CURRENT OPENINGS
& JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Project Manager (NYS K-12 Projects)

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Project Manager to lead architectural projects from inception through construction closeout. This role is responsible for overseeing all phases of project delivery, primarily focused on K–12 educational and institutional work. The Project Manager works closely with principals, project architects, design staff, and consultants to plan, organize, and deliver projects that align with client goals, scope, schedule, and budget. This position requires the ability to guide teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and support a collaborative and professional work culture. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong design literacy, technical fluency, and the capacity to anticipate challenges, mentor staff, and maintain high standards of project performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage architectural projects from early concept through construction completion, serving as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and project teams.
Define project scope, develop and track deliverables, and coordinate integrated project planning efforts
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and fee allocations to ensure successful project outcomes.
Mentor and guide team members at all levels, evaluating performance and supporting professional growth.
Encourage a positive, collaborative team environment; proactively resolve conflicts and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
Oversee development and quality of design and documentation, ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to maintain alignment on project goals, deliverables, and technical requirements.
Lead and document project meetings, providing consistent updates on progress, challenges, and decisions.
Manage project risk, scope adjustments, and quality control.
Represent the firm with professionalism, supporting long-term client relationships and future opportunities.
Support the implementation and continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and firm-wide standards.
Ensure effective use of digital tools for production, coordination, and documentation.
Contribute to development of fee estimating, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (professional degree required). Project Management Professional certification is a plus.
10+ years of relevant project management experience, including significant work on K–12 or institutional projects.
Licensure as a Registered Architect preferred (or active progress toward licensure).
Demonstrated ability to lead complex architectural projects through all phases.
Strong knowledge of building codes, construction techniques, and regulatory processes, especially within New York State.
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, the Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Newforma and Deltek Vantagepoint is a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage complex discussions with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
Proven organizational skills and experience managing project budgets, schedules, and staffing.
Strong management, leadership, and mentoring capabilities.
Ability to work collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Must be located within driving distance of project sites in New York State.

Role Expectations

Project Managers at this level demonstrate full ownership of project delivery, balancing design intent, technical execution, financial health, and client satisfaction. They model professionalism, mentor staff, and maintain strong working relationships with clients and consultants. Their work reflects consistent awareness of scope, schedule, and budget, along with an ability to foresee challenges and guide teams toward successful project outcomes.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job, and duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve over time.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $105,000 - $115,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Project Architect: 10+ Years Experience (NYS K-12 Projects)

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Project Architect to lead the technical and coordination efforts for NYS K–12 public school projects. This role is responsible for overseeing project development from concept through construction, ensuring that design intent, technical execution, and regulatory requirements are maintained at every stage. The Project Architect works closely with the Project Manager and serves as a key day-to-day contact for clients, district representatives, and design and construction partners. This position is ideal for someone who excels at multidisciplinary coordination, documentation strategy, and mentoring emerging professionals, while maintaining alignment with project goals, schedules, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

Implement project scope in alignment with budget, schedule, and client goals, maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.
Lead the development and organization of drawing sets
Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams with minimal oversight, integrating systems, specifications, and technical requirements across all project phases.
Prepare and deliver presentations to clients, boards, district administrators, and community groups.
Maintain deep working knowledge of codes and oversee their integration into documentation
Lead specification coordination and editing, supporting consistent alignment between drawings and written documents.
Support the Project Manager in the preparation of regulatory submission packages
Execute quality assurance and quality control standards throughout all phases.
Participate actively in construction administration, including site observations, preparing field reports, and leading construction meetings.
Mentor, instruct, and guide designers and emerging professionals; set expectations for quality, organization, and professionalism.
Provide constructive feedback and develop junior staff through hands-on technical involvement and day-to-day coaching.
Foster collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and project partners, modeling communication that is clear, respectful, and proactive.
Support positive team culture

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (professional degree required).
10+ years of relevant project experience, including substantial K–12 or institutional project work.
Professional architectural licensure.
Comprehensive understanding of building codes, standards, and project planning processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage complex discussions with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
Strong leadership, and mentoring capabilities.
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, Knowledge of Newforma and Deltek Vantagepoint is a plus.
Ability to collaborate both independently and as part of a project team, often on multiple projects concurrently.
Must be located within driving distance of project sites in New York State.

Role Expectations

Project Architects at this level are responsible for leading teams, managing complex design and technical challenges, and representing the firm with professionalism and clarity. They demonstrate consistent control of project documentation, effective consultant coordination, and reliable execution of construction-phase responsibilities. Their work reflects deep understanding of codes, SED processes, and K–12 educational facility standards. They mentor junior colleagues, contribute to process improvements, and demonstrate steady professional growth in alignment with firm values.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $90,000 - $100,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Designer: 3-5 Years Experience (NYSED K-12 Projects)

Position Overview: This role contributes to teams delivering NYS K–12 public school architectural projects. The position participates in design and technical development through all phases, schematic design through construction administration, building on foundational responsibilities typical of an entry-level designer. Designers at this level are expected to take ownership of defined project scope components, coordinate these portions of project scope with supervision, while supporting the broader project team.

