Architect, Campus Architecture

Description
The
Campus Architecture Team
in
Facilities Development
is currently seeking a Full-time Regular
Architect .
Campus Architecture leads the University community in architectural design, planning and development discussions for large-and-small scale capital projects within the post-secondary campus environment. The team provides architectural leadership and expertise to create inclusive, collaborative, accessible, and equitable spaces that support excellence in teaching, learning, research and community engagement.
Campus Architecture provides guidance on architectural design, building and fire codes, and technical feasibility;
identifies opportunities to improve the University¿s built infrastructure and exterior environments;
maintains the University of Calgary Design Standards;
contributes to the LongRange Development Plan, Campus Landscape Plan and related planning initiatives;
and directs architectural consulting teams in project delivery. The team works collaboratively with Campus Engineering, Campus Planning, the Project Management Office, Facilities Management, Sustainability and other academic, administrative and operational units across the University.
The position reports to the Campus Architect. It is a senior professional role requiring independent architectural judgment, in-depth technical expertise and the ability to resolve complex, cross-functional design and project delivery issues. The position provides direct people leadership for assigned Campus Architecture staff while remaining primarily accountable for the provision of professional architectural advice, design leadership and delivery of complex architectural planning and project work.
Within delegated authority and in accordance with University policies, the incumbent establishes work priorities;
assigns and reviews work;
coaches and develops staff;
supports recruitment and onboarding;
contributes to performance planning and evaluation;
and addresses day-to-day employee and performance matters. The role also provides professional guidance to internal partners and directs external architectural and specialty consulting teams in accordance with approved project governance, scope, budget and procurement requirements.
Summary of Key Responsibilities
(job functions include but are not limited to):
Project Scoping and Architectural Services
Manage a portfolio of small-to-large scale projects through multiple project phases.
Work with specialists and stakeholders to develop project scoping information for the Project Management Office and support the establishment of project budgets.
Work with Campus Planning and University partners to identify and evaluate spaces that align with proposal and project requirements.
Integrate research, academic, operational and other proposals into the University¿s ongoing capital program.
Prepare preliminary plans, layouts, sketches, conceptual studies and written descriptions to test project feasibility and establish design intent.
Review equipment requirements, including clearances, weight, shielding and other installation considerations, and coordinate with Campus Engineering, Information Technologies and other stakeholders.
Review preliminary layouts with Campus Engineering, Campus Architecture, Information Technologies and other subject-matter experts.
Review proposals and designs for applicable building code, University Design Standards and planning requirements.
Apply and communicate the value of University Design Standards, planning principles, project governance and related processes.
Review applications and designs for alignment with the Long-Range Development Plan, Campus Landscape Plan and other applicable University planning documents.
Incorporate accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, adaptability, wellness and long-term stewardship considerations into project scoping and design decisions.
Identify changes to scope, budget or schedule and work with the project team to realign or rescope work as required.
Identify requirements for additional specialty consultants or subject-matter experts.
Provide site reviews, shop-drawing reviews and contract-administration services, when required, to support alignment with approved design intent and University requirements.
Project Communication, Coordination and Consultant Leadership
Provide regular project updates to the Facilities Development team, including status, schedules, requirements and emerging issues.
Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships across faculties, administrative units and operational areas to build trust and understanding of project objectives, space use and allocation.
Communicate scope, budget, schedule, design and risk implications to Project Managers and stakeholders.
Coordinate Campus Architecture, Campus Planning, Campus Engineering, Sustainability, Information Technologies, Furniture, Supply Chain Management and external specialty consultants.
Act as the primary architectural representative for external consultants, representing University requirements within approved project governance and delegated authority.
Facilitate communication and decision-making among diverse project stakeholders and use professional judgment to support positive outcomes.
Lead diverse stakeholder groups through programming and conceptual-design discussions to establish shared understanding, clarify requirements and support informed decisions.
Maintain visibility throughout design and construction to help ensure projects remain aligned with approved scope, design intent and University requirements.
