Behind the Design: Life as an Office Manager

What keeps the vibrant creative world of an architecture firm thriving from the shadows? An Office Manager. Serving as the central linchpin, they ensure the architects focus on their craft, unimpeded by the myriad operations that go unseen. This role is crucial, from orchestrating meetings to welcoming clients, managing processes, and underpinning marketing efforts. The Office Manager crafts an environment where the team thrives, and each project’s seamless continuation is a testament to their behind-the-scenes dedication.

In an architecture firm, the magic often happens on tracing paper, within 3D models, and through beautifully rendered drawings. But beyond the sketches and software, behind the scenes and outside the design studio, there’s a whole world of operations quietly keeping everything on track. That’s where I come in.
As the Office Manager, I like to think of myself as the hub of the firm—a steady center point that connects a lot of moving parts. I play a vital supporting role that allows our talented team to stay focused on what they do best: designing with intention, precision, and creativity. My job is to help create an environment that allows that brilliance to shine.

No two days ever look quite the same, and that’s part of what makes my role so interesting. I manage everything from coordinating meetings and overseeing office schedules to streamlining internal processes and making sure our systems and workflows are running efficiently. I’m usually the first person to greet anyone walking through our doors—whether it’s a client, consultant, or new team member—and I always aim to offer a warm, professional welcome that sets the tone for the thoughtful experience we work so hard to provide. I take pride in being in charge of all the little day-to-day details that make a workplace run well—because those “small” things often make the biggest difference.

Another meaningful part of my role is supporting our marketing efforts. I help gather, organize, and relay important firm information, such as project updates, staff news, awards, and upcoming events. This behind-the-scenes coordination helps our marketing team translate our work and our culture into the public-facing platforms that reflect who we are. While I’m not the one designing the graphics or writing the posts, I help ensure the right information flows to the right place at the right time—and I love being a part of that storytelling process.

What I enjoy most about my role is being someone the team can truly rely on. Whether it’s ordering supplies, troubleshooting a stubborn printer issue, prepping for a team meeting, reviewing a benefits renewal, or simply lending an ear on a busy day—I’m here to keep things running in the background with care, consistency, and heart. I also act as a kind of one-person HR team, coordinating the employee experience from onboarding to everyday support. Culture really does matter, and I try to foster an environment where people feel valued, comfortable, and equipped to thrive.

While my work isn’t always front and center, I take deep pride in knowing that it contributes to the overall rhythm and success of the firm. Our incredible projects deserve the spotlight, but every sketch, every meeting, and every milestone is backed by a lot of unseen effort—and I’m honored to be part of that strong and steady foundation.