Senior Site Architect

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.

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.

• 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 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.

• 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, elevate 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.

• 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…