Architect or Project Lead

Gilder Search Group; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks an Architectural Project Lead / Intern Architect for full-time, hybrid work in the Toronto area. The role focuses on restaurant, hospitality, and cafe projects, with a salary range of 90k–120k CAD depending on experience.

You’ll lead project development through design, documentation, and site visits, mentoring junior staff while coordinating with engineers and clients across North America.

Qualifications

• Nine plus years of professional architecture experience with coding knowledge required.
• Degree in Architecture from a recognised institution.
• Experience with hospitality/restaurant projects across North America preferred.
• Mentoring junior staff and leading teams is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project phases from design to construction administration.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to meet deliverables.
• Translate design concepts into code-compliant documentation.
• Mentor junior staff on the team.
• Perform site visits and reviews to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Coordinate with engineers and consultants to resolve design challenges.
• Manage permit submissions and responses.
• Apply QA/QC throughout project stages.
• Assist with multi-site rollouts in hospitality projects.

Skills

9+ years experience

Revit

AutoCAD

Team leadership

Client liaison

Code compliance

Communication

Education

Post-secondary degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Architectural Project Lead / Intern Architect

Commercial Projects - Restaurants, Hospitality, Cafes

Architecture Firm

Full-Time | Hybrid Work Environment

90k - 120k depending on experience

Other titles: Licensed Architect, Intern Architect, Architect, OAA Project Manager, Project Lead, Design Architect, Designer, Job Captain, Senior Technologist

THE FIRM

Join a well established Architecture practice that brings together multidisciplinary expertise to shape impactful environments. With a strong legacy of delivering dynamic projects across the country, this firm is involved in a wide range of restaurant, cafe and hospitality projects, ranging from high end steakhouses to quick service franchises. With a flexible, hybrid work model, you’ll have the freedom to work where you’re most productive—while staying closely connected to a collaborative, high-performing team.

THE ROLE

This role is ideal for an experienced Architectural professional who is technically strong and capable in working through all project phases, from design, technical production, site visits and client liaison. You might be an Architect, a Project Lead or Job captain, and you'll also be involved in providing mentorship and guidance to junior staff on the team.

In this role you will be involved a range of hospitality and restaurant projects—including quick service franchise chains, both individual locations to multi-site rollouts—working to create spaces that are both operationally efficient and memorable for guests.

Responsibilities include

• Work through all phases of project including producing technical documentation and design development
• Liaise with clients and other stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met
• Translate design concepts into practical, code-compliant solutions
• Participate in programming and research
• Conduct site reviews, surveys, and existing condition assessments
• Prepare technical drawings and manage permit submissions and responses
• Collaborate closely with engineers, consultants, and contractors to resolve design and construction challenges
• Apply QA/QC through project phases
• Support project delivery from early design through construction administration
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior staff members

WHAT'S REQUIRED

• 9+ years of professional experience in architecture with at least 4 years of working knowledge of Canadian Building Codes and Bylaws
• Post Secondary Degree in Architecture from a recognised institution
• Solid experience working on hospitality or restaurant projects within North America, ideally some quick service restaurant/cafe projects behind you
• A background working across design, architectural technology, project management or similar
• Some experience mentoring junior staff is preferred
• Proven experience across multiple project phases
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and related design tools
• Ability to balance design thinking with technical problem-solving
• Professional registration with the OAA as an Architect (or working towards it as an Intern) is required
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Some occasional travel to site and potentially to other provinces is required

WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN

• Work on dynamic restaurant and hospitality projects
• Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team with global reach
• Contribute to projects that combine design innovation with real-world impact
• Competitive compensation + benefits
• Enjoy flexibility through a modern hybrid - remote work model
• Take part in leadership, overseeing a team