architect jobs in Calgary, AB

Role Purpose

This is a hands-on, owner's-representative role responsible for taking each new location from concept to opening — leading the design vision, coordinating construction, and managing procurement end to end. You will be our internal expert who translates our pedagogy and brand into physical space, holds external architects, engineers, and contractors accountable to our standards and budgets, and ensures every site opens on time, on budget, and fully equipped. As we scale, you will also build the repeatable design standards and vendor relationships that let us grow without reinventing the wheel at each location.

This role does not replace the licensed professionals we engage (architects of record, engineers); rather, it directs and coordinates them on our behalf and fills the gap between our leadership team and our external project partners.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Space Planning

• Translate our Reggio Emilia–inspired, nature-based philosophy into functional, inspiring learning environments for children aged 12 months to 12 years.
• Develop and maintain a repeatable organizational design prototype and standards kit (layouts, finishes, materials, FF&E specifications) so each new site is adapted from a proven template rather than designed from scratch.
• Lead programming, space planning, and conceptual design for new builds, tenant improvements, and building conversions.
• Select finishes, materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment that balance brand, durability, child safety, sustainability, and budget.
• Brief, direct, review, and quality-control the work of external architects, interior designers, and engineering consultants, acting as the owner's representative throughout design.
• Ensure all designs satisfy childcare licensing and applicable building, fire, accessibility, and health codes in each jurisdiction where we operate (including Alberta's childcare licensing and the National Building Code – Alberta Edition, and equivalent requirements in other provinces), covering space-per-child ratios, sleep rooms, washrooms, egress, and outdoor play space.

Construction & Project Coordination

• Manage the full project lifecycle for each location — from site due diligence through design, permitting, construction, and occupancy.
• Coordinate development permits, building permits, and childcare facility licensing approvals with municipalities and provincial regulators; manage consultants who prepare and hold permit and construction drawings.
• Tender, evaluate, and manage general contractors and trades: review contracts, run site meetings, manage RFIs, change orders, schedules, and deficiency/punch lists through to substantial completion and occupancy.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections; track progress, quality, schedule, and budget, and escalate risks early.
• Own and maintain the master multi-site project tracker, keeping leadership informed of status across all locations.
• Coordinate with landlords on tenant-improvement work, base-building requirements, and lease-related construction obligations.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Source, negotiate, and manage vendors and suppliers for furniture, equipment, playground/outdoor structures, materials, and trade services.
• Build preferred-vendor relationships and standardized specifications to leverage volume and consistency across locations.
• Issue and track purchase orders, manage procurement budgets, and sequence deliveries to align with construction and opening timelines.
• Evaluate suppliers on cost, quality, lead time, and sustainability, consistent with our environmental values.

Budget, Reporting & Strategy

• Develop and own capital project budgets; track costs and provide clear, regular reporting to leadership.
• Identify cost savings through standardization, smart procurement, and effective consultant and contractor management.
• Advise on risk and liability, including when a licensed/stamping professional is required versus when work can be handled in-house.
• Contribute to expansion planning and site evaluation as a subject-matter expert.

Qualifications

Required

• Degree or diploma in architecture, architectural technology, interior design, construction management, engineering, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years' experience in design and/or construction project management, ideally on commercial, institutional, education, childcare, or hospitality fit-outs.
• Demonstrated success managing external consultants and general contractors as an owner's representative.
• Working knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and facility licensing requirements.
• Proficiency with design/drafting tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp) and project management software.
• Strong budgeting and procurement/negotiation experience.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel to construction sites, including occasional out-of-province travel.

Preferred

• Professional designation: registered architect, architectural technologist (AScT/RET), interior design (IDA / IDC), Gold Seal Certified, or PMP.
• Experience with childcare, school, or other licensed-care facility projects.
• Multi-jurisdiction project experience across more than one Canadian province.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia and nature-based design principles.
• LEED or other sustainability credentials.

Attributes We're Looking For

• Takes full ownership of projects and drives them to completion across competing priorities and multiple sites.
• Sharp eye for detail, design quality, and craftsmanship.
• Confident, fair, and effective in holding consultants and contractors accountable.
• Cost-conscious and resourceful, with strong negotiation instincts.
• Clear communicator who keeps leadership informed without needing to be chased.
• Genuinely aligned with our mission and the way children learn and play.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office-based work and frequent site visits to active construction sites (appropriate PPE and the ability to navigate construction environments required).
• Travel within Calgary on a regular basis and occasional travel to our other locations, including out-of-province sites.
• Some flexibility in hours to accommodate site schedules, inspections, and openings.

Pay: $80,000.00-$125,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person