Design Manager
Location: Toronto | Vancouver
Full Time, 4 Days in Office
Description of the Company
Our client is a globally recognized design and architecture practice with studios across major international markets. The firm works across sectors such as workplace, hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and institutional environments, delivering projects that combine design excellence with strong technical execution.
Their teams bring together architects, interior designers, strategists, and technical specialists to solve complex design challenges. The studio culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and highly design-focused, with an emphasis on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and thoughtful project delivery.
Why this Role is Open
Due to continued project growth and an expanding portfolio across multiple sectors, the firm is looking to add an experienced Design Manager to support the leadership team. This role will help guide complex projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain strong client relationships while ensuring projects are delivered successfully.
Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day coordination and delivery of projects, ensuring schedules, budgets, and design quality are maintained
Guide cross-disciplinary project teams through all phases of work from early design through construction and delivery
Maintain strong relationships with existing clients while identifying opportunities to expand services
Stay informed on client goals, market trends, and project objectives to ensure alignment between design delivery and client needs
Develop and manage project work plans, staffing strategies, and project schedules
Track project progress against scope, deliverables, timelines, and fee structures
Participate in internal project reporting and studio staffing discussions
Review project financial documentation and assist with billing coordination
Proactively identify project risks and collaborate with senior leadership on solutions
Support business development efforts and contribute to client pursuits when needed
Must-haves
10–20 years of experience within architecture or interior design project delivery
Accredited degree in Architecture or Interior Design
Experience leading projects across the full lifecycle, including construction administration
Proven experience managing and mentoring multidisciplinary teams
Experience negotiating project scope, schedules, and budgets
Strong knowledge of building codes, construction processes, and technical documentation
Demonstrated ability to manage project financial performance
Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills
Ability to maintain and strengthen client relationships
Nice-to-haves
Professional licensure
Experience working in Revit or similar BIM platforms
Apply!
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We offer a $500 referral bonus for successful hires. If you refer someone who’s hired through Axis Recruitment, we’ll send you a thank-you bonus after their first 3 months.
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.
DEI at Axis Recruitment
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!
