Architect | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

 

Architect

Organization: 
District Developments
Job Description: 
District Group is a leading edge real estate investment and development company passionate about building exceptional projects that energize neighbourhoods and realize timeless design. Based in Vancouver, BC, District is actively pursuing mixed use projects focused on purpose built rental residential in BC, Alberta and western United States markets. We are dedicated to building a diverse collection of high quality assets and developing them to their full potential, adding value for our capital partners, tenants and homeowners.
 
The Role
 
Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer the Architect will be responsible for leading and managing the company’s architecture department through all architectural functions. The ideal candidate is a creative, detail-oriented and experienced multifamily residential architect who will lead the design, planning, and coordination of multifamily housing projects from concept through construction. They will work closely with the development department, engineers and other consultants, and manage a small team of architectural technicians to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and livable communities.
 
This position will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of all project architecture and management of the department team members and external consultant teams. This person will be an experienced, dedicated architect and manager with progressive architectural and management experience. They will also be experienced in overseeing and implementing new systems and standard processes and procedures, as well as in quality and risk management. In addition, strong communication skills will serve this person well in frequent interactions with senior level management, executive leadership and cross functional team members for collaboration and presentation, and in providing reporting, analyses and recommendations. 
 
The right candidate should thrive in a fast paced young company that is team oriented and entrepreneurial, and be able to expertly lead and complete multiple assignments, maneuvering through changing priorities and high volume effectively and efficiently.  This is an excellent opportunity for a talented architect to further progress their career in the real estate investment and development business, and to continue developing their architectural and management skills in a growing company. This position will be able to add value immediately.
 
The ideal candidate will be located in the Lower Mainland. We are not offering sponsorship or relocation for this role.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
The Architect will be responsible for, but not limited to, accomplishing the following:

Lead and collaborate on the design and documentation of wood frame multifamily residential projects including mid-rise apartment buildings, low rise townhomes, garden-style walk ups, and master planned residential communities. 
Develop schematic designs, design development drawings, and construction documents.
Coordinate with external structural team of MEP, civil, and landscape consultants throughout all project phases
Ensure compliance with local BC building codes, zoning regulations, AIBC standards, and sustainable design practices.
Manage a small team of Architecture Technicians with a focus on performance, development, team growth and recruitment
Participate in executive meetings and presentations, articulating design intent clearly and professionally
Collaborate with the Finance team to support the accounting and finance business mandate, prioritizing projects and defining processes and procedures to increase efficiency
Manage timelines, budgets, and quality control for assigned projects.
Conduct site visits during construction to ensure design integrity and resolve field issues
Provide reporting, analysis and recommendations to the executive leadership as 
required
Proactively develop new architectural processes, procedures and systems to improve internal controls and operational efficiency
 
Skills & Experience
 
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
Architecture license and registration with AIBC 
Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional architectural experience with a focus on multifamily residential design
Strong design portfolio demonstrating multifamily or large-scale residential projects
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with BIM workflows is an asset.
Knowledge of local BC building codes, accessibility guidelines, and permitting 
processes.
Strong design portfolio demonstrating multifamily or large-scale residential projects
2 years as a manager managing 2 or more direct reports
Experience with design-build or developer-driven projects
Experience reporting directly to executive leadership, taking part in executive level 
meetings and providing direct support
A team leader who thrives on collaboration, building relationships and bringing out the best performance in their direct reports
Exceptional communication skills — both written and verbal
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team environment, with a proactive 
and solution-oriented mindset
LEED accreditation or knowledge of sustainable design principles an asset
Knowledge with CMHC MLI Select building requirements an asset
 
What We Offer
 
This is a permanent, full-time, salaried position with a team of ambitious individuals with a sharp eye for opportunities that is committed to moving through business with integrity and thoughtfulness. You will grow professionally, receive competitive compensation, extended health benefits, generous vacation and opportunities to share in our success. We’re on a path to elevate the way real estate and investment business is conducted and are eager to continue growing a team equally excited to be those change agents. 
 
Our Benefits
 
Performance Based Annual Bonus Program
•   Financial Investment Opportunities
Minimum 3 Week Vacation + Additional Holiday Office Closure
Personal Wellness Time Off, i.e. medical appointments, sick family member
Hybrid Remote Work Flexibility
Extended Health Benefits Effective Immediately
Monthly Health & Wellness Reimbursement
Mobile Telephone & Service
Professional Development Support
Professional Fees Reimbursement
 
Salary Range
 
$120,000 - $150,000

Office Location
 
The District Group office is currently located at 1190 Melville Street, Vancouver. 
 
How to Apply
 
Thank you in advance to all interested applicants. Please send your CV to Sonia Susin, Vice President, People Operations & Communications at careers@districtgroup.ca with the subject “Architect Application”. Due to a large volume of applications we will only reply to candidates selected for an interview. 
Application Email: 
Job Category: 
Position Type: 
Location: 
Vancouver
Years of Experience: 
Skills: 
3-D modeling: Advanced
3D design and multi-discipline coordination: Advanced
Ability to create libraries: Advanced
Ability to provide training and technical support to team members: Advanced
Ability to see project from design inception to completion of construction and follow up: Expert
Adept in project scheduling and budgeting: Expert
Adobe Creative Suite: Basic
Architectural Design: Expert
AutoCAD: Advanced
AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp: Advanced
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture: Expert
BC Building Codes: Advanced
Building Code knowledge and understanding: Expert
Concept, Schematic and Final Design development and presentations: Advanced
Document production and coordination: Advanced
English: Expert
Excellent written English skills: Expert
Experience with building envelope technology: Intermediate
Experience with new builds, additions and renovations: Advanced
Graphics, presentation and visual communication skills, hand sketching considered an asset: Intermediate
Knowledge of construction methods and materials: Advanced
Knowledge of finish materials and processes: Advanced
Knowledge of site design and planning: Advanced
leadership: Intermediate
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced
Required Degree Level: