Director of Architecture

Job Responsibility:

Director of Architecture

Start Date: A.S.A.P.

About Audax

Audax is a vertically integrated organization that provides Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction Management services to the luxury real estate market, with a strong focus on high-end residential work. The services are performed by the sister companies, Audax Architecture Inc. and Audax Construction Inc. The firm's work is motivated by Human Architecture, a unique approach that combines the best elements from traditional architecture with a modern aesthetic. We believe in beauty, history, and respect for the traditions of classical architecture. Audax provides a holistic approach that looks at a project's technical, aesthetic, and functional objectives. This combined expertise results in buildings and interior spaces with an articulated design language and a seamless integration between architecture, interior design, and décor.

The firm is looking for a Director of Architecture to join their team.

Job Overview

The role of Director of Architecture will entail leading the Architecture department as a senior member of management, ensuring all efforts achieve the utmost success in their beauty, execution, and profitability. Collaborating closely with the Director of Interior Design and Director of Construction, they will foster synergy among the three departments, operating as one cohesive entity under the guidance of principals Gianpiero Pugliese and Mariya Naumov. The ideal candidate will serve as a spokesperson for our philosophy of Human Architecture, promoting its impact locally and internationally. Additionally, they will develop sales and marketing strategies, driving business growth to the next level and leveraging the success of past projects such as Villa Cortile, 101 Spadina Avenue, and others. The ideal candidate must be excellent, loyal, and driven, with extensive knowledge and expertise, exceptionally strong business acumen, and the ability to oversee all aspects of the Architecture department, including but not limited to project budget and schedule management, workflow management, HR efforts, and project accounting.

This position will offer the opportunity to work with some of the most successful and affluent homeowners and business people across Canada and internationally.

This role offers a competitive senior-level salary, with a portion of compensation to be based on performance.

Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Architecture and OAA license required
• Degree in business management or similar is an asset
• Proven track record in managing a comparable practice, leading a team of staff, and driving a financially successful enterprise
• Exceptional business acumen, intuition, and ability to communicate
• Extensive experience in leading a team to deliver projects within the set budget and schedule, while effectively managing client expectations
• 15-20+ years of experience in the design and construction of high-end residential homes, along with the design of multi-unit, mid-rise / high-rise residential is mandatory. Experience in other building types is an asset.
• 15-20+ years of experience in both project management and the production of architectural drawings from initial concept through to construction and completion
• Working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in leading the production of high-quality computer renderings and presentation materials
• Excellent understanding of the language of Classical Architecture and of Audax's design philosophy of Human Architecture
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws
• Thorough knowledge of building science, construction methods, and detailing
• Excellent understanding of the planning and approval application process
• Excellent hand-drawing skills
• Well-organized and detail-oriented problem solver with excellent time management skills
• Fluent in current design trends, products, and resources
• Personable with excellent presentation skills
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills
• Loyal, passionate, and dedicated to Audax and its brand

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Principals and lead architecture projects from initial concept through to construction and completion, ensuring all efforts achieve the utmost success in their beauty, execution, and profitability
• Collaborate with the Director of Interior Design and Director of Construction to foster synergy among the three departments, operating as one cohesive entity
• Prepare and manage project budgets and schedules for proposals / client agreements
• Direct staff workflow to deliver projects within the set budget and schedule, ensuring profitable completion
• Ensure maximum project efficiency by driving the team's initiatives to full capacity, minimizing downtime
• Direct and assist with the production of all drawings and deliverables throughout all phases of the architecture projects
• Direct the team's coordination with the project consultants, ensuring proactive efforts to meet deadlines are consistently maintained
• Effectively manage client expectations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during dispute resolution
• Monitor staff timesheets, ensuring all hours are correctly inputted
• Assist in the preparation of invoices, ensuring each invoice is reflective of the value provided
• Assist in the review of progress reports, meticulously capturing all important and relevant details
• Provide competent technical expertise in the design of all architecture projects
• Serve as a spokesperson for our philosophy of Human Architecture, promoting its impact locally and internationally
• Develop sales and marketing strategies, driving business growth to the next level and leveraging the success of past projects
• Supervise, director, and mentor staff
• Assist in HR efforts, including performance reviews and hiring / firing
• Promote core values of teamwork, quality design, professionalism, and the highest level of client service

Benefits of Working at Audax

• Year-long “summer hours”, with Friday afternoons off
• Given our 3 practice areas, you will have a unique and in-depth learning experience, provided by exposure to the day-to-day functions of architecture, interior design, and construction
• The opportunity to work with the best of the best, including the finest trades and craftsmen, the highest quality materials and finishes, along with some of the most successful and affluent homeowners and business people across Canada and internationally
• The move to a new, custom-built office, located directly across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park, just steps away from the shops and restaurants of Queen Street West, Dundas Street West, Little Italy, and Ossington Avenue. TTC stop at your doorstep.
• Regular staff socials, lunches, and events
• Competitive salary
• Dental and health benefits package
• Paid time off between Christmas and New Year's Day, in addition to your regular vacation
• The opportunity to learn and grow from continuing education and the support of professional development
• A vibrant and creative workspace, set alongside a team of positive, hardworking, and supportive staff
• A work culture that encourages growth, teamwork, and positivity, and an “open door” policy that promotes open communication with management