Senior Architect / Principal

Job Description

Job Description

Description of the company :

Our client is a well-established, profitable, mid-sized architecture firm based in Atlantic Canada with a strong regional reputation and a long-standing client base. The firm works across a focused set of sectors, including sport and recreation facilities, healthcare renovations, historic restoration and building conservation, and select multi-residential projects.

The team is intentionally small (typically 11–16 people) and operates within a flat, collaborative structure. The culture is relaxed, stable, and highly people-focused, with a strong emphasis on long-term relationships, mentorship, and sustainable growth

Why is this role open :

This role is part of a long-term succession plan. The current owner is planning for retirement within the next four to five years and is seeking a senior-level architect who can gradually step into a leadership and ownership role within the firm.

This is not a backfill. It is a strategic hire designed to support continuity, future leadership, and the next phase of the firm’s growth.

Responsibilities :

Lead architectural projects end-to-end, acting as a hands-on senior architect rather than a purely executive figure

Oversee project delivery, quality control, and client relationships

Participate in business development, including proposal writing, interviews, and securing new work

Contribute to firm-level decision-making and operational leadership

Mentor and support junior and intermediate staff

Play an active role in succession planning and long-term leadership transition

Build credibility internally and externally as a future principal / partner of the firm

Must-haves :

Senior-level architectural experience in North America

Strong project leadership background with the ability to operate as both a leader and a technical “doer”

Business-oriented mindset with interest in firm operations and growth

Eligible for or already holding a portable architectural license in Canada

Comfortable in client-facing, leadership, and interview settings

High level of accountability, energy, and long-term commitment

Nice-to-haves :

Experience in one or more of the following sectors :

Sport and recreation facilities

Healthcare renovations

Historic restoration / building conservation

Prior experience in a principal, associate, or ownership-track role

Exposure to succession planning or ownership transitions

Remote / Hybrid : Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from home typically 2–3 days per week. The office is based in Halifax, with a central location overlooking the harbor.

Compensation / Growth :

Base salary : Expected range of $115,000–$120,000 CAD , with flexibility for exceptional candidates

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

RSP matching program

Clear partnership track with a structured path to ownership

No upfront cash buy-in required. Ownership transition is expected to occur over 5–8 years through profit-based buyout

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Compensation Disclosure

Compensation for all roles Axis recruits for is multi-faceted and based on a range of factors including experience, skills, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include performance-based bonuses, incentives, and a comprehensive benefits offering, in accordance with applicable Employment Standards Act (ESA) requirements. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process. We do not request or consider compensation history. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We don’t post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!