Senior Architect AIBC, Studio Lead in Victoria

A well-established architectural and design practice with more than 60 years of experience delivering meaningful projects across Western Canada is looking for a Senior Architect who can take on a significant leadership role within the practice, strengthen local client relationships, develop new business, and help shape the future direction of the Victoria office.

This is not simply another Senior Architect position. The firm is looking for an experienced Architect who has established themselves as a strong project, client, and team leader and is ready to take the next step into broader office and practice leadership. As Victoria Office Lead, you will take ownership of the office's growth and day-to-day operations while working closely with senior leadership to develop the firm's presence across Vancouver Island.

A significant part of this position will involve business development, building relationships with existing and prospective clients, identifying new project opportunities, and representing the firm within the local architectural and development community. You will also provide senior oversight of projects, support Project Managers, mentor developing staff, and ensure the Victoria team continues to deliver high-quality work.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the growth and overall direction of the Victoria office, working closely with senior firm leadership.
• Develop new business opportunities and strengthen the firm's presence across Victoria and Vancouver Island.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with institutional, public sector, and private clients.
• Lead and contribute to proposal pursuits, RFP submissions, client presentations, and project interviews.
• Represent the firm at industry events and build relationships within the local architectural and business community.
• Oversee day-to-day office operations, including staffing, resource planning, workloads, and team priorities.
• Provide senior oversight of architectural projects from early planning through construction.
• Support Project Managers in managing project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and client expectations.
• Mentor and develop architects, intern architects, and technical staff, helping build a strong and collaborative team.
• Champion design excellence, technical quality, and consistent project delivery standards.
• Collaborate with other offices on projects and business development initiatives across Western Canada.
• Work with senior leadership on strategic planning, office performance, and long-term growth.
• Help shape the future direction of the Victoria office and its position within the Vancouver Island market.

What They're Looking For:

• Registered Architect with the AIBC, or eligible for registration through interprovincial transfer from another Canadian architectural association.
• 9+ years of professional architectural experience, including progressively senior responsibilities.
• Strong background in institutional, educational, healthcare, civic, commercial, or public sector projects.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, client relationship management, and securing new work.
• Experience leading architectural projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of proposal pursuits, RFP processes, and client presentations.
• Experience overseeing project delivery, design quality, schedules, budgets, and consultant coordination.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and provide leadership to architectural and technical staff.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, sustainable design, construction documentation, and project delivery.
• Working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and BIM-based workflows.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance business development, office leadership, and project oversight responsibilities.
• An established professional network in Victoria or Vancouver Island would be a strong asset.
• Interest in contributing to the long-term growth and direction of an established architectural practice.

Why Join?

This role offers the opportunity to have a meaningful influence on the future of an established firm's Vancouver Island practice. Rather than stepping into a position focused solely on project delivery, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of an office, build a team, develop client relationships, and play an important role in the firm's continued growth.

You Will Also Benefit From:

• Competitive compensation depending on experience.
• Significant autonomy and influence over the growth of the Victoria office.
• Opportunity to develop and expand the firm's Vancouver Island client base.
• Established institutional relationships and a diverse portfolio of meaningful projects.
• Direct collaboration with senior firm leadership.
• Opportunity to build, mentor, and develop a growing architectural team.
• Continued professional growth and increasing leadership responsibility as the practice develops.
• Exposure to projects across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon.
• Hybrid work schedule with up to two remote days per week.
• Flexible working hours.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Health and lifestyle spending accounts.
• Collaborative and supportive studio culture.
• Dog-friendly office, free parking, and regular team events.