Senior Project Lead

Practice: Unity Design Studio Inc.; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural design firm in Kitchener is seeking a Senior Project Lead to manage projects and mentor staff. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in architecture, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to sustainable design. Join a B Corp certified studio that values community and innovative solutions. This role offers a competitive salary, extended health benefits, and a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Extended Health Benefits

Professional association fees paid

Continuing education allowance

Mentorship program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience as a licensed Architect.
• Previous supervisory and project management experience.
• Excellent knowledge of Canadian/Ontario codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate internal project teams, architects, and consultants.
• Monitor design strategies for sustainable project delivery.
• Manage client relationships and project progress.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Technical education in architecture (B Arch or M Arch)

Licensed OAA

Tools

Revit

Job description

Overview

As a growing regional design studio, Unity Design Studio needs the best talent to meet the objectives of our core values. We are an established, B Corp certified studio and are aggressively pursuing bold goals in design and project approach. We support agile and lean design principals and are at the forefront of the introduction of Integrated Project Delivery as it takes hold in Ontario.

With offices in Peterborough, Kitchener and Collingwood, Ontario, Unity has developed best-in-class expertise in serving the public sector (health, education, municipal, recreation, arts) and non-profit organizations (social services, culture, charities) with designs that are built upon deep stakeholder engagement. Ours is a culture that continually pushes for a deeper vision while respecting clients’ constraints. Above all else, we value relationships, knowing that the best works come from trusting collaborations.

Our Purpose:

Community Makes Us Stronger

Our team is comprised of individuals who thrive on making a positive difference in society and the communities we work. We seek out like-minded individuals who share our values and beliefs, and foster trust and mutual respect through active engagement. Our goal is to create harmonious and prosperous environments that have a meaningful impact on the world around us.

Always Put People First

As a team, we believe that it is our duty to design solutions that enhance the human experience. We recognize the impact our work can have on individuals, communities, and society. Therefore, we hold ourselves to the highest possible standards, constantly pushing ourselves to innovate and create designs that positively impact people's lives.

To Lead With Integrity

As stewards, we take responsibility for the impact our designs and actions make on people and our planet. We are committed to making choices that positively impact our world. We strive to create work that is timeless and ensures a stronger and more balanced future for all.

Our Culture Guides Us

We are proud of the collaborative and inclusive environment we have established. Our culture pushes all of us to be creative and innovative in our process, thought, and design every day. This amplifies the impact of every solution and allows us to succeed by being flexible - embracing the world as it changes. We encourage levity alongside discipline and provide opportunity and growth for everyone on our team. It’s who we are.

Who you are

We require a senior project lead with a growth mindset who will have a strong sense of accountability to our clients, our team, and the Studio. The ideal candidate will be an individual with a mentorship attitude, experience managing multiple projects and teams, and excellent communication skills with a deep understanding of and commitment to sustainable and regenerative design.

Key Responsibilities

• Ability to take a project lead role and coordinate other disciplines including our internal project teams, architects, engineers, and other sub-consultants.
• Working with a design team developing and monitoring design strategies for building construction to ensure efficient and sustainable project delivery.
• Supporting and maintaining existing customer relationships, and developing new relationships with clients, industry affiliates, engineers, technologists, technicians, and construction personnel.
• Managing all aspects of client relationships, including meeting with clients, progress reporting, and the resolution of issues as required.
• Coordinating the preparation of specifications, drawings, and cost estimates to ensure they meet established project criteria and applicable standards while working alongside our QAQC team.
• Assisting in maintaining and further developing standards related to our architectural practice, ensuring best practices for project management and delivery.
• Aware of and effectively utilize current and new design and project management technology.
• Preparing reports, project plans, schedules, and other supporting documentation.
• Ensuring Unity’s standards and QAQC protocols are followed.
• Monitoring project budget hours and project schedule and take corrective action as required.
• Mentor staff in a motivational environment in areas of project management, team building, efficiency, and customer relations.

Key Skills / Experience

• Technical education in architecture (B Arch or M Arch).
• Licensed OAA
• Experience using or working with Revit, including working knowledge of BIM practices.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience as a licensed Architect
• Previous supervisory and project management experience in a consulting environment.
• Excellent knowledge of Canadian/Ontario and other relevant codes and standards.
• Excellent communication, time management and multi-tasking skills, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail.
• Effectively able to manage a variety of projects and project teams simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work for the highest-ranking B Corp certified architectural firm in Canada.
• A minimum salary of $95,000.00 commensurate with experience, opportunity for advancement.
• Extended Health Benefits (Health, Life and Dental).
• Professional association fees paid by Unity (OAA, RAIC).
• Continuing education allowance of $1500.00 annually and 16 paid hours in which to complete this learning.
• Opportunity to participate in a mentorship program.
• Hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 days on site in Kitchener and a maximum of 2 days remotely.

What you can expect during the hiring process

• 1st interview with the Administrative Principal and one other member of the leadership team.
• All applicants will be notified of whether they will advance.
• Exercise to prepare in advance of the 2 nd interview.
• 2 nd interview with Principals of Unity
• Decision and offer within 2 weeks of commencing the interview process.

Unity prides itself on our fair and equitable hiring practices. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of contact and provisions will be arranged.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This job posting closes onOctober 31 th , 2025.