuts may require re-prioritizing elements of a project, such as determining whether a new roof or a renovated lobby is a higher immediate priority. Project managers collaborate with the team and the owner to determine feasible adjustments while maintaining the project’s objectives. Sometimes this requires multiple iterations to align stakeholders before implementing a solution, ensuring both momentum and integrity are preserved.
A shared vision begins with stakeholder buy-in. Early engagement with owners, end-users and communities allows project managers to gather input on core project values, priorities and desired outcomes. Regular communication through user group meetings ensures everyone’s voice is heard and alignment is maintained.
Equally important is accessibility and responsiveness. Being easy to work with, communicative and proactive, especially during challenging or unexpected situations, helps maintain trust and keeps the entire team focused on a consistent vision from start to finish.
At Wold, we define project success not just by deadlines or budgets, but by how well a space serves its users and the community. Our project managers do more than coordinate schedules; they facilitate solutions, align stakeholders and navigate unforeseen challenges to ensure each project reaches its full potential. This management approach ensures that every project delivers lasting value, fosters positive experiences and builds stronger partnerships.
Ready to create a space that truly works for your community? Connect with Wold today to discuss your next project.
