Principal Laboratory Planner in Vancouver

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings; it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world.

We are currently looking for a Principal Laboratory Planner to join our Education and Science practice. This position involves leading laboratory programming and planning for a broad range of projects with a focus on physical science research environments including cleanrooms, vibration-sensitive labs, quantum computing, engineering, and beyond. This person will work together with designers, project architects, building engineers, and other design professionals as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

Particularly, we are looking for a Principal Planner who can build consensus among groups to move forward with new and innovative paradigms for research and teaching environments and associated office and support spaces. The ideal candidate should be abreast of current and future trends affecting clients and projects and have a deep interest and understanding of physical science research and environments.

Project Performance

• Lead programming and planning efforts with project team and client.
• Be key contact for client's leadership team.
• Establish, track and maintain project programming and planning budget.
• Coordinate programming and planning efforts with other design and engineering disciplines.
• Effectively manage other planning staff.
• Work with entire project team to meet project schedule, quality deliverables, budgets, and profit goals.
• Lead collection of project requirements such as goals and objectives, facility functions, room requirements, adjacencies, and blocking and stacking.
• Direct preparation of program statements, planning documents, contract documents, and specifications for research, educational and related spaces.
• Write technical specifications in compliance with standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate lab equipment, cabinetry and casework and assist clients in selection process.

Program Development and Support

• Mentor planning staff regularly providing guidance for staff development and advancement.
• Contribute to program-specific content development such as benchmarking information, BIM library, master specifications, planning standards, etc.
• Participate in Quality Control process through peer reviews, project charrettes and daily mentoring.
• Participate in program and company training, recognition and awards programs.
• Develop and present presentations for in-house education and training.

Business Development

• Establish and maintain client relationships.
• Participate in project capture planning in collaboration with business development team.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and presentations.
• Be a difference-maker in winning work at interviews.
• Contribute to program public relations efforts through speaking engagements, authoring technical papers, participation in professional organizations, etc.
• Create and present program expertise and capabilities to prospective clients.

Industry Expertise

• Be an industry thought leader and knowledge expert.
• Conduct technical presentations at national and international industry conferences and seminars.
• Publish technical articles in industry publications.
• Actively participate in client professional organizations and societies (i.e. Tradeline, SCUP, ISPE, etc.).
• Actively participate in company-sanctioned social media venues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicable planning experience with research and educational facilities.
• Programming, planning and designing focus in physical science research environments including cleanrooms, vibration-sensitive labs, quantum computing, engineering and beyond.
• Demonstrated experience in client relationship development and related business development.
• Knowledge of applicable planning and design guidelines and codes.
• Commitment to sustainable design; LEED accreditation.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office products, and graphics software.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• 15 years related experience.
• A minimum of 7 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Must have experience on large-scale projects.
• Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be willing to travel.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.