Coaching is an effective leadership tool for assisting project managers in coping with the pressure and the demand of managing complex projects successfully by balancing time, scope, resources and quality constraints. However, there is a lack of project management specific coaching frameworks. Hence, this paper aims to develop an "applied, knowledge, and work-based" oriented project management coaching framework (AKW-PMCF) which helps professionals at different levels to cope with project management challenges. We applied design science methodology in this research. We collected the data via explorative survey from project management professionals and employed descriptive analysis when analysing the data. As a result, we developed AKW-PMCF. AKW-PMCF consists of eight coaching steps and seven knowledge areas. We then evaluated AKW-PMCF with Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick (2016)'s learning model and technology acceptance model (TAM) via experts’ feedback. The results showed that AKW-PMCF improved the project management skills of the project professionals (the experts) and they will apply the framework for coaching their team members. This research has extended the existing coaching literature by producing AKW-PMCF, broadened the TAM’s application in assessing a non-technological management product, and provided an applied and work-based method for aspiring coaches in project management. In addition, AKW-PMCF is instrumental for the project managers who would like to serve as coaches in their project team.