Job Description

About Helio Urban Development

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We're a design-build company on a mission:

bring high-quality, high-impact design with polished palette, materials, and high craftsmanship to mass housing

through affordable, beautiful multi-unit developments (4-12 units) optimized for CMHC MLI Select.


As a vertically integrated design-build firm, we have

complete design autonomy

. We deeply appreciate and study architecture, and our execution capabilities mean we can actually build what we design without compromise. No value-engineering away your vision--we control the entire process from concept to keys.


Our model: continuously iterate and improve our building prototypes, construction technologies, and design approaches. You'll be part of an evolving design laboratory focused on scalable, beautiful, efficient housing.

Critical role:

As the first step in our workflow, your design delivery pace determines our entire team's ability to hit aggressive 30-day permit cycles. Energy modeling and engineering all depend on your architectural output.

Why This Role Is Different

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Design autonomy with execution power:

Our vertical integration means your architectural vision gets built exactly as designed. No compromise, no value-engineering away quality--we control materials, craftsmanship, and construction methods.

Architecture as social impact:

Bring polished design, thoughtful material palettes, and high craftsmanship to mass housing--proving that affordable doesn't mean compromised.

Iterative design culture:

We constantly refine our prototypes. Your innovations become part of our evolving product line.

Technology-forward:

We integrate the latest in energy efficiency, construction technology, and materials science. Stay at the cutting edge.

Results-based compensation:

We don't pay hourly. Deliver exceptional design faster? You make more, plus bonuses.

Clear growth path:

Prove yourself over 6 months and join us full-time as Principal Architect with equity participation.

High-performance culture:

Work with other A-players who share your commitment to excellence, speed, and innovation.

What You'll Own

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Design Excellence

Lead architectural design for standardized multi-unit prototypes

Deliver designs on critical path

- energy modeling and engineering teams depend on your output Continuously iterate and improve our building designs Integrate latest construction technologies and materials Maintain design quality while optimizing for speed and cost

Technical Expertise

Navigate CMHC MLI Select requirements and documentation Design for Net Zero Ready and Energy Star compliance Coordinate with our energy modeling specialists Ensure designs work with efficient construction technologies

Regulatory Mastery

Deep knowledge of building codes across NS municipalities Design for streamlined permitting across varied jurisdictions Coordinate architectural package with civil and MEP engineers Anticipate and solve code compliance challenges

Team Coordination

Enable downstream workflow

- your design delivery pace determines entire team's ability to hit 30-day permit cycle Work seamlessly with civil engineers, energy modelers, and construction teams Participate in design reviews across all disciplines Integrate feedback from construction teams for buildability

Compensation Structure

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Base:

Fixed fee per project (quote your rate for comprehensive architectural package)

Speed Bonuses:

+5% if design delivered within 7-10 days (critical path for entire team) +10% if project achieves first-pass permit approval

Innovation Bonus:

Additional compensation for design improvements that enhance our prototype

Volume:

10+ projects year one, scaling rapidly

Career Track:

Top performers transition to salaried Principal Architect with generous equity participation

Must-Haves

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Professional Credentials

Licensed Architect in Nova Scotia (NSAA member in good standing) Proven track record with residential projects across multiple NS municipalities

Technical Mastery

Deep expertise in energy-efficient construction technologies and materials Proficient in Revit (preferred) and other design software Understanding of wood-frame construction and Part 9 buildings

Performance Culture

Critical path mindset

- ability to deliver exceptional design in 7-10 days (entire team workflow depends on your speed) Self-managed, autonomous work style Collaborative approach with multidisciplinary teams Track record of innovation and continuous improvement

Regulatory Knowledge

Extensive experience with NS building codes and municipal variations History of achieving smooth permit approvals across jurisdictions Understanding of planning processes and design review requirements

Nice-to-Haves

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Advanced Construction Technologies

Proficiency with Part 3 buildings (larger scale projects) Experience with concrete, ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), mass timber construction Knowledge of modular and panelized construction systems Understanding of how advanced construction methods integrate with design efficiency

Visualization Skills

Ability to produce high-quality architectural renderings for marketing and client presentations

Success Metrics

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+ 7-10 days architectural design delivery (critical path for 30-day permit cycle) + 90% first-pass permit approvals Continuous improvement in design efficiency and construction cost Seamless integration with engineering and construction workflows

Ready to Design Housing That Matters?

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Send us:


PDF portfolio + resume + NSAA license number

Three project examples demonstrating: + Multi-unit residential design
+ Energy efficiency expertise
+ Municipal permit success across NS
Your proposed fee structure and

7-10 day delivery timeline commitments

(include separate pricing if you can provide architectural renderings)

Brief statement on your vision for affordable housing design

We move fast: Portfolio review virtual interview paid design test offer within one week.


Join us in proving that affordable housing can be architecturally excellent. Design with purpose, creative freedom, and the resources to build what you envision.