Intermediate Architectural Designer

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Extended health and dental

EFAP

PATO Days

Professional membership reimbursement

Job summary

Zeidler Architecture in Toronto is seeking an Intermediate Designer to support and lead design from pre-design through construction administration. The role emphasizes collaboration, design excellence, technical quality, and client engagement, with a requirement for 100% in-office presence.

Under supervision, you will coordinate with consultants, manage design development, and contribute to contract drawings, specifications, and tender packages, ensuring compliance with codes and office

Qualifications

• Professional degree in architecture with 5–10 years of experience.
• Registration with a Canadian architectural association or pursuing licensure.
• Strong design skills with ability to lead development and coordination.
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; knowledge of MS Project is a plus.
• Familiarity with local codes and municipal approvals.
• Experience managing project budgets and profitability.
• LEED AP or Passive House credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support design development across all phases.
• Coordinate with consultants and clients throughout the project.
• Assist with fee proposals, budgets, and schedules.
• Ensure design documentation meets standards and codes.
• Support RAIC contracts and fee proposals and maintain filing systems.
• Mentor junior staff and promote collaboration in-office.

Job description

Introduction

AtZeidler Architecture, we believe that design has the power to shape experiencesand transform communities. As a leading Canadian architectural practice with alegacy spanning over 70 years, we are known for delivering thoughtful,innovative, and enduring design solutions across sectors and geographies.

Rootedin a deep commitment to collaboration, design excellence, and sustainability,Zeidler brings together a diverse team of professionals united by a sharedpurpose: to create impactful architecture that connects people and elevates thebuilt environment.

We arecurrently seeking an Intermediate Designer to join our Toronto Studio. The idealcandidate brings strong design skills, a solid understanding of projectcoordination, and the ability to thrive in a complex, large-scale project.

Job Summary

The Intermediate Designer plays a keyrole in supporting and leading the design and delivery of architecturalprojects through all phases—from pre-design through constructionadministration. Working under the supervision of senior staff or the Partner inCharge, this role contributes to design excellence, technical quality, andeffective project execution. It requires a well-rounded understanding ofbuilding systems, project coordination, and client engagement. The role isbased fully in-office to foster direct team collaboration and strongcross-functional coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Leador support the successful execution of projects across all design phases,ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and project timelines
• Contributeto the establishment and maintenance of project budgets, schedules, andwork plans.
• Activelyengage in design development, consultant coordination, and clientcommunication throughout the duration of the project.
• Serveas Project Manager or support senior staff in the management of scope,schedule, team deliverables, budgets, and communication, followingestablished firm processes.
• Supportor lead preparation of proposals, fee estimates, and responses to RFPs.
• Participatein contract review meetings and assist with risk identification andmitigation planning.

Design + Documentation

• Participatein and support the creation of conceptual and schematic design ideas withstrong graphic and presentation skills.
• Leador assist with the development of contract drawings and specifications,ensuring compliance with office standards, development bylaws, andapplicable building codes.
• Coordinatesubmission drawings for authority approvals and contribute to tenderdocumentation packages.
• Ensuretechnical quality and accuracy in design and construction documentationusing Revit and CAD.
• Supportquality control efforts and internal design review processes.

Project Support + Coordination

• Prepareand manage project documentation including meeting minutes, transmittals,and authority applications.
• Maintainproject filing systems to organize related information and correspondence.
• Coordinatewith consultants, internal teams, and municipal authorities throughout theproject lifecycle.
• Assistwith or manage project scheduling, resource planning, and milestonetracking using project management software.
• Workingwith Senior staff, assist with or manage RAIC contracts and/or feeproposals
• Ensureall work aligns with the firm’s Project Delivery standards, includingproper use of filing systems, adherence to architectural procedures, andcompliance with drawing and documentation protocols.

Team + Culture

• Fostera collaborative, open studio environment that promotes creativity,accountability, and continuous learning.
• Provideleadership and mentorship to junior staff, especially during early designphases.
• Adhereto all company health and safety protocols and support a respectful andinclusive workplace.
• Ableto work in a collaborative, in-office environment (100% in-office presencerequired to support direct team engagement and effective cross-functionalcoordination).

Qualifications

• Degreein Architecture or a related design discipline from a recognizedpost-secondary institution.
• 5–10years of professional experience in an architectural firm.
• Registeredwith or actively pursuing registration with a Canadian architecturalassociation (OAA, AAA, AIBC, etc.).
• Strongconceptual design skills including freehand sketching, 3D modeling, andgraphic presentation.
• Proficiencyin Revit and AutoCAD required; knowledge of project management tools(e.g., MS Project, Deltek Vantagepoint) is an asset.
• Demonstratedknowledge of local construction systems, detailing, and building codes.
• Experiencewith local municipal approvals and permitting processes.
• Provenexperience managing projects with direct client engagement andcoordination.
• Demonstratedability to manage design fees, including budgeting and monitoringprofitability.
• Experiencein staffing planning, task allocation, and team coordination acrossproject phases.
• Strongunderstanding of scope management, scheduling, and budget adherence.
• LEED®AP, Passive House Designer, or other sustainability accreditationspreferred.

Why Join Us?

AtZeidler, you’ll be part of a nationally respected architectural practice withdeep Canadian roots and a legacy of award-winning work across sectors—fromcivic landmarks and community spaces to advanced research and workplaceenvironments.

Wefoster a collaborative, inclusive studio culture that values creativity,accountability, and design integrity. With studios in Toronto, Calgary,Vancouver, and Victoria, we offer the opportunity to work on projects acrossthe country and beyond, supported by teams who are passionate aboutarchitecture’s potential to make a positive impact.

Here’swhat you can expect as part of our team:

• A respectful, supportive,and engaging in-office environment
• Opportunities formentorship, leadership, and professional growth at all levels
• A strong commitment tosustainability and continuous learning
• Competitive compensationwith an annual profit share
• Comprehensive benefits,including extended health and dental, EFAP, wellness spending, andprofessional membership reimbursement
• PATO Days (additionaltime off around long weekends and holiday closures)
• Wellness initiatives,training programs, and social events that strengthen our studio culture

Zeidleris committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, and westand by our principles for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Disclaimer: Zeidler Architecture does not make offers outside of its official hiring process, or engage with third-party recruiters, or use AI to analyze resumes, applications, or interview. All decisions are made by our hiring team. For information on Zeidler's official recruitment process and how to avoid fraudulent offers, please review our Recruitment & Fraud Awareness notice here.