Lead Architect-Lab Planning
Job description
Role Overview
Architecture49 is seeking a senior Laboratory Strategy & Design Specialist to lead the planning, programming, strategy, and design of complex laboratory and science facilities across Canada. This highly visible, client-facing leadership role combines technical expertise, project delivery, business development, mentoring, and practice leadership. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, researchers, clinicians, operators, and executive stakeholders to translate scientific and operational requirements into innovative, functional, and technically integrated facility solutions. This role is also a key succession-planning position within the national Science + Technology (S+T) practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead laboratory strategy, feasibility studies, optimization initiatives, functional programming, and planning assignments.
- Analyze scientific workflows, operational requirements, equipment needs, containment requirements, and facility performance criteria.
- Develop functional and technical programs, space plans, adjacency studies, zoning strategies, room data sheets, and planning documentation.
- Lead laboratory planning and design from early strategy through concept design, design development, and construction documentation.
- Oversee integration of laboratory equipment, infrastructure, containment systems, biosafety requirements, vivarium facilities, GMP environments, cleanrooms, and other regulated laboratory spaces.
- Serve as a senior advisor and trusted partner to clients, facilitating stakeholder engagement, workshops, decision-making sessions, and technical reviews.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, consultants, engineers, commissioning specialists, and delivery partners to ensure successful project execution.
- Provide technical leadership, QA/QC oversight, peer reviews, and guidance on laboratory planning best practices.
- Mentor laboratory planners, architects, designers, and emerging leaders while advancing Architecture49's tools, standards, and knowledge base.
- Support business development activities including client relationship management, pursuits, proposals, interviews, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Contribute to regional and national Science + Technology practice leadership and demonstrate readiness to assume broader leadership responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
- Professional Architecture degree and current OAA registration (or immediate eligibility through recognized mobility/reciprocity pathways).
- Minimum 15 years of professional experience, including at least 10 years focused on laboratory strategy, programming, planning, or design.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex science and laboratory projects from strategy and programming through design and delivery.
- Strong understanding of laboratory operations, workflow planning, equipment integration, building systems, safety, commissioning, and facility performance.
- Proven ability to lead senior client engagements, multidisciplinary teams, technical reviews, and project delivery.
- Experience with proposal development, business development, mentoring, and practice leadership.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, organizational, and leadership skills.
Preferred Experience
- Public-sector science facilities (e.g., federal laboratories, research institutions, health agencies).
- Containment laboratories (CL2/CL3), biosafety environments, vivaria, animal research facilities, GMP and cleanroom environments.
- Pharmaceutical, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, engineering, physical science, or specialized testing facilities.
- Laboratory modernization, operational optimization, commissioning, and post-occupancy evaluation.
- Bilingual English/French capabilities and/or additional Canadian architectural licensure.
- Federal security clearance eligibility
Compensation:
- AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $110,600 - $146,500
- MB & ON: $100,900 - $139,000
- NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $99,900 - $132,700
Disclosure:
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.
Skills mentioned
At the heart of Architecture49 lies a rich tapestry of history and a forward-looking culture of collaboration. Born from the union of six respected regional practices—Arcop, PBK, Smith Carter, North 46, AE Consultants, and WHW Architects—our firm embodies a unique duality: we are deeply rooted in the local communities we serve while possessing the breadth and expertise of a national leader. This fusion allows us to navigate the distinct character of Canada's diverse regions, from the heritage-rich streetscapes of the east to the rugged, nature-integrated designs of the west, all while maintaining a consistent vision of quality and creative excellence. Our culture is defined by an unwavering commitment to 'Focused Expertise' and 'Community Impact.' We believe that architecture is not merely about buildings but about shaping the social fabric of our cities. Whether designing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, complex science and technology hubs, or vibrant sports and entertainment venues, our team of over 300 architects, designers, and technologists works with a shared purpose: to create inspiring spaces that elevate the health, social vitality, and sustainability of our communities. We foster an open, inclusive environment where innovation thrives, and where the wisdom of our legacy firms blends seamlessly with the fresh perspectives of new talent to deliver projects that stand the test of time.
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