Senior Lead Architect

Job summary

The Lead Architect will provide leadership in architectural design, mentor staff, and manage project execution including quality control and scheduling. They will also engage in business development activities to promote the firm and secure new projects.

Job details

OVERVIEW Merrick & Company is seeking an experienced Lead Architect in our Kanata, ON office. Merrick is an internationally known multi-office and multi-discipline firm consisting of a diverse, dedicated, and talented staff which has achieved design excellence throughout its 70+ years of existence. With offices worldwide, Merrick and Company has been ranked as one of the top 100 design firms by Engineering News Record. Merrick provides personalized services to various clients throughout the world. WHAT YOU'LL DO Provid leadership in the production of architectural designs in a multi-discipline work environment; and act as a supervisory architect mentoring and assisting other staff in achieving architectural licensing with the Ontario Association of Architects [OAA] and/or other provinces in Canada as required. Successful execution of projects, which may include profit and loss accountability, able to accurately estimate effort required (hours) to complete tasks both for proposals and in the execution of project work, accountable for documents quality control, meeting of schedules and management of project assignments; to also include interacting with technical leads, project directors and the project management team. Act in a business development capacity to promote Merrick and sell work through personal contacts, presenting at conferences and through other industry and other professional networks. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Fifteen (15) years of experience in complex architectural design (containment laboratory experience is an advantage). Licensed in the Province of Ontario with the OAA. Licensing with other Canadian provinces is an advantage. Experienced as a ‘Lead Architect’ for projects and Teams, providing leadership and mentorship to intern architects. Proficiency in the capabilities of BIM software, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam / Adobe. Client requirements for this position require Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status qualified with minimum Reliability clearance level. Travel and possess a current passport. It is anticipated that this may include some international travel. Working knowledge of current building codes and contemporary methods of heavy commercial, institutional and industrial construction, with knowledge of laboratory design guidelines and standards. Experience in all aspects of design including planning, programming, schematic design, production of construction documents (drawings and specifications), and construction / contract administration. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Containment laboratory design. TOTAL REWARDS & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits – Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and paid time off (PTO). Robust Referral Program – Earn incentives for referring top talent to join our team. Performance Reviews – Annual reviews to recognize contributions and support career growth. Professional Development – Access to ongoing training and development opportunities to build your skills and advance your career. Employee Recognition – Formal programs to celebrate achievements and outstanding performance. Peer Mentor Program – Get support and guidance through structured mentorship opportunities. And More – Additional programs and benefits designed to support your success and well-being. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Apply online only. No e-mail, hard copy or third-party resumes accepted. At Merrick, every resume is carefully reviewed by our team of experienced human recruiters—never by AI. We are committed to a fully human-centered hiring process, ensuring each candidate receives thoughtful, personalized attention at every stage. Merrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. #LI-Hybrid

What you’ll do

The Lead Architect will provide leadership in architectural design, mentor staff, and manage project execution including quality control and scheduling. They will also engage in business development activities to promote the firm and secure new projects.

Requirements

Candidates must have 15 years of experience in complex architectural design and hold an OAA license in Ontario. Proficiency in BIM, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam is required, along with Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status and a Reliability clearance.

Benefits

• Health insurance • Dental coverage • Vision coverage • Paid time off • Referral program • Professional development • Employee recognition • Peer mentor program

Listed skills

• Adobe · Preferred
• Architectural Design · Preferred
• Mentorship · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred
• Construction Documentation · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• AutoCAD · Preferred
• Business development · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Architectural design
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Project management
• BIM software
• AutoCAD
• Bluebeam
• Adobe
• Business development
• Construction documentation
• Contract administration
• Building codes
• Laboratory design
• Profit and loss accountability
• Quality control
• Industrial Construction
• Laboratory Experience
• Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
• Accountability
• Time Off Management
• Professional Networking
• Planning
• Schematic Diagrams
• Artificial Intelligence
• Architectural Design
• Building Information Modeling
• Business Development
• Building Codes
• Management
• Contract Management
• Training And Development
• Project Management
• Team Performance Management
• Quality Control

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Art & Design
• Lead Architect
• Architect
• Building Architects
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval