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. As a central position to shaping Calgary's future infrastructure, you will oversee the full project lifecycle from early development and design through construction and closeout, 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. Primary duties include:
- Lead project planning, design and execution: Independently manage design, construction and handover of complex, very high-risk capital projects with a high degree of autonomy from design to closeout.
- Consultant & Contractor Management: Lead procurement, hire and oversee consultants and contractors, and ensure 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/or value management opportunities for cost, necessity and feasibility and identify innovative solutions.
- 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. Utilize a broad perspective of professional architectural judgment for solving complex problems with innovative solutions and guidance on deviation from 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, including internal staff and administrators, 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 prequalification 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 must include work on a variety of building types in the areas of 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 is required.
- 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 in this role, along with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and colleagues.
- The successful candidate will have strong analytical thinking and judgment, along with 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. Such arrangements are based on the operational requirements of the position and employee suitability and are subject to change based on operational needs and corporate direction.
Position and Pay Information - Business Unit: Public Spaces and Delivery
- Union: Exempt
- Position Type: 2 Permanent
- Compensation: Level P4 $125,909 - 157,386 per annum
- Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
- Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
- Location: 800 Macleod Trail SE
- Audience: Internal/External
- Apply By: October 12th, 2026
- Job ID: 315024