Liaise with Real Estate as required for leased space.
Prepare clear written, graphic and presentation materials to support research, fundraising, engagement, project communication and decision making.
Prepare and present projects to the Proposal Assessment Group and additional approval levels, as required.
Internal Standards, Planning and Continuous Improvement
Maintain knowledge of, contribute to the continuous improvement of, and support the application and dissemination of University Design Standards.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable building and fire codes, standards, regulations and professional practice, and apply this knowledge in architectural advice, design review and project delivery.
Contribute to initiatives that improve the University¿s building inventory, campus environment and long-term asset stewardship.
Contribute architectural expertise to master planning, long-range planning and related campus planning initiatives in collaboration with Campus Architecture, Campus Planning, and Campus Engineering.
Support the University¿s Indigenous Strategy by developing respectful relationships and incorporating relevant strategy principles and ways of knowing into project development, as appropriate.
Liaise with Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management, University Relations, Legal Services and other University groups as required.
Review contracts and project documentation as required.
Prepare reports, briefing materials and communications for the broader University community.
Assist with code reviews, drawing reviews and revisions to University Design Standards.
Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement and more effective approaches to architectural planning and project delivery.
People Leadership and Team Development
Supervise assigned Campus Architecture staff and provide clear direction, workload coordination, coaching and professional guidance.
Establish work priorities and assign work in consideration of project requirements, staff capacity, expertise and development needs.
Review the quality, timeliness and technical appropriateness of staff work and provide constructive feedback.
Support recruitment, onboarding, probationary reviews, performance planning and performance evaluation processes, consistent with delegated authority and University policies.
Support staff learning, professional development, registration requirements and knowledge sharing.
Foster a respectful, collaborative, inclusive and psychologically safe work environment.
Address day-to-day employee concerns and performance issues, escalating matters to the Campus Architect or Director when required.
Ensure staff understand and comply with applicable University policies, occupational health and safety requirements, professional obligations, design standards and project processes.
Build team capacity by mentoring staff in architectural practice, code analysis, design review, consultant coordination and project delivery.
Qualifications / Requirements:
Bachelor¿s or master¿s degree in architecture.
Registration with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) and in good standing.
Minimum seven years of professional experience in an architectural office, architectural practice or architectural department of a large institution.
Minimum seven years of demonstrated experience delivering institutional, laboratory, instructional or similarly complex projects through multiple phases, including contract administration.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate complex technical and stakeholder requirements.
Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching and developing staff, or equivalent demonstrated people leadership capability.
Familiarity with institutional building conditions and issues related to code, building systems, hazardous materials and existing infrastructure.
Working knowledge of applicable building and fire codes, regulations and professional practice requirements.
Demonstrated familiarity with LEED and the University¿s sustainability initiatives as they relate to buildings and design.
Strong written, oral, interpersonal, facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong graphic design skills and the ability to translate concepts into clear drawings, diagrams, presentations and architectural renderings.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Adobe and AutoCAD. Experience with architectural modelling or visualization software such as Revit, SketchUp and/or Enscape is an asset.
Ability to manage complex work and competing project deadlines with a high level of professional accountability.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, professional judgment and ability to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Ability to analyze project budgets against scope of work and identify issues requiring resolution or escalation.
Ability to direct technical staff in the development and review of working drawing packages and to perform contract administration duties when required.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse University faculties, departments and stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, accessible, sustainable and people-centred design.
The following knowledge is an asset:
University of Calgary Facilities Design Standards.
The Long Range Development Plan, Campus Landscape Plan and associated planning documents.
Ii¿taa¿poh¿to'p ¿ the University of Calgary Indigenous Strategy.
University of Calgary campuses, buildings, planning context and development processes.
Application Deadline:
October 30, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the
Technical Professional Career Band, Level 3
of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our
Management and Staff Careers website .
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands‑on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start‑ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.Ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide
Indigenous Strategy
ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (View email address on ca.hrm.tc) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (View email address on ca.hrm.tc).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
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