Job Description

Studio Lead, Ottawa

- (188101)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?



Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'



Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.



The Studio Lead's primary role is to successfully lead the Ottawa Ontario Studio through a balancing of the dual responsibilities of fostering a collaborative, inclusive and respectful culture while overseeing the business operations of the studio to achieve the best design outcomes and sustainable business performance. In this role the Architecture Studio Lead will work closely with and be supported by many colleagues holding various local, regional, and firm-wide positions.


The successful candidate would report directly to the Ontario Managing Principal and be responsible for the 18 Architectural employees located at the Ottawa Ontario office as well as coordinating and collaborating with additional employees from our Engineering and other various consulting teams who also sit in our Ottawa studio.


In this role you will take the steps necessary to successfully:

Support People

Ensure that the office builds the strength and cohesiveness of its human capital to develop well-rounded professionals doing the best work possible. Foster a culture of mutual respect, support, and trust amongst all staff and between and among HDR's many offices, our clients, and our partners. Support a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and nurturing design studio environment and make efforts to build a studio community through events and enrichment aligned with HDR's values. Celebrate excellence and the encouragement of all. Live the firm's values and lead by example.

Grow the Practice

Support Sector Leads and Business Development Teams in growing our practice. Actively engage in Business Development, including project pursuits, general business development activities, and the development and implementation of a local practice growth strategy. Represent the Studio at external events locally and regionally. Meet with clients, consultants, and contractors to maintain and grow the Studio's relationships. Strengthen our local presence in the professional community. Support Sector Leads with proposals and pursuit strategies, and review of resourcing and financial commitments.

Achieve Project Outcomes

Ensure successful project outcomes through oversight of the project delivery process. Continue to develop a team of energized professionals who take responsibility for the successful completion of every project. Help foster a design-focused culture within the studio and promote innovation and creativity in architectural solutions. Lead project performance measurement and monitoring. Engage in project management oversight and training. Lead monthly project performance review meetings. Reinforce and grow studio focus on a culture of excellence and a consistent focus on project execution and design. Assume roles, as required, on client projects within your area of expertise and as needed by the firm.

Manage our Teams

Ensure the Studio has appropriate staffing resources sufficient for supporting ongoing project requirements. Manage team workplan forecasting and utilization analysis. