Project Architect

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Metro Vancouver is seeking an experienced Project Architect to manage civic projects, including transit-oriented communities and affordable housing. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience, strong design and project management skills, and a passion for sustainable design. This full-time role emphasizes team collaboration and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Living wage employer

Employee ownership

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as Project Architect.
• Registered Architect status required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical design and project delivery.
• Mentor junior architects and interns.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams for project phases.

Skills

Architecture design

Project management

Client relationship management

Sustainable design

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

HDR is an employee-owned company committed to creating a welcoming environment where each person is valued and respected. We empower employees to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day, fostering inclusion throughout our company and communities.

Learn about our Canadian Architecture Practice: Architecture | HDR (hdrinc.com)

We are currently searching for a Project Architect to join our Vancouver office as part of an established team focused on planning and delivering spaces for our public civic clients, including mixed-use residential, office and community spaces.

Position

The successful candidate will work directly alongside the Civic Principal in Charge, the Design Principal, other architects, engineers, and supporting design professionals as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Project Architect for our Civic practice, you will help develop and deliver a wide range of projects from Master Planning of new Transit Oriented communities, workspace and affordable housing and community projects in the local market and elsewhere in the region. You will act as an asset across the practice in your role as Architect for a variety of project types. The successful candidate must possess the drive, experience, and charisma needed to help maintain our robust client base and support our growing portfolio.

• Alongside the Sector Leader, Design Principal and talented delivery team, lead the technical design and delivery of a wide variety of Civic and Community building types by providing hands-on management, guidance, direction and creativity on design-forward projects.
• Running projects independently with oversight by the Principal in Charge.
• Maintain a culture of client-focused project delivery through high technical competency.
• Independently coordinate the work of a multidiscipline team through all phases of projects.
• Be involved in multiple projects at any one time.
• Actively participate as a member of our in-office studio, mentor junior intern architects, technologist within the team.
• Maintaining good working relationships with engineering partners and key client representatives
• Organize and participate in construction documentation i.e. leading building envelope design, interior details, coordination with different disciplines.
• Coordinating with design and digital delivery team (BIM Managers) in determining the best solutions for use of materials, interaction of design elements, and integrity of building envelope enclosure.
• Collaborate with project design teams to facilitate project execution through highly skilled detailing.
• Leading coordination efforts with outside and internal engineering consultants.
• Coordinate workload of team members with the Principal in Charge through multiple phases to complete documents on schedule.
• Serve duties of Project Manager when required
• Performing QA/QC and implement project milestone QA/QC reviews, technical reviews across projects
• Helping develop qualifications and proposals for Civic pursuits.
• Participating in project interviews.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to staff in support of career development.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of Architectural specifications in contract documents and coordinate with specification writers.
• Be well-versed in implementation and application of BC Building codes and Vancouver Building Bylaw, and Zoning Policies, standards and guidelines
• Provide construction administration on projects in CA Phases with oversight by the Principal in Charge.
• Lead responses and coordination with other disciplines for addenda, RFIs, CPRs and change orders
• Incorporate agreed-upon changes into project documents.
• Perform other duties in support of the Practice and Civic sector as needed.

Projects can include mixed-use affordable housing projects, community centres and workplace environments. Project opportunities are largely within Western Canada but may extend to neighboring Provinces and potentially abroad due to personal relationships, particular expertise, project needs, etc.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture
• A minimum of 5 years project management and/or as a Project Architect
• Strong relationships with clients, demonstrated on resume.
• Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD)
• Experience with Mass Timber construction
• Experience in alternative project delivery [ie. DB, IPD, Alliance], both as Owner’s Representative and Builder’s consultant.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design / LEED / WELL
• Working knowledge of Revit
• Must have experience on both small and large-scale projects
• Must be able to lead a team on projects
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• A passion for sustainable design and experience in successful delivery
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
• Must be willing to travel regionally

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of 5 years experience
• Registered Architect
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule)
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
• Must have experience in preparation and layout of architectural contract documents and specifications
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe & Our Commitment

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.

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.

Accessibility & Wage

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. We are committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards. HDR is a Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. We are committed to meeting accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates may request reasonable accommodation during recruitment by contacting our Human Resources team. We comply with applicable legislation including AODA.

Location & Schedule

Primary Location: Canada-British Columbia-Victoria

Other Locations: Canada-British Columbia-Vancouver area, with emphasis on Western Canada

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass : Civic ARC

Posting Details

Job Posting: Sep 29, 2025

Equity Statement: At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories. Ready to learn more? Let\'s work together to make great things possible.

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