Sustainable Design Specialist

KPMB Architects; Toronto; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shuttle service between Union Station

Underground bike parking & showers

Job summary

KPMB Architects is seeking a Sustainable Design Specialist to support project teams and KPMB Lab. You will help embed climate-responsive strategies, optimize energy efficiency, and advance regenerative design across all project phases.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in sustainable architecture, strong software skills, and a passion for environmental stewardship and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture with sustainable building design focus.
• Five years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
• Proficiency with environmental analysis software (Ladybug, Honeybee, ClimateStudio).
• Experience with life cycle assessment tools (OneClick LCA, Tally, Athena, EC3).
• Working knowledge of Revit and Rhino and ability to learn quickly.
• Strong understanding of embodied carbon, LCA, and envelope performance.

Responsibilities

• Embed sustainability strategies across projects in collaboration with project teams.
• Support life cycle assessments, modelling, and design decisions.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and internal training.
• Develop sustainability content for proposals and briefs.
• Collaborate with academic partners and industry networks.

Skills

Sustainability design

Climate data analysis

Verbal and written communication

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

LEED AP asset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture

Tools

Ladybug

Honeybee

ClimateStudio

OneClick LCA

Tally

Athena

EC3

Revit

Rhino

Job description

Who we are

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totaling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

KPMB Lab

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and understanding architecture's impact on the environment is central to how we practice. KPMB Lab is our in-house hub for research and innovation, developing cost‑efficient, regenerative design solutions that reduce carbon emissions. Integrated into every project from the outset, the Lab provides real‑time analysis to inform design decisions, hosts leading researchers and practitioners to share knowledge across the firm, and partners with universities and like‑minded institutions to advance sustainable design research. Together, we're exploring how our work can strengthen community building, health and well‑being, social equity, resource conservation, and the resilience of our planet.

The role

KPMB is seeking a passionate Sustainable Design Specialist to support our project teams, including our Sustainable Design Leads, in embedding climate-responsive solutions across all project phases. Working within KPMB Lab, you will help project teams converge on evidence‑based strategies that optimize energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and occupant comfort — supporting life cycle assessments, modelling and analysis, software training, and the development of design strategies. The ideal candidate brings solid experience in sustainable architecture, strong technical and collaborative skills, and a genuine interest in regenerative design.

Select key responsibilities

Embedding Sustainable Design Excellence:

• Support the Sustainable Design Lead Team in integrating sustainability strategies and climate‑responsive design across projects, ensuring alignment with KPMB’s values and environmental goals.
• Collaborate with design teams to embed sustainability into our design decisions, client communications, stakeholder engagement, and project deliverables.
• Share sustainable design knowledge across the studio, deepening internal capacity while fostering a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship.
• Support the organization of knowledge sharing presentations, including guest presentations and internal training sessions and programs.
• Contribute sustainability content to proposals and client briefs, highlighting KPMB’s sustainability expertise as a differentiator in competitive bids.

Innovation and Development:

• Stay current on emerging technologies, policies, and industry trends, and help translate insights into actionable strategies for projects.
• Work with senior KPMB leaders to identify opportunities for innovation to support the practice.
• Support research projects and associated publications for KPMB Lab.

Industry Impact and Collaborations:

• Support KPMB Lab’s relationships with academic institutions and industry partners to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Participate in professional networks, conferences, and academic collaborations to stay current on advances in sustainable architecture.
• Contribute to external working groups, advisory panels, and committees related to sustainability, climate action, and social impact, as opportunities arise.

Candidate Profile + Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or a related field, coupled with a background in sustainable building design.
• A minimum of five (5) years experience in sustainable architectural design, within a consulting capacity or architectural practice setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with environmental analysis software (e.g. Ladybug, Honeybee, and ClimateStudio).
• Experience with life cycle assessment tools (e.g. OneClick LCA, Tally, Athena, EC3)
• Working proficiency in Revit and Rhino and demonstrated ability to learn new technical skills quickly
• Proven ability to analyze, integrate and interpret climate data.
• Strong understanding of embodied carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA) and their application and role in the design process.
• Understanding of building envelope systems and the factors affecting building performance.
• Ability to assess and refine the thermal performance of envelope systems.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment, with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Possession of, or in the process of obtaining LEED AP, Passivhaus Certified Designer, WELL Accredited Professional, Fitwell Certificate, and/or similar industry certifications is an asset.

Why work with us

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has developed a diverse portfolio of architectural projects that focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. The firm has grown to include over 130 employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative and supportive culture, as well as its wide variety of experience and educational backgrounds. Some of our team members have grown with the firm from the start of their careers to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their careers, bringing new ideas and approaches.

We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration are integral parts of our DNA. At KPMB, there are numerous opportunities to share your skills, engage in firm activities beyond project work, and contribute to our initiatives that give back to the community.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we operate in and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants regardless of age, race, colour, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

If you require any accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know when you submit your application. KPMB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Salary:

Compensation starts at an annualized base salary of $70,000.00 and is commensurate with experience.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB’s office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking and shower facilities are also available.

AI disclaimer:

As part of our recruitment process, we may use AI tools to support application screening. Every application is reviewed by qualified members of our recruitment team and all hiring decisions are made by people.