Interior Designer
Placemaking 4G
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
zzap is seeking an intermediate to senior Interior Designer to join our Architecture & Planning team in Dartmouth, NS. You will shape interior environments that are functional, engaging, and responsive to each project’s purpose and context, collaborating with architects, planners, and clients.
Responsibilities include developing design concepts, space planning, material selections, technical drawings, site visits, and on-site coordination through construction.
Qualifications
- Education: a degree or diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or related field.
- Experience: extensive interior design experience in multi-unit residential, commercial, mixed-use, or community projects; NCIDQ preferred.
- Registration: NCIDQ or licensed interior designers preferred; architects with strong portfolio considered.
Responsibilities
- Develop interior design concepts balancing function, aesthetics, accessibility, and the experiences of those using the space.
- Create space plans, palettes, mood boards, and FF&E selections.
- Prepare presentations, renderings, and visuals communicating design ideas.
- Produce floor plans, elevations, drawings, specs, millwork details.
- Coordinate materials sourcing and finishes; monitor progress on site.
- Collaborate with architects, planners, clients, and contractors.
- Manage projects from concept through construction and completion.
- Share ideas and contribute to studio resources and culture.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Department: Architecture & Planning
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Dartmouth, NS
Compensation: CA$70,000 - CA$80,000 / year
Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of zzap.
Established in 2018, zzap operates as a strategic design partner, embedding within the workflows of property owners, developers, institutions, and public-sector clients from the earliest stages of site conceptualization. Our work focuses on unlocking site potential while advancing design quality across Atlantic Canada.
zzap’s founders believe that the integration of architecture and planning, grounded in place and supported by meaningful engagement, results in projects that are embraced by the communities they serve. This approach has contributed to a strong and growing reputation across Atlantic Canada in community planning, land development, heritage, and building design.
zzap works across a broad range of project typologies and sectors, including institutional, government, non-profit, commercial, industrial, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, and heritage. Our work spans multiple scales, from strategic planning and policy frameworks to individual buildings and sites, and reflects a commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design responses rooted in place, policy, and long-term viability.
By integrating urban planners and architects within a single practice, zzap simplifies the complex nature of land development, particularly in environments where regulatory frameworks, site constraints, and competing interests intersect. This integrated approach allows us to support clients through complexity, from early feasibility and entitlement through to detailed design and delivery.
zzap’s work is shaped by community needs and real-world conditions. Whether advancing community planning initiatives, stewarding heritage assets, or delivering new infrastructure and buildings, we bring a consistent focus on design quality, collaboration, and responsible growth.
- Start-to-Finish Care and Respect
- Just Be Honest (Honesty and Trust)
- Bring ’Em to the Table (Collaboration)
- Roll With It (Adaptability)
- Check Our Egos at the Door (Humility)
At zzap, we believe great places emerge when architecture and planning work hand in hand. Our collaborative approach brings planners, architects, clients, and community partners together to create thoughtful places, spaces, and communities.
As zzap continues to grow, we are looking for an intermediate to senior Interior Designer who can bring creativity, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of how people experience the built environment. Working alongside our multidisciplinary team, you will help shape interior environments that are functional, engaging, and responsive to each project’s purpose and context.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys moving between big-picture ideas and the details that bring them to life, from early concepts and client presentations to technical documentation, material selections, and on-site execution.
If you are energized by collaboration and interested in designing interior environments that strengthen the places and communities around them, we would love to consider this opportunity.
- Develop thoughtful interior design concepts that balance functionality, aesthetics, accessibility, and the experiences of those using the space.
- Create space plans, material and colour palettes, mood boards, and furniture, fixture, and finish selections.
- Prepare compelling presentations, renderings, and visual materials that clearly communicate design ideas.
- Produce accurate floor plans, elevations, construction drawings, specifications, millwork details, and related technical documentation.
- Coordinate the sourcing of materials, samples, finishes, furnishings, lighting, fixtures, and other interior elements.
- Conduct site visits, monitor construction progress, resolve design challenges, and help ensure quality standards are maintained.
- Collaborate closely with zzap’s architects, planners, designers, clients, consultants, contractors, trades, and suppliers.
- Participate in client meetings and presentations, listening carefully and translating needs into practical and creative solutions.
- Build positive working relationships that support clear communication and successful project delivery.
- Contribute to projects from early concept development through construction, installation, and completion.
- Coordinate project schedules, budgets, documentation, deliverables, and competing priorities across multiple assignments.
- Anticipate challenges and help keep projects organized, aligned, and moving forward
- Contribute to the continued development of zzap’s interior design practice, resources, and systems.
- Share ideas, knowledge, and creative perspectives across the multidisciplinary team.
- Help strengthen an inclusive, collaborative, and solutions-focused studio culture.
Education: A degree or diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field.
Experience: Extensive architectural interior design experience, ideally across multi-unit residential, commercial, mixed-use, or community-focused projects. Registered interior designers (or NCIDQ certificate holders) are preferred, though architects with a strong interior design portfolio and relevant specialization will also be considered.
- A strong portfolio that demonstrates creativity, technical capability, and thoughtful design development.
- Knowledge of construction methods, materials, millwork, detailing, building systems, and design documentation.
- A strong understanding of space planning, scale, proportion, colour, finishes, furniture, and lighting.
- Familiarity with applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and industry standards.
- Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
- Experience with SketchUp or other 3D modelling and visualization software would be an asset.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- A collaborative and curious approach, along with the confidence to share ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute across disciplines.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and project partners.
- Exceptional attention to detail, paired with a practical, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
- A valid driver’s licence and access to transportation for site visits and meetings would be an asset.
We encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women in non-traditional fields, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.
Moreover, we collaborate closely with the P4G search team, who are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you.
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000
Position Type: Permanent, full-time
Location: 1 Canal St, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 paid hours per week
Travel: Some site and client visits throughout Atlantic Canada
- 3 weeks vacation
- 7 Wellness Days
- December Holiday Shutdown
- Summer Hours
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development support
- Wellness Spending Account
- Comprehensive Group Benefits
- Parental Leave EI Top-Up Program
- Dog-Friendly Office
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