diff --git a/craft_parts/plugins/qmake_plugin.py b/craft_parts/plugins/qmake_plugin.py
index 4b36a23c9..eaf2b3adb 100644
--- a/craft_parts/plugins/qmake_plugin.py
+++ b/craft_parts/plugins/qmake_plugin.py
@@ -122,16 +122,15 @@ def get_build_commands(self) -> List[str]:
                 'QMAKE_LFLAGS+="${LDFLAGS:-}"',
             ] + options.qmake_parameters
 
+        qmake_configure_command.append(f'"{self._part_info.part_src_dir}"')
+
         if options.qmake_project_file:
             qmake_configure_command.extend(
                 [
-                    f'"{self._part_info.part_src_dir}"',
                     "/",
                     f'"{options.qmake_project_file}"',
                 ]
             )
-        else:
-            qmake_configure_command.append(f'"{self._part_info.part_src_dir}"')
 
         return [
             " ".join(qmake_configure_command),