Senior Architect—Defence and Federal Facilities

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of transport, and we’ll help you go all the way.

Join our team of globally connected specialists to help solve complex transport challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

Who are we looking for?

GHD is dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges across water, energy, and urbanization. As our Property and Buildings market continues to expand, we are seeking to strengthen our Ontario team by welcoming a Defence and Federal Facilities Architecture Practice Lead
—into our Canadian Operations.

Our Architecture team plays a pivotal role in delivering robust, high-security infrastructure for the Canadian public sector. This specific position is essential for interpreting government policy and collaborating with our multi-disciplinary engineering experts to produce secure, efficient, and compliant architectural solutions tailored to the needs of Canada’s Armed Forces. The role encompasses leadership across a diverse portfolio of defense projects, including commercial, recreational, industrial, hangars and storage facilities, civic buildings such as fire and police stations, as well as military and armory structures supporting critical operations nationwide—across all land, air, and sea bases.

The Practice Lead will steer the design process, offering guidance and technical expertise, and serving as a resource for specialized project components. They are expected to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity, while also contributing to the education and development of design staff throughout our Canadian Operations and GHD’s global network. Experience with Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is a must, with the ability to interface with clients and be the focal point to drive the design as is a track record in defense projects.

Growth of Architecture Practice Beyond Ontario

This role will support our National Practice Lead in expanding our architectural presence beyond Ontario, with a focus on Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, in alignment with our business plans and growth objectives.

With a focus on winning and delivering local work in these provinces, the successful candidate will help build client and partner relationships, secure new opportunities, and attract local talent. This work will contribute to the establishment of a second architectural studio in Canada, supporting the collaborative delivery of architectural solutions across the opportunity is ideal for individuals who are driven, diligent, and eager to advance their careers by tackling unique and challenging projects within Ontario.

At GHD, we foster a vibrant, employee-owned culture, offering a professional environment focused on quality and client satisfaction.

Our Hybrid Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment. Although the ideal location for this role is Ontario, we are open to having someone join any of our Canadian offices.

Working with an energetic and high-performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in:- Lead the design process, collaborating with architects and technologists to deliver high-quality projects.
- Establish project criteria, define scopes of service, develop detailed work plans, drawing lists, schedules, and manage resources throughout the project lifecycle.
- Innovate in design while fulfilling client and end-user needs; participate in stakeholder meetings and produce compelling concepts and presentations.
- Guide, motivate, and manage project teams to create successful design and construction documentation.
- Coordinate with internal engineering consultants across electrical, mechanical, structural, and civil disciplines.
- Resolve complex design and technical challenges.
- Build and nurture client relationships, actively developing these throughout the project.
- Ensure efficient project delivery through…