Senior Lead Architect

Merrick & Company; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Referral program

Performance reviews

Professional development

Employee recognition

Peer mentor program

Job summary

Merrick & Company in Kanata, Ontario is seeking an experienced Lead Architect to guide multi-discipline design teams and mentor staff toward licensure. You will ensure project quality from concept through construction.

The role requires Ontario licensure (OAA), strong BIM/AutoCAD/Bluebeam skills, and readiness to travel. You will participate in business development, and help uphold building codes and lab design guidelines across projects.

Qualifications

• Fifteen (15) years of experience in complex architectural design.
• Licensed in Ontario with the OAA; licensure in other provinces an advantage.
• Experience as Lead Architect guiding projects and teams.
• Proficient in BIM software, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam/Adobe.
• Canadian citizenship or permanent resident with Reliability clearance.
• Willingness to travel; passport required.
• Knowledge of current codes and lab design guidelines; design across all stages.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in architectural design in a multi-discipline setting.
• Mentor staff toward licensure and project success; manage schedules and QA.
• Drive business development and promote Merrick through networks and conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Business development

Travel readiness

Education

Ontario license (OAA)

Tools

BIM software

AutoCAD

Bluebeam/Adobe

Job description

OVERVIEW

Merrick & Company is seeking an experienced Lead Architect in our Kanata, ON office.

Merrick is an internationally known multi-office and multi-discipline firm consisting of a diverse, dedicated, and talented staff which has achieved design excellence throughout its 70+ years of existence. With offices worldwide, Merrick and Company has been ranked as one of the top 100 design firms by Engineering News Record. Merrick provides personalized services to various clients throughout the world.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Provid leadership in the production of architectural designs in a multi-discipline work environment; and act as a supervisory architect mentoring and assisting other staff in achieving architectural licensing with the Ontario Association of Architects [OAA] and/or other provinces in Canada as required.
• Successful execution of projects, which may include profit and loss accountability, able to accurately estimate effort required (hours) to complete tasks both for proposals and in the execution of project work, accountable for documents quality control, meeting of schedules and management of project assignments; to also include interacting with technical leads, project directors and the project management team.
• Act in a business development capacity to promote Merrick and sell work through personal contacts, presenting at conferences and through other industry and other professional networks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fifteen (15) years of experience in complex architectural design (containment laboratory experience is an advantage).
• Licensed in the Province of Ontario with the OAA. Licensing with other Canadian provinces is an advantage.
• Experienced as a ‘Lead Architect’ for projects and Teams, providing leadership and mentorship to intern architects.
• Proficiency in the capabilities of BIM software, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam / Adobe.
• Client requirements for this position require Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status qualified with minimum Reliability clearance level.
• Travel and possess a current passport. It is anticipated that this may include some international travel.
• Working knowledge of current building codes and contemporary methods of heavy commercial, institutional and industrial construction, with knowledge of laboratory design guidelines and standards.
• Experience in all aspects of design including planning, programming, schematic design, production of construction documents (drawings and specifications), and construction / contract administration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Containment laboratory design.

TOTAL REWARDS & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits – Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and paid time off (PTO).
• Robust Referral Program – Earn incentives for referring top talent to join our team.
• Performance Reviews – Annual reviews to recognize contributions and support career growth.
• Professional Development – Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to build your skills and advance your career.
• Employee Recognition – Formal programs to celebrate achievements and outstanding performance.
• Peer Mentor Program – Get support and guidance through structured mentorship opportunities.
• And More – Additional programs and benefits designed to support your success and well-being.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• At Merrick, every resume is carefully reviewed by our team of experienced human recruiters—never by AI. We are committed to a fully human‑centered hiring process, ensuring each candidate receives thoughtful, personalized attention at every stage.
• Merrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

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