Commercial Sector Architectural Lead

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM  Buildings + Places   Architectural team is seeking a  Commercial Sector Architectural Lead to join our team. This position will be based out of the Kitchener studio, with remote/hybrid work options permitted. This position is for a newly created position. 

AECOM Buildings + Places Canada (B+P Canada) is a vibrant and growing fully integrated team spanning architecture, building engineering disciplines, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, and project/asset management for design and infrastructure projects. Project assignments may include, although not limited to: Commercial, Public Safety and Justice, Transportation, Municipal Government, Defense, and Educational sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform as a Senior Architect.

• Oversee projects through all phases of delivery (Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Procurement, and Construction Contract Administration).
• Oversee preliminary design phase activities including functional programming, user group workshops, and feasibility/needs assessments.
• Oversee approval applications to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (Zoning By-law Amendments, Site Plan, Building Permit).
• Work with AECOM Project Managers across multiple projects to oversee schedules, budgets, resourcing, project deliverables, and document production.
• Work with AECOM Architectural Manager and Operations Manager to oversee staff resourcing and planning.
• Develop design solutions with a focus on creativity and constructability.
• Supervise the production of detailed design drawing and specification packages, reviewing for technical accuracy, conformance with local building standards, codes, and professional standard of care.
• Acting as sealing Architect of Record on Commercial sector projects (have OAA seal or be willing to apply for seal following onboarding).
• Oversee coordination with internal AECOM disciplines (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Communications, Civil, Landscape, Sustainability, Costing) and external sub-consultants.
• Interface with clients and user groups, acting as a trusted client advisor.
• Provide support and mentorship to project teams.
• Assist with Commercial sector business development.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS + Six (6) years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Extensive familiarity with the Ontario Building Code and National Building Code. Familiarity with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings considered an asset.
• Registered Architect in good standing with the Ontario Association of Architects.
• Proficiency with Revit and BIM workflows, AutoCAD, MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), with Bluebeam Revu Studio proficiency considered an asset.

Preferred

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Architecture with seven to ten (7-10) years of relevant experience with complex buildings (Commercial, with Public Safety and Justic and other building typologies considered an asset).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced project delivery environment with a multi-disciplinary, in-house consultant team.
• Experience in delivering projects with the use of a BIM management system such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
• Certifications in LEED, WELL, or similar accreditation.
• Familiarity with standard CCDC contract types, including CCDC 2 and CCDC 5B. Familiarity with other forms of CCDC contract considered an asset.
• Ability to independently manage construction contract administration activities.
• Sustainable design experience including familiarity with GaGBC Zero Carbon Building and LEED certification frameworks.
• Excellent technical knowledge of building systems, construction detailing and sequencing, and building science principles.
• Demonstrated design creativity with strong concept development and presentation skills.

• Project Management experience considered an asset.

Additional Information

Additional information

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Security clearance may be required on a project-specific basis. This may include Public Services and Procurement Services Canada, RCMP, or other agencies.
• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.