Key Responsibilities

Produce and coordinate drawings, technical details, digital models that are accurate, organized, and aligned with firm standards.
Participate in internal design reviews, project meetings, and collaboration with consultants.
Assist with compiling specifications and conducting code reviews along with integrating regulatory requirements into documentation under the supervision of senior technical staff.
Support preparation of presentations, design graphics, material boards, and client deliverables.
Participate in client and stakeholder meetings with district representatives, facilities directors, and construction managers.
Support construction-phase activities, including site visit observations, documentation, reviewing shop drawings and submittals, and responding to RFIs.
Prepare clear and accurate meeting notes and maintain organized project documentation.
Communicate effectively with internal team members and external partners, demonstrating reliability and growing professional confidence.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited architectural program.
Minimum of 4 years of applicable, relevant experience.
Proficiency in Revit
Working knowledge of the NYS Building Codes
Clear written and verbal communication skills; solid organizational and planning abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, consultants, and school district representatives.
Interest in growing technical knowledge and developing professionally.

Role Expectations

Designers at this level are expected to demonstrate growing independence in drawing production, code application, consultant coordination, and project documentation. Steady advancement in both technical and professional capabilities is anticipated.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $65,000 - $70,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Designer: Entry Level

Position Overview: This role supports project teams delivering multifamily architectural projects. The position participates in design through all phases, from concept through construction administration.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with production drawings and digital models that are accurate, organized, and aligned with firm standards.
Participate in internal design reviews, project meetings, and collaboration with consultants.
Assist with compiling specifications and conducting basic code reviews under the supervision of senior technical staff.
Support preparation of presentations, design graphics, material boards, and client deliverables.
Support construction-phase activities, including site visit observations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited architectural program.
Working knowledge of Revit and familiarity with sustainable building science principles.
Clear written and verbal communication skills; solid organizational and planning abilities.
Collaborative mindset, reliability, and a constructive approach to feedback.
Interest in growing technical knowledge and developing professionally.

Role Expectations

Entry-level designers are expected to contribute thoughtfully to design discussions, and demonstrate steady progress in technical skills, material understanding, and professional communication. They should show growing confidence in modeling, rendering, space planning, and construction administration tasks while gaining fluency in codes, standards, and sustainable design considerations. Consistent development in technical and interpersonal skills is anticipated.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $57,000 - $62,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Project Administrator

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Project Administrator to provide critical administrative support during the bid and construction administration phases of our projects. The Project Administrator plays a central role in coordinating project documentation, supporting the bidding processes, supporting construction administration, and ensuring organized communication among team members, consultants, and contractors. Ideal candidates will have strong administrative backgrounds, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to master new software quickly. Previous experience in architectural, engineering, construction, or facilities management settings is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Manage administrative tasks during the bid and construction administration phases of projects, maintaining accurate and up-to-date project records and documentation.
Assist Project Managers with schedule, meeting notes, and other data input and updates in newforma
Prepare and process paperwork, advertising, and postings related to the bidding process.
Track and organize received bids; maintain bidder lists and communications.
Coordinate the bid evaluation process, including preparing bid comparison summaries and recommendation letters.
Draft, issue, track, and ensure execution of contractor agreements
Participate in pre-construction and construction meetings as needed; assist with scheduling and coordination of meetings internally and externally as needed.
Log, monitor, and process construction administration documents, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, bulletins, and other correspondence with team input.
Maintain and organize project info within the project files and newforma.
Support the processing of contractor payment applications, invoice documentation, and contract modifications.
Coordinate with construction teams as needed.
Assist with closeout documentation and other administrative duties as needed to support the project team.
Provide clerical and administrative support to Project Managers and other team members as required.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of relevant administrative experience, preferably in an architectural, engineering, construction, or facilities management environment.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Windows 365.
Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software applications; experience with project management software (e.g., Newforma, ProCore, Deltek) preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $57,000 - $67,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Contract Manager

Position Overview: We’re seeking a detail-oriented and organized Contract Manager to join our team. In this role, you will independently prepare, review, and administer architectural design service contracts, primarily using AIA contract templates. You’ll collaborate with the studio project managers and principals to negotiate and draft client and consultant agreements, ensuring all documentation is accurate, compliant, and completed promptly.

