LWPAC is at the forefront of a new generation of architectural practices addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time — housing affordability, low-carbon construction, and scalable urban solutions. From our studio in Kitsilano, we design and deliver innovative mass timber and hybrid housing projects across British Columbia and Ontario, including some of the tallest timber buildings currently underway in Canada. We are an innovation-led practice actively engaged in applied research under the federal SR&ED framework across Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), prefabrication systems, and the integration of AI within architectural practice.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Projects is a senior technical leadership role owning the technical delivery of projects from design development through construction completion and occupancy. The successful candidate ensures excellence in documentation quality, code compliance, consultant coordination, and construction administration across multiple concurrent projects, while mentoring technical staff and contributing to LWPAC's applied research program.

This role is for someone who understands that technical documentation is where design intent becomes reality — and who takes that responsibility seriously. We are looking for a candidate who is energized by the challenge of thoroughness: someone meticulous about code compliance, exacting with specs and details, and who holds a high bar for quality across every drawing set and every project phase.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Project Delivery Establish, maintain, and enforce drawing standards, detailing conventions, and documentation protocols across all projects. Lead the preparation, coordination, and QA/QC review of specifications (MasterFormat), ensuring alignment with design intent, material selections, and project-specific requirements. Lead QA/QC reviews of all architectural construction documents for conformance with design intent, program requirements, and applicable codes. Coordinate and manage the full consultant team (structural, mechanical, electrical, envelope, civil, and other specialists), ensuring integrated, clash-free document sets at each milestone. Guide development and building permit applications through municipal review processes, including negotiations with authorities having jurisdiction. Direct contract administration: review submittals, process Contract Change Forms and Change Orders, issue Supplementary Instructions, and respond to RFIs. Conduct site observations to monitor construction progress, verify compliance with Construction Documents, and track schedule adherence through to occupancy. Participate in Life Cycle Analysis assessments and support the firm's low-carbon performance targets.

Mass Timber & Prefabrication Provide specialized expertise in mass timber structural systems and their integration within multi-unit residential projects. Ensure design intent is fully coordinated between architecture, building systems, manufacturing technology, and digital fabrication workflows. Identify and resolve potential design or tolerance issues during manufacturing and assembly planning phases. Collaborate with the Product and Building Systems teams to apply systematic, repeatable processes suited to prefab delivery. Contribute to applied research activities under the SR&ED program, embedding R&D work within live project workflows and supporting documentation of eligible activities.

Team & Project Management Manage project teams to deliver work on schedule and within scope, maintaining clear communication across all disciplines. Use CMAP to plan and monitor project resourcing, track fee utilization, and produce accurate project forecasts; flag risks and adjust staffing plans proactively. Direct, mentor, and support the professional development of intermediate and junior architectural staff. Foster a team culture grounded in collaboration, technical rigour, sustainability, and innovation.

Business Development & Industry Presence Represent LWPAC at conferences, trade events, and client meetings as a subject matter expert in housing and mass timber. Provide technical input and support to business development proposals and client presentations.

Qualifications

Education & Registration Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution. Registered Architect (AIBC) in British Columbia, or eligibility and commitment to obtain registration. LEED AP or equivalent sustainability credential (or willingness to obtain).

Experience 12–15+ years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with significant technical documentation and construction administration experience. Demonstrated experience authoring and coordinating specifications (MasterFormat) and establishing drawing standards across a practice or project studio. Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary consultant teams through all project phases through to occupancy. Significant project experience with mass timber construction in a design or technical lead capacity — this is a required qualification. Demonstrated experience with prefabrication, modular construction, or design-for-manufacture workflows. Substantial project experience in multi-unit residential housing in BC (purpose-built rental, strata, or mixed-use) — this is a core requirement. In-depth knowledge of the BC Building Code and Vancouver/regional municipal planning and permitting processes. Familiarity with the federal SR&ED program is an asset; prior experience identifying eligible activities is welcomed but not required. Portfolio demonstrating technical and design leadership across project phases, including construction administration and close-out. Advanced knowledge of construction materials, assemblies, and detailing across building envelope, structure, and interior systems.

Software & Tools Advanced proficiency in Revit and Rhino; proficiency in Bluebeam Revu; BIM coordination tools (Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC) an asset. Proficiency in CMAP or equivalent practice management software for resourcing, forecasting, and fee tracking. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with project reporting and financial tracking in a professional services environment.

Skills & Competencies Exceptional technical problem-solving and attention to detail. Clear written and verbal communication with clients, contractors, and municipal staff. Strong design sensibility and ability to uphold design intent through the construction process. Highly organized and self-directed; comfortable managing multiple concurrent project deadlines. Collaborative leadership with experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams. Commitment to sustainable design and low-carbon construction practices. Passive House experience and certification is an asset.

Compensation & Benefits Salary commensurate with experience Competitive vacation and personal days Extended health care plan Senior leadership pathway within a growing, innovation-led practice

How to Apply Please send your CV and portfolio (PDF, max 10MB) to careers@lwpac.net.

LWPAC Architects is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace.