Senior Interior Designer in Halifax

FBM, one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized and award-winning design and planning firms, is seeking a Senior Interior Designer to work out of their brand-new office in Halifax, NS. A studio of collaborating architects, interior designers, planners, and various subject matter experts, FBM is responsible for the design of a wide range of built environments. For more than 100 years, FBM has been creating spaces that enhance the quality of life within them and the communities they serve. We call this people-driven design.

Your Opportunity: By joining the FBM team, you will be joining a firm that has developed an excellent reputation for award-winning work and an extensive portfolio of community-based projects including the Halifax Central Library, Richmond Yards, and the new Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre. You’ll be part of a dedicated team of professionals who are proud of the communities they work with and value a culture of skill diversification and development. We empower employees through mentorship, learning, and opportunities for professional growth. FBM prioritizes strong working relationships and a sense of belonging through engaging social events, employee surveys, and responsiveness. This commitment to professional growth and team culture has earned FBM recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for three consecutive years.

Responsibilities:

• Leading concept design, spatial planning, design development, construction documentation, and specifications.
• Overseeing contract administration to ensure project objectives and requirements are met through completion.
• Managing project workflows while directing, mentoring, and supporting the project team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design (from a CIDA-accredited institution) or Architecture.
• Preference for candidates who have National Council of Interior Designer Qualification (NCIDQ).
• 8+ years of relevant experience.

Software:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Working Knowledge: Experience with Revit, SketchUp (3D modeling), and project management platforms.

Experience Design & Leadership:

• Strong creative direction, concept development, and spatial planning skills.
• Ability to direct and mentor project team members in developing comprehensive design and technical documentation, support for performance reviews, and driving team standards.
• Proficiency in sketching and rendering (hand or digital).
• Deep knowledge of design principles, building codes, universal design standards, construction methodologies, and material applications.
• Expertise in selecting and specifying FF&E, interior finishes, architectural lighting, and signage/wayfinding.
• Experience using standard master formats (NMS) to author or review construction specifications.
• Proven ability to review design drawings and coordinate work across multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
• Understand BIM execution plans, clash detection, and Model Coordination.
• Demonstrated understanding of sustainable, human-health design practices and accessibility (e.g., LEED, WELL, Fitwel, Green Globes, RHFAC).

Project Management & Contract Administration:

• Experience managing project budgets, timelines, and deliverables while maintaining overall design intent.
• Proven track record in full Contract Administration, including reviewing shop drawings, responding to RFIs/CCOs/COs, conducting site visits, and issuing field reports.
• Capability to develop furniture procurement packages and manage vendor coordination.
• Experience reviewing/producing cost estimates; may assist with bidding documents, contract awards, and fee negotiations.
• Proven conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills across all design and contract administration phases.

Communication & Business Operations:

• Exceptional verbal, written, and graphic presentation skills.
• Ability to participate in business development, marketing efforts, and proposal preparation.
• Strong time management and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Oversight of project fee, project profitability, staffing allocation, and tracking scope against contractual agreements.
• Ability to lead engagement with key stakeholders and C-suite presentations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain RCMP and PSPC security clearances.

About FBM:

FBM is a mid-sized architectural, interior design, and planning firm based in downtown Halifax. We recently moved into our own purpose-built mixed-use office building in the eclectic and growing Halifax North End, a short walk from Halifax Commons. FBM boasts an impressive portfolio of award-winning architectural and planning projects achieved over its 100-plus-year history in Atlantic Canada and has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers, Nova Scotia’s Top Employers, and one of Canada’s Top Small/Medium Employers.

In addition, we offer:

• A competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Employer matching retirement savings plan
• Student loan repayment assistance with matching employer contributions
• Flexible work hours and hybrid working options
• Employee and Family Assistance program
• A variety of EFAP tools and online resources to support well-being are available to all employees.
• Goodlife Fitness Corporate Membership
• Wellness Subsidy

Employment Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at FBM:

Our ethos, people-driven design, means that we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the communities and clients we serve, and the people with whom we work. We are proud to be recognized among Canada’s Top Employers.