Design Co-op (Winter 2027)

hdr; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Ottawa is seeking co-op students who are self-motivated learners and eager to gain hands-on experience in architectural design and production. You will work with the Lead Architect and the team on schematic design, design development, and contract documents, with tasks ranging from floor plans to 3D views.

Our Ottawa office is a small, collaborative group that serves clients in healthcare, education, science, and civic sectors, offering mentoring and real-world project exposure.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining high levels of proficiency.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Architect and team on schematic design, design development, and contract documents.
• Prepare floor plans, elevations, details, sections, and schedules.
• Produce 3D views, renderings, and VR walkthroughs.
• Attend site visits and client meetings, documenting conversations.
• Engage in architectural design discussions and related duties.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Undergraduate or graduate program

GPA 3.0+

Tools

Microsoft Office

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? 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.

As a firm working on a wide variety of Architectural projects of varying scales and scopes, we look for Co-op students who are self-motivated learners and are looking to get the most out of their term, possess strong communication skills, the ability to work as a team on and off projects, and the drive to bring innovative suggestions to the table as we push for a sustainable future. Our Ottawa office is a team of approximately 20 people working with clients in the Healthcare, Post-Secondary Education, Science and Technology and Civic sectors.

Responsibilities

The role of the Coop student within the office would be to work with the Lead Architect and other team members on a variety of tasks throughout the design and construction process. Tasks could include, depending on student's experience and proficiency, assisting in production of schematic design, design development and contract documents including preparation of floor plans, elevations, details, sections and schedules; producing 3D views, renderings and VR walkthroughs; applying architectural procedures and techniques; independently perform architectural assignments with instruction from senior team members; working on contract administration duties; attending site visits and/or client meetings and creating proper documentation for conversations had; and partaking in architectural design conversations, exercises, and other general duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Ability in multi-tasking while maintaining high levels of proficiency.
• Well organized with an attitude and commitment to being an active participant of the team.

Required Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
• Attention to detail
• Must possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office 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.

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 standards.

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.

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

We are an Affirmitive Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

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