Senior Site Architect

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Senior Site Architect

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Introduction

At Zeidler Architecture, we believe that design has the
power to shape experiences and transform communities. As a leading Canadian
architectural practice with a legacy spanning over 70 years, we are known for
delivering thoughtful, innovative, and enduring design solutions across sectors
and geographies.

Rooted in a deep commitment to collaboration, design
excellence, and sustainability, Zeidler brings together a diverse team of
professionals united by a shared purpose: to create impactful architecture that
connects people and elevates the built environment.

We are currently seeking a Senior Site Architect to join our office site in Ottawa to be a part of some of our more crucial projects. 

Job Summary

The Site Architect is a
senior professional responsible for leading complex architectural projects from
concept phases through construction completion. This role combines creative
leadership, technical expertise, and comprehensive project management
responsibilities. The individual is accountable for managing all project
delivery phases including scope, schedule, staffing, fees, design quality, and
client engagement. The role also includes oversight of documentation, consultant
coordination, contract administration, and adherence to quality control
standards. Working closely with firm leadership, this position plays a vital
role in mentoring staff, fostering studio culture, and supporting continuous
improvement in project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Design + Documentation

• Lead
  the design process across all phases, ensuring alignment with client
  vision, project goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee
  development of design and construction documentation, including
  specifications, detailing, and technical packages.
• Lead
  the coordination of architectural documentation with consultant teams to
  ensure fully integrated project deliverables.
• Guide
  and review 3D modeling, hand sketches, and Revit/CAD production for
  clarity and technical completeness.
• Maintain
  compliance with applicable codes, standards, bylaws, and authority
  requirements throughout design and documentation phases.
• Direct
  the development and execution of design review and QA/QC processes for
  project documentation and deliverables.
• Integrate
  sustainable design strategies in all phases; LEED, Passive House, or
  other accreditation is considered an asset.

Project Support + Coordination

• Manage
  project execution from start to finish, including planning, scheduling,
  budgeting, scope definition, resourcing, and profitability.
• Manage
  contracts with clients and subconsultants.
• Support
  marketing team with the development of proposals and fees.
• Establish
  and adhere to office expectations for financial performance, staffing
  efficiency, and project milestones.
• Lead
  regular internal project meetings and communicate status updates to
  Operations and the Partner-in-Charge, at minimum monthly.
• Coordinate
  and oversee project activities, ensuring alignment with office Project
  Delivery processes, filing systems, and documentation standards.
• Attend
  site meetings, perform site reviews, and manage contract administration
  activities such as reviewing shop drawings, issuing site instructions, and
  addressing RFIs.
• Prepare
  and manage authority submission packages, including zoning, SPA, and
  building permit approvals.
• Identify
  and manage project risks, escalate issues as required, and implement mitigation
  strategies.
• Ensure
  all project work complies with health and safety policies and applicable
  legal requirements.
• Contribute
  to the development of proposals and business development initiatives for
  the studio.

Team + Culture

• Provide
  leadership and direction to project teams, maintaining a collaborative,
  respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Mentor
  junior and intermediate staff, offering guidance on professional
  development and project execution.
• Support
  internal team resourcing and workload allocation in collaboration with
  Operations and studio leadership.
• Participate
  in employee evaluations, offering constructive feedback and supporting
  staff advancement within the firm.
• Promote
  and model an office culture of inclusion, design excellence, and
  professional integrity.
• Represent
  the firm at client meetings, public presentations, and industry events,
  supporting the firm's reputation and presence in the architectural
  community.
• Contribute
  to maintaining and improving strong policies, procedures, and systems for
  the office/firm.
• Able
  to work in a collaborative, in-office environment (100% in-office presence
  required to support direct team engagement and effective cross-functional
  coordination).

Qualifications

• Professional
  degree in Architecture from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• 10+
  years of architectural experience with increasing responsibility; proven
  track record leading complex building projects.
• Registered
  (or eligible for registration) with the OAA, AAA, AIBC, or another
  Canadian architectural association.
• Demonstrated
  project management skills, including scope, schedule, resource, and
  financial oversight.
• Advanced
  proficiency with BIM platforms, particularly Revit; familiarity with
  AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office and Vantagepoint (Deltek).
• Knowledge
  of local construction systems, sustainable building practices, technical
  detailing, and QA/QC methodologies.
• Experience
  preparing construction tender documents and coordinating authority
  submissions.
• Strong
  experience with internal design reviews, quality control, and
  client-facing coordination.
• PMP
  certification is considered an asset.
• Ability
  to manage multiple priorities and lead multidisciplinary teams with
  clarity and professionalism.
• Excellent
  written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness
  and ability to travel for site visits, client meetings, and professional
  development as needed
• Represent
  the firm in the industry to advance the company's interest and profile.
•  Support the firm's professional
  reputation through project and industry engagement activities.

Why Join Us?

At
Zeidler, you'll be part of a nationally respected architectural practice with
deep Canadian roots and a legacy of award-winning work across sectors—from
civic landmarks and community spaces to advanced research and workplace
environments.

We
foster a collaborative, inclusive studio culture that values creativity,
accountability, and design integrity. With studios in Toronto, Calgary,
Vancouver, and Victoria, we offer the opportunity to work on projects across
the country and beyond, supported by teams who are passionate about
architecture's potential to make a positive impact.

Here's
what you can expect as part of our team:

• A respectful, supportive,
  and engaging in-office environment
• Opportunities for
  mentorship, leadership, and professional growth at all levels
• A strong commitment to
  sustainability and continuous learning
• Competitive compensation
  with an annual profit share
• Comprehensive benefits,
  including extended health and dental, EFAP, wellness spending, and
  professional membership reimbursement
• PATO Days (additional
  time off around long weekends and holiday closures)
• Wellness initiatives,
  training programs, and social events that strengthen our studio culture

If
you're a motivated and inspired individual who thrives in a fast-paced,
design-driven environment and is excited to grow within a collaborative team,
we'd love to hear from you.

Zeidler is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, and we stand by our principles for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Disclaimer: Zeidler Architecture does not make offers outside of its official hiring process, or engage with third-party recruiters, or use AI to analyze resumes, applications, or interview. All decisions are made by our hiring team. For information on Zeidler's official recruitment process and how to avoid fraudulent offers, please review our Recruitment & Fraud Awareness notice here.  

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities

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