Sr. Interior Design Lead Accretive Projects

Job Overview / Purpose

The Senior Design Project Lead, Accretive Projects is responsible for planning, leading, and executing interior capital upgrade and redevelopment projects across Chartwell's retirement portfolio. The role ensures that design solutions, documentation, timelines, budgets, and construction activities align with Chartwell standards, brand expectations, and operational requirements. This position provides advanced technical expertise, oversees complex multi-site projects, and ensures high-quality outcomes from concept through completion.

Key Accountabilities 

Project Leadership

• Lead multiple major design and renovation projects concurrently, including full-property redevelopment initiatives.
• Define project scope, objectives, schedules, and budgets.
• Conduct preliminary design investigations and gather stakeholder input to determine priorities and requirements.
• Oversee the execution of work in fully occupied environments, ensuring minimal operational disruption.
• Supervise the work as it is carried out by trades, ensuring quality control, budget, and adherence to scope.

Design Development & Documentation

• Conduct site inspections, field measurements, and building assessments; develop accurate as-built drawings.
• Prepare design concepts, space plans, finish palettes, sketches, and material boards.
• Produce detailed design development and construction drawings using AutoCAD.
• Develop tender/quote documentation including specifications, finish schedules, and supporting details.

Technical Review & Compliance

• Research and validate that design solutions comply with building codes, regulations, and technical feasibility requirements.
• Evaluate applicable products, materials, and FF&E in alignment with Chartwell standards.
• Ensure quality control throughout construction, verifying adherence to specifications and scope.

Vendor, Contractor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Review and negotiate proposals, contracts, and fees from architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors.
• Provide regular project updates through meetings, site visits, calls, and written communication.
• Collaborate with operational teams and multiple stakeholders to coordinate project logistics and schedules.

Qualifications

Education:

• University degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field; college or associate credentials considered based on experience.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in the field of Interior Design. NCIDQ is an asset.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD for conceptual, working, and construction drawings; 3D modelling experience an asset.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of building codes related to residential, hospitality, or institutional environments.
• Advanced design sense including space planning, colour theory, scale, and material selection.
• Strong project management, organization, and prioritization abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be fluent in English (reading, writing, speaking), bilingualism in French is an asset.
• Ability to make decisions in fast-paced, complex project environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a personal vehicle.
• PPE (hard hat, boots) required for job sites.

Effort

• Requires sustained mental concentration to analyze information, manage timelines, review documentation, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Physical effort includes keyboarding, driving several hours to sites, conducting site walks, and standing for extended periods.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office environment, at on-site facility visits, and within active construction zones.
• Frequent travel across multiple provinces may be required (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia).
• Exposure to noise, dust, and construction-related hazards; PPE must be worn as required.