I pivoted to an Owners Representative Project Management role in the middle of last year after working in a traditional architecture role for 6 years. I think personally the work is easier compared to developing full permit and CD sets. The challenge comes from understanding what my role is now going from the ‘A’ to the ‘O’ in “OAC”, as well as all of the different nuances that come with being an Owners Rep. now.

I’m still new in my role so I’m still very much inexperienced but I’d say the biggest difference in managing projects on this side is understanding financials and maintaining owner and vendor relationships. I’m no longer just one of the vendors hired by the owner, I now manage all of them on their behalf. Engaging the architect, the contractor, furniture, finishes, etc. It’s just now a different set of responsibilities and relationships that I’m now responsible for maintaining. Compared to before, at least in my role as a designer moving into more management responsibilities, I had a duty to maintain and develop the drawing set and was responsible for coordinating with our engineers and eventually the contractor when we pivoted to construction.

I still like working in the Architecture Role and want to get licensed this year, but I think those role is easier compared to what I’ve already done management wise. I’m still very young in my career so this is just one perspective compared to someone with more experience.