By: Coltyn Sprinkman | Principal, USACE, RA
As project managers in the architecture world, we’re constantly balancing tight deadlines, complex designs, stakeholder expectations, and diverse teams. In many ways, our roles are similar to military leadership — and I believe there’s much we can learn from the way military leaders operate, especially when it comes to decision-making, team cohesion, and navigating challenges.
Here are a few key military leadership principles that are crucial for success as a project manager in architecture:
1. Mission Clarity and Purpose
In the military, leaders ensure every team member understands the mission and their role in achieving it. This clarity keeps everyone aligned, especially in high-pressure situations. As architects and project managers, we must define clear goals for each phase of the project and communicate those effectively to everyone on the team — from designers to contractors — so we can execute with precision.
2. Adaptability Under Pressure
Military leaders are trained to make decisions quickly and adapt when plans don’t go as expected. Similarly, in architecture, we face constant change — whether it’s regulatory shifts, client requests, or unexpected site conditions. A strong project manager doesn’t just stick to a plan; they adjust and innovate in response to the unpredictable.
3. Building Trust and Team Cohesion
In military operations, trust is a cornerstone of success. Teams need to rely on each other, and leaders need to foster that trust. In architecture, our teams often include multiple departments and outside contractors. Building trust, fostering open communication, and creating a collaborative environment are essential to delivering a successful project on time and on budget.
4. Leading by Example
Military leaders inspire respect by demonstrating discipline, courage, and resilience. In architecture, the same holds true. As project managers, leading by example — whether it’s maintaining a high standard of work, staying calm under pressure, or going the extra mile to solve problems — can set the tone for the entire team.
At the end of the day, both military leaders and project managers in architecture have a shared goal: to deliver results, despite the complexity and challenges. The military’s leadership training provides a powerful foundation for guiding teams through adversity, making smart decisions, and staying focused on the bigger picture. As we continue to face new challenges in the architecture industry, I believe incorporating these leadership lessons will help us build stronger, more successful teams and deliver exceptional results.