Interior Designer

Description

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of zzap.

Established in 2018, zzap operates as a strategic design partner, embedding within the workflows of property owners, developers, institutions, and public-sector clients from the earliest stages of site conceptualization. Our work focuses on unlocking site potential while advancing design quality across Atlantic Canada.

zzap’s founders believe that the integration of architecture and planning, grounded in place and supported by meaningful engagement, results in projects that are embraced by the communities they serve. This approach has contributed to a strong and growing reputation across Atlantic Canada in community planning, land development, heritage, and building design.

zzap works across a broad range of project typologies and sectors, including institutional, government, non-profit, commercial, industrial, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, and heritage. Our work spans multiple scales, from strategic planning and policy frameworks to individual buildings and sites, and reflects a commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design responses rooted in place, policy, and long-term viability.

By integrating urban planners and architects within a single practice, zzap simplifies the complex nature of land development, particularly in environments where regulatory frameworks, site constraints, and competing interests intersect. This integrated approach allows us to support clients through complexity, from early feasibility and entitlement through to detailed design and delivery.

zzap’s work is shaped by community needs and real-world conditions. Whether advancing community planning initiatives, stewarding heritage assets, or delivering new infrastructure and buildings, we bring a consistent focus on design quality, collaboration, and responsible growth.

zzap Values

• Start-to-Finish Care and Respect
• Just Be Honest (Honesty and Trust)
• Bring ’Em to the Table (Collaboration)
• Roll With It (Adaptability)
• Check Our Egos at the Door (Humility)

This Moment, This Position

At zzap, we believe great places emerge when architecture and planning work hand in hand. Our collaborative approach brings planners, architects, clients, and community partners together to create thoughtful places, spaces, and communities.

As zzap continues to grow, we are looking for an intermediate to senior Interior Designer who can bring creativity, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of how people experience the built environment. Working alongside our multidisciplinary team, you will help shape interior environments that are functional, engaging, and responsive to each project’s purpose and context.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys moving between big-picture ideas and the details that bring them to life, from early concepts and client presentations to technical documentation, material selections, and on-site execution.

If you are energized by collaboration and interested in designing interior environments that strengthen the places and communities around them, we would love to consider this opportunity.

Design and Creativity

• Develop thoughtful interior design concepts that balance functionality, aesthetics, accessibility, and the experiences of those using the space.
• Create space plans, material and colour palettes, mood boards, and furniture, fixture, and finish selections.
• Prepare compelling presentations, renderings, and visual materials that clearly communicate design ideas.

Technical Expertise

• Produce accurate floor plans, elevations, construction drawings, specifications, millwork details, and related technical documentation.
• Coordinate the sourcing of materials, samples, finishes, furnishings, lighting, fixtures, and other interior elements.
• Conduct site visits, monitor construction progress, resolve design challenges, and help ensure quality standards are maintained.

Collaboration and Relationships

• Collaborate closely with zzap’s architects, planners, designers, clients, consultants, contractors, trades, and suppliers.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations, listening carefully and translating needs into practical and creative solutions.
• Build positive working relationships that support clear communication and successful project delivery.

Project Coordination

• Contribute to projects from early concept development through construction, installation, and completion.
• Coordinate project schedules, budgets, documentation, deliverables, and competing priorities across multiple assignments.
• Anticipate challenges and help keep projects organized, aligned, and moving forward

Studio Contribution

• Contribute to the continued development of zzap’s interior design practice, resources, and systems.
• Share ideas, knowledge, and creative perspectives across the multidisciplinary team.
• Help strengthen an inclusive, collaborative, and solutions-focused studio culture.

Education: A degree or diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field.

Experience: Extensive architectural interior design experience, ideally across multi-unit residential, commercial, mixed-use, or community-focused projects. Registered interior designers (or NCIDQ certificate holders) are preferred, though architects with a strong interior design portfolio and relevant specialization will also be considered.

Design Expertise & Industry Knowledge

• A strong portfolio that demonstrates creativity, technical capability, and thoughtful design development.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, millwork, detailing, building systems, and design documentation.
• A strong understanding of space planning, scale, proportion, colour, finishes, furniture, and lighting.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and industry standards.

Technical Software Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
• Experience with SketchUp or other 3D modelling and visualization software would be an asset.

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative and curious approach, along with the confidence to share ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute across disciplines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and project partners.
• Exceptional attention to detail, paired with a practical, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
• A valid driver’s licence and access to transportation for site visits and meetings would be an asset.
  
  

We encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, women in non-traditional fields, and newcomers to Canada. We invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume, and we invite you to express your pronouns.

Moreover, we collaborate closely with the P4G search team, who are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you.

The Package

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Position Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: 1 Canal St, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 paid hours per week

Travel: Some site and client visits throughout Atlantic Canada

Benefits & Perks:

• 3 weeks vacation
• 7 Wellness Days
• December Holiday Shutdown
• Summer Hours
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development support
• Wellness Spending Account
• Comprehensive Group Benefits
• Parental Leave EI Top-Up Program
• Dog-Friendly Office

Our Process & Application Details

What to Expect
Hiring processes often reflect systems that don’t work for everyone. At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. We’re working with the organization to ensure candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organizational representatives.
• Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

Application Details
Applications will be accepted until September 28, 2026 at noon AT.

Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.

Don’t be generic. Be yourself.

Placemaking 4G is a human-dynamics and recruitment firm that helps organizations rethink how they hire and how they support people once they’re through the door.

We partner with organizations to build thoughtful teams through human-centred recruiting services, leading human dynamics (human resource) consulting, facilitation, and educational offerings.