The ideal candidate will possess the legal acumen to spot potential issues early, address risks, and autonomously facilitate discussions with outside legal counsel when necessary. You’ll play a key role in advancing negotiations to the point where management can make informed business decisions. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll thrive in a high-volume environment, supported by an experienced and enthusiastic team. This position is perfect for someone eager to work closely with leadership and legal partners to help shape the firm’s service offerings and contract standards.

Key Responsibilities

Draft, review, manage, and process Owner-Architect and Architect-Consultant Agreements, maintaining accuracy and compliance with firm and industry standards.
Track the status of agreements from initiation through execution, proactively following up with stakeholders to ensure timely completion.
Maintain organized digital contract files for easy access and reference.
Coordinate with principals, project managers, consultants, and clients to gather necessary information for agreements.
Support the Chief Operating Officer with contract status updates, risk assessment, and risk mitigation.
Identify potential legal or business issues in contracts, facilitating discussions with legal counsel as needed and advancing negotiations to the point where senior management can make business decisions.
Respond promptly to internal and external inquiries regarding contract terms, status, and requirements
Input contract information into the ERP software (Deltek Vantagepoint) for accurate reporting.
Prepare contract amendments and related documentation as needed.
Manage the procurement and tracking of Certificates of Insurance (COI) from relevant parties.
Oversee the COI tracking system, monitoring insurance expiration dates and renewal requirements.
Coordinate with insurance providers to maintain compliance.
Ensure compliance with contract insurance requirements and support risk management initiatives.
Recommend and implement process improvements to streamline contract administration and reduce risk.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a Contract Manager role.
Knowledge of legal terminology and contract law. Paralegal experience would be helpful.
Demonstrated ability to identify potential legal issues and work autonomously.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage a high-volume workload with accuracy and reliability.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Team-oriented, with a commitment to supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment.

Preferred Experience

Familiarity with AIA Contract Documents and corresponding software.
Experience in the A/E/C industry.

Compensation for this role typically ranges from: $70,000 - $85,000 per year. The specific salary offered may be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, education, and work location. Additional considerations may include the level and scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and current market trends. Please note that the posted salary range is intended as a general guideline and does not guarantee any specific compensation. Final compensation will be determined at the time of offer.

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com

Director of Finance

Position Overview: The Director of Finance oversees the financial operations of the firm, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting of all accounting activities. This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer, and provides leadership in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and policy development, supporting informed decision-making across the studio. The Director of Finance works closely with firm leadership and Project Managers to maintain fiscal health and operational efficiency while aligning financial practices with the firm’s values and project-driven business model.

Financial Management

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable regulatory and tax requirements.
Manage month-end, quarterly, and year-end closing processes, including reconciliations and financial statement preparation.
Coordinate with external accountants on monthly and annual reviews, audits, and tax filings.
Provide clear, actionable financial insights, supported by data-driven financial analysis, to support operations, project management, business development, firmwide planning, staffing, and investment decisions.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Lead preparation of annual operating and capital budgets.
Develop rolling forecasts and cash flow projections to support operational planning.
Monitor budget-to-actual performance and provide variance analyses and recommendations.

Project Accounting

Collaborate with project managers to ensure accurate project setup, billing, and revenue recognition.
Track project profitability and support leadership with project financial reports.
Oversee time and expense reporting systems and ensure accurate labor cost allocation.

Process and Systems Oversight

Maintain and enhance accounting systems and internal controls for efficiency and integrity.
Lead implementation of process upgrades of integrated accounting /project management software (e.g., Deltek Vantagepoint).
Develop and document policies and procedures that support scalability and accountability.

Leadership and Collaboration

Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering professional development and cross-training.
Serve as a trusted partner to firm leadership, translating financial data into clear operational insights.
Support the firm’s strategic initiatives with data-driven financial guidance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
Minimum 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. Must have extensive project accounting experience.
Experience in architecture, engineering, or professional services environment strongly preferred. Experience in project accounting is required.
Proficiency with accounting software with project management functionality (Deltek Vantagepoint, or similar) and MS Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines in a design-focused firm culture.

Attributes

Analytical and pragmatic. Balances technical precision with practical, solutions-oriented thinking suited to a creative practice.
Collaborative communicator. Engages clearly and respectfully across disciplines, from project management to design leadership.
Detail-driven but big-picture aware. Maintains focus on accuracy while understanding how financial information influences broader firm strategy.
Proactive and accountable. Anticipates needs, identifies issues early, and follows through on commitments.
Adaptable. Works effectively in a dynamic environment, responsive to evolving priorities and project demands.
Ethical and discreet. Maintains confidentiality, exercises sound judgment, and models integrity in all financial matters.
Process-minded. Strives for continuous improvement and efficiency in systems and workflow.
Calm under pressure. Handles deadlines and competing priorities with composure and professionalism.
Able to translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership and project teams.

Annual salary range: $110,000-$125,000 BOE

To apply: careers@ashleymcgraw.com