Associate Principal, Interiors: Design Leadership & Impact

HDR, Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Interiors is seeking an Associate Principal, Interiors to lead design teams and drive excellence across projects. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary offices, present concepts to stakeholders, and mentor junior staff while advancing HDR's design philosophy.

You will champion sustainable design, help win new projects, and ensure quality from programming through construction administration within a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience
• 5 years related experience
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design process from programming to construction administration
• Collaborate across disciplines, market sectors, and regional offices to deliver projects
• Present and document design concepts to stakeholders
• Mentor talent and provide leadership to project teams and individuals
• Pursue new business opportunities and participate in strategic marketing pursuits

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Adobe Creative Suite

Rhino

Enscape

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

HDR is seeking an Associate Principal, Interiors, to join our growing team and continue the legacy of delivering creative design solutions that enhance the health and human condition for our clients and communities. HDR is home to world-class expertise, and the Associate Principal will act as the key connection to these capabilities for our clients.

An Associate Principal upholds the highest standards of design excellence and innovation, with an entrepreneurial approach to Interiors and Architecture as an integrated component of the firm's overall design strategy. Responsibilities include collaborating across disciplines, market sectors, and regional offices to deliver groundbreaking projects. The role involves presenting and documenting design concepts to stakeholders, leading teams through the interior design process from programming to construction administration, developing professional networks, pursuing new business opportunities, honing your craft, mentoring talent, and providing leadership to project teams and individuals. As an Associate Principal, you will lead by example, inspire your team, and actively promote our collaborative culture.

Associate Principal, Interiors at HDR, with mentorship and guidance from Interiors Leadership, will participate in the following:

• Partner with Interiors and Office Leadership to support operational plans and processes that meet project excellence goals.
• Participate in strategic marketing pursuits, client interviews, and presentations to Win New Projects/Clients.
• Advocate for the improvement and maintenance of project excellence.
• Serve as a Role Model and Mentor, positively motivating, challenging and inspiring others to pursue Design Excellence.
• Schedule and sponsor both Formal and Informal Design Reviews.
• Establish and support Office Environments and cultures that promote Design Excellence and HDR's brand.
• Promote HDR to potential candidates and assist with the interview process for new hires when appropriate.
• Co-Lead Design, Technical, and Management objectives with a commitment to the successful completion of multiple projects, in alignment with HDR's Design Philosophy.
• Demonstrate Technical Expertise in the creation and completion of documents and details across all phases of a project.
• Advocate for Sustainable approaches and practices that promote healthy environments and the well-being of occupants.
• Collaborate and Co-create ideas and concepts within a team, and across disciplines in the successful delivery of projects at all scales and complexity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Interior Design Certificate holder in the country you reside
• Professional Registration/Licensure at the local level
• Ability to lead teams, develop presentations and present to clients
• Emerging knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Active member in industry associations
• Sustainability Credentials/Accreditations/Certificates in the country you reside
• Skilled in Revit and Bluebeam
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Enscape
• Stronger consideration will be given to candidates with Health, Science, Higher Education and/or Civic experience

*LI-SA1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience
  
• 5 years related experience
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standard.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.

HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Primary Location

Industry

: Interiors

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Oct 16, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.