Description

REGIONAL DESIGN LEAD, QUEBEC REGION

Based in Montreal, QC A recognized leader in architecture for more than 65 years, we have built a legacy that has helped shape the Quebec and Canadian landscape and continues to be a source of inspiration and pride for our entire team. Our diverse team is both young and experienced, rigorous and agile, but above all attuned to the challenges of our time.

Our Quebec offices undertake large-scale projects across a wide range of sectors, including heritage, culture, education, and transportation.

We have left our mark through projects such as the restoration of the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, the rehabilitation of the West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury in Quebec City, the Complexe 4 Glaces in Gatineau, and the New Courthouse Complex in Old Montreal. [AdVantage...glish.docx | Word]

QUALIFICATIONS

- Architecture degree and licensed to practice in Québec.
- 10+ years of experience leading design-focused architectural projects.
- Demonstrated leadership experience is considered a strong asset.
- A functional level of English is required, as the successful candidate will be expected to work on initiatives outside Québec, collaborate with colleagues across Canada, and contribute to communications and project work conducted in English.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Québec Region Managing Principal, the Regional Design Lead is responsible for establishing the creative vision and design objectives for projects across the region.

Success in this role requires a combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership. As the design leader for the region, you will guide and maintain the creative direction of projects while ensuring design excellence and contributing to the reputation and growth of the practice.

You will work closely with clients to understand their goals, aspirations, and project requirements, translating them into innovative design solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget considerations.

The role includes strategic, operational, practice, people, and thought leadership responsibilities in the following areas:

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability

- Support the Managing Principal and Regional Market Sector Leaders in project pursuits to achieve A49’s financial goals and growth targets.
- Collaborate with project teams to establish appropriate design budgets that align with project objectives and required design effort.
- Contribute to the local leadership and management of A49’s Montréal office.





Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement

- In collaboration with the National Design Practice Committee, contribute to the development of a design recognition framework and thought leadership platform that strengthens the internal and external recognition of the A49 design brand.
- Stay informed of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in architecture and design.
- Encourage research and innovation within the firm to advance design excellence and develop impactful solutions that align with client budgets and project objectives.
- Lead design charrettes and share design concepts and best practices with other A49 offices in collaboration with fellow Regional Design Leads.
- Participate in industry discussions by presenting key projects, publishing thought leadership content, and showcasing A49’s design achievements at targeted industry conferences and events.

Employee Engagement & Alignment

- Demonstrate leadership in design capacity building, training, and mentorship of design staff across the region.
- Assign responsibilities, provide guidance and coaching, and foster a collaborative and creative environment that encourages innovation and idea generation.
- Work closely with other Regional Design Leads and actively participate in the National Design Practice Committee.
- Partner with the Québec Region Managing Principal to support professional development by identifying opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career growth.
- Encourage participation in professional associations, conferences, and continuing education programs.

Operational Excellence & Project Quality

- Oversee the quality and execution of architectural design outcomes across all regional projects, ensuring alignment with both regional and national objectives.
- Support the development of project briefs, establish design goals and milestones, coordinate with consultants and contractors, and ensure adherence to project schedules and budgets.
- Lead and execute design phases, transforming concepts into detailed architectural plans and drawings.
- Conduct design reviews, provide constructive feedback and direction, and resolve design challenges to achieve project objectives.




- Maintain the quality and integrity of design work produced by the regional office through ongoing review and evaluation of project deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with design objectives, applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
- Ensure all presentation materials used to communicate architectural concepts externally align with A49’s brand standards.

CORE COMPETENCIES

At A49, we believe that clearly defining core competencies helps align our people with the organization’s strategic objectives. It provides a framework for attracting, developing, and retaining talent while ensuring alignment with the skills and capabilities essential to our long-term success.

The following competencies are essential for success in the role of Regional Design Lead:

- Effective Communication: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, while ensuring messages are understood by diverse audiences.
- Sound Decision-Making: Ability to assess relevant information, evaluate alternatives, and make informed decisions that support organizational goals.
- Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to embrace change, explore new ideas, and adjust strategies in response to evolving business challenges.
- Strategic Thinking: Capacity to understand long-term organizational objectives and develop strategies that consider both internal and external factors.
- Influence & Motivation: Ability to inspire commitment, encourage collaboration, and foster a positive work environment that drives performance and engagement.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to cultivate strong professional relationships.
- Team Building: Ability to develop high-performing teams, encourage collaboration, and leverage individual strengths.
- Integrity & Ethics: Commitment to honest, ethical behaviour and consistent decision-making that serves as a model for others.
- Results Orientation: Focus on achieving measurable outcomes while maintaining a commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Annual compensation

- NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $119,900 - $159,200

Disclosure: The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

📌 Architect, Regional Design Lead (Montreal)
🏢 WSP
📍 Montreal