Senior Project Architect

Senior Project Architect – City of Calgary

City of Calgary. This role offers a competitive wages, pensions, and benefits while supporting work‑life balance and promoting physical and psychological safety.

Base pay range

CA$123,400.00/yr – CA$154,300.00/yr

As a Senior Project Architect, you will lead the delivery of a range of high‑complexity vertical infrastructure projects valued between approximately $50M – $200M+, including recreation facilities, firehalls, operations centers, libraries, mixed‑use developments, and other critical City assets. You will oversee the full project lifecycle from early development and design through construction and close‑out, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. As a Registered Architect in the Buildings and Architecture division, you will also provide subject‑matter expertise in early project phases, helping shape innovative solutions that meet Calgary’s long‑term infrastructure needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning, design and execution: Independently manage design, construction, and handover of complex, high‑risk capital projects with a high degree of autonomy.
• Consultant & Contractor Management: Lead procurement, hire and oversee consultants and contractors, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Contract Administration: Manage contracts, review and approve change orders/extensions, and ensure compliance with specifications and standards. Analyze change requests and value‑management opportunities for cost, necessity, and feasibility.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies using sound architectural judgment and project‑management best practices.
• Design Oversight: Provide guidance to consultants to ensure projects align with design goals, guidelines, and standards.
• Interested‑Party Coordination: Build and sustain strong relationships with internal business units, external partners, and community interested parties to align outcomes with City priorities.
• Team Leadership: May lead project or program teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare and deliver clear progress reports to senior management and Council, ensuring transparency and informed decision‑making.
• Subject Matter Expert: May act as Discipline Champion for Supply's architectural review process and pre‑qualification process under the Architectural category.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the creation and maintenance of standards and policies governing architectural design and construction.
• Early Project Development: Provide architectural expertise during early phases, identifying innovative solutions and strategies for valuable opportunities and successful delivery.

Qualifications

• A degree in Architecture and at least 8 years of experience as a Registered Architect.
• Must be a Registered Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA), in good standing, by the first day of work.
• Experience in a variety of building types covering design, construction, procurement, contract administration, and negotiating terms, conditions, and fees.
• Working knowledge of architectural best practices, Alberta Building codes, and City of Calgary permitting processes and requirements.
• Experience in design and construction of public sector capital projects is considered an asset.
• A master's degree in architecture would be considered an asset.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional designations would be considered assets.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and political acumen are essential, as is the ability to build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and colleagues.
• Strong analytical thinking, judgment, and the ability to provide technical or professional advice to a variety of audiences.

Pre‑employment Requirements

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Workstyle

• This position may be eligible to work from home for at least part of the time as one of several flexible work options available to City employees. Arrangements are based on operational requirements and may change.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti‑racism, and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Project Management, Strategy/Planning, and Design

Industries

• Government Administration, Construction, and Architecture and Planning

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