Project Architect

Posting Information

Posting Number

CK53789P

Position Title

Project Architect

No. of Staff Required

1

Position Type

FT

If Term position, enter length of Term in months

N/A

Position Groups

Management and Exempt

Division

Partnerships & Investments (DV276)

Department

Facilities Planning & Design (DP177)

Department Name

Branch

Facilities Planning & Design (BR177)

Organizational Information

Purpose of your Position - Non Union

The Project Architect is responsible for specific master-planning studies and capital building projects and may include all stages through to project handover: project definition, the planning and design of building projects, the delivery of major building projects, and professional responsibility for projects.

The Project Architect will consult and involve the general public, external user groups, partners, internal stakeholders and senior management, and they will oversee the selection of consultants, manage resources and project communications. They will be responsible for master-planning, project definition, schematic design, and design development, along with major projects: preparation of construction documents, budgeting, tender, contract administration, record keeping and project evaluation. Projects may include new construction, alteration, renovation or heritage restoration primarily of buildings, but may also include urban design projects.

Classification Summary - Union

Duties - Union

Results and Activities - Non union

Master-planning

• Under the direction of the Parks & Buildings Planning Manager, develop long-term strategic masterplans for the key areas of Municipal services, that are both insightful and adaptable to the changing needs of a rapidly growing community.
• Consult with external user groups and the broader public, specialists, and internal stakeholder groups. Ensure the needs of user groups with a reduced presence or voice are also included. Communicate with the public and press, and report regularly to Council.
• Assess accommodation needs and develop detailed programs.
• Define strategic accommodation priorities within finite long-term budget limits.

Schematic design and design development

• Engage the public, external user groups, partners, specialists and internal stakeholders to develop designs and foster consensus. Communicate with the public and press, and report regularly to Council.
• Coordinate and facilitate external architectural and engineering teams in the development of schematic designs and provide the coordinating point source for all contact with City stakeholders.
• Ensure the City's core values are implemented in all design decisions: adaptability, sustainability, durability, best value.
• Achieve best value for the community through good design: flexibility, layout, efficiency, maintainability, quality of spaces, civic pride, etc.

Construction documentation and tendering for capital projects

• Coordinate and facilitate consultant's preparation of construction documents.
• Review construction documents in respect to compliance with City standards, stakeholder needs, selection of materials, durability and maintainability of details, and ensuring full coordination between consultant disciplines.
• Tender, review, recommend and award contracts to consultants and contractors in consultation with the Parks & Building Planning Manager and the Purchasing Dept. Ensure alternatives are considered and bylaws, policies and legal requirements are adhered to.
• Liaise with Infrastructure Delivery staff for the handover of smaller capital projects.

Contract administration for capital projects

• Coordinate as the City's representative with the contract administration consultant on all matters during construction.
• Respond promptly to site issues and queries arising from the Contractor, manage all changes, and minimize confrontation.
• Oversee all claims and ensure the project remains on budget.
• Review construction for safety, compliance and workmanship, and monitor inspections by consultants.

Feedback and maintenance for capital projects

• Oversee project close out procedures.
• Carry out post occupancy reviews with user groups and Building Services for feedback into future projects.

Design standards

• Stay abreast of current best practice, innovation and benchmarking.
• Work with City staff, consultants and contractors to review, improve and implement design and construction standards used for capital projects in the City.
• Assist in the development of Policies and Bylaws for design and construction standards.
• Assist in the development of a set of consistent project management tools to track and monitor schedule progress, track and monitor budget adherence, identify risk elements, assess quality and administer contracts.

Credentials - Union

Knowledge - Non Union

Degree in Architecture. Professional Architect currently registered, or eligible for full registration within twelve months, with the AIBC (i.e. architect registered in another province, broadly experienced foreign architect, or intern architect). A minimum of 5 years of architecture experience, including master-planning, design development, integrated services coordination, document preparation, project management, tendering, construction inspection and contract administration on complex institutional projects. Demonstrable understanding of sustainable construction and holistic building design. Experience managing technical staff, consultants and contractors is an asset. Preparation of reports to Council, requests for proposals, technical reports and recommendations. Knowledge of applicable design standards, codes, legislation, current best practice and recent innovation. Working knowledge of presentation software (Adobe Suite and Sketchup), CAD/BIM software (AutoCAD and/or Revit), admin and project management software (MS Office, MS Project).

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

Professional responsibility and accountability, strategic planning, design excellence and technical expertise. Listening, critical thinking, analytical, innovative, problem-solving, decision making. Consensus building, solutions focused, deals and conflict prevention and resolution. Ability to effectively lead a team and work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with senior management, consultants, stakeholders, news media and all levels of inside and outside staff. Deals openly, tactfully and sensitively in a variety of situations.

Competencies

Accountability, service excellence, solutions oriented, communication excellence, relationship building and people management, leadership and strategic thinking.

Posting Text

Physical Demands

Special Instructions to Applicant

Additional Hiring Information

The annual salary for this position ranges from $112,300 min to $130,900 max, depending on qualifications and experience. Most candidates can expect to start in the lower to mid-range of this scale, with opportunities for salary growth based on performance and tenure. We offer progressive employment practices and a great work environment. This is an exempt position that offers a competitive salary, employer-paid comprehensive benefits package, an earned day off program, paid vacation and one of Canada's top pension plans.

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community's diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

$112,300 to $130,900 annually

Posting Date

10/20/2025

Closing Date

11/11/2025

Days of Work

Monday to Friday

Standard Hours per Day

7

Hours of Work

8 am to 4 pm

Work Location

CITY HALL

Specify Work Location

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Driver's Abstract

Optional Documents

• Other Document 1

• Other Document 2

• Other Document 3

• Other Document 4