Senior Architect/Regional Design Lead

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Québec Region Managing Principal, the Regional Design Lead is responsible for establishing the creative vision and design objectives for projects across the region.

Success in this role requires a combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership. As the design leader for the region, you will guide and maintain the creative direction of projects while ensuring design excellence and contributing to the reputation and growth of the practice.

You will work closely with clients to understand their goals, aspirations, and project requirements, translating them into innovative design solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget considerations.

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

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability

• Support the Managing Principal and Regional Market Sector Leaders in project pursuits to achieve A49’s financial goals and growth targets.

• Collaborate with project teams to establish appropriate design budgets that align with project objectives and required design effort.

• Contribute to the local leadership and management of A49’s Montréal office.

Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement

• In collaboration with the National Design Practice Committee, contribute to the development of a design recognition framework and thought leadership platform that strengthens the internal and external recognition of the A49 design brand.

• Stay informed of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in architecture and design.

• Encourage research and innovation within the firm to advance design excellence and develop impactful solutions that align with client budgets and project objectives.

• Lead and share design concepts and best practices with other A49 offices in collaboration with fellow Regional Design Leads.

Employee Engagement & Alignment

• Demonstrate leadership in design capacity building, training, and mentorship of design staff across the region.

• Assign responsibilities, provide guidance and coaching, and foster a collaborative and creative environment that encourages innovation and idea generation.

• Work closely with other Regional Design Leads and actively participate in the National Design Practice Committee.

• Partner with the Québec Region Managing Principal to support professional development by identifying opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career growth.

Operational Excellence & Project Quality

• Oversee the quality and execution of architectural design outcomes across all regional projects, ensuring alignment with both regional and national objectives.

• Conduct design reviews, provide constructive feedback and direction, and resolve design challenges to achieve project objectives.

• Maintain the quality and integrity of design work produced by the regional office through ongoing review and evaluation of project deliverables.

• Ensure compliance with design objectives, applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Architecture degree and licensed to practice in Québec.

• 10+ years of experience leading design-focused architectural projects.

• Demonstrated leadership experience is considered a strong asset.

• A functional level of English is required, as the successful candidate will be expected to work on initiatives outside Québec, collaborate with colleagues across Canada, and contribute to communications and project work conducted in English

Compensation

• NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $119,900 - $159,200

Disclosure: The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.