Senior Manager, Architecture

Regional Design Leader, Quebec Region

As the Regional Design Leader for the Quebec Region, reporting to the Senior Manager, Quebec Region, you will be responsible for establishing the creative vision and overall design objectives for all projects across the region.

The combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities is essential to the success and reputation of the office. As the Design Leader, you will be responsible for defining and maintaining the creative vision for projects undertaken by the office. You will work closely with clients to understand their needs and expectations and translate them into innovative concepts that meet functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.

The role includes strategic, operational, practice, people, and thought leadership responsibilities in the following areas:

• Support the Senior Manager and Regional Market Sector Leaders in project pursuit efforts to achieve A49’s financial objectives and growth targets.
• Collaborate with project teams to establish appropriate budgets that support the required design effort and objectives.
• Contribute to the regional management of A49’s Montreal office.
• In collaboration with the National Design Practice Committee, contribute to the development of a design recognition framework and thought leadership platform to enhance internal and external recognition of the A49 brand.
• Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in architecture and design.
• Foster research and experimentation within the firm to push the boundaries of design innovation and deliver distinctive, impactful solutions that align with the client’s target budget and established design vision.
• Lead design charrettes and share design concepts with other A49 offices in collaboration with fellow Regional Design Leaders.
• Participate in industry discussions on design by presenting key A49 projects, publishing thought leadership content, and showcasing A49’s design achievements at targeted industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture and licensed to practice in Quebec.
• More than 10 years of experience leading project design initiatives.
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated leadership experience.
• A working knowledge of English is required, as the incumbent will participate in initiatives outside Quebec, collaborate with colleagues across Canada, and contribute to projects and communications conducted in English.

Employee Engagement and Alignment

• Demonstrate the ability to strengthen design capabilities and to coach, mentor, and develop design professionals within the region.
• Assign work, provide guidance and mentorship, and foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages ideation and innovation.
• Collaborate with other Regional Design Leaders and participate in the National Design Practice Committee.
• In partnership with the Senior Manager, Quebec Region, support the professional development of team members by identifying training, skill development, and career advancement opportunities. This includes encouraging participation in professional organizations, conferences, and continuing education programs.

Operational Excellence and Project Quality

• Oversee the quality of architectural design across all office projects, ensuring alignment with regional and national objectives. This includes developing project briefs, defining design goals and milestones, coordinating with consultants and contractors, and ensuring adherence to project schedules and budgets.
• Lead and execute design phases during which initial concepts are refined and developed into detailed architectural plans and drawings. This includes conducting design reviews, providing feedback and direction to team members, and resolving design challenges to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Maintain the quality and integrity of design work produced by the regional office. Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of project deliverables to ensure compliance with design objectives, applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Ensure that all presentation materials used to communicate architectural concepts are aligned with A49 brand standards.

Why Choose Us?

Architecture49 is a growing firm with promising career opportunities for talented people.  Our offices, situated from coast to coast across Canada, house a diverse and accomplished group of architects, interior designers, technologists, landscape architects, and support staff, and we are always looking for new people to enrich our team.

At A49, we foster friendly, open working environments where employees can thrive in a culture that values collaboration. We seek meaningful projects where we can build on our focused expertise and impact the communities in which we work. We strive to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. We recognize the quality, motivation and commitment of our employees and celebrate their achievements.

Our offices have strong regional legacies, yet we are also a forward-thinking national firm focused on creativity, initiative, quality, sustainability and social responsibility. That sense of social responsibility extends to our employees and our commitment to their well-being and success.

Strategic Partnership

Architecture49 maintains a strategic business relationship with WSP, a global engineering consultancy. This provides enhanced opportunities for exposure to international projects and a wide range of multidisciplinary expertise. Further, WSP provides Architecture49 with a range of shared services, such as comprehensive benefits, training, and corporate programs.

Inclusion and Belonging

At Architecture49, we strive to create inclusive work environments for everyone. We are committed to supporting a workplace where our people are respected, valued, accepted, and are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) help us build a culture of belonging: Black Professional People Network; CIRCLE (Indigenous); VIBE (2SLGBTQIA+); WOW (Women); and the Developing Professionals Network.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and achieving a representative work environment that reflects our people, communities and clients. We encourage people from systemically marginalized groups to apply, including Indigenous Persons, Persons identifying with a disability/ies, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons, Persons identifying as a visible minority, and Women.

At A49, we take accessibility seriously and accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For accommodation queries/requests please contact: [email protected]

Reconciliation

Architecture49 is committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and to Call to Action #92. We recognize that our practices directly build upon and benefit from the gifts of the earth, and affirm our commitment to continued learning, respect, and ongoing collaboration as we work to engage in decolonization and reconciliation.

Please Note

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of A49.  Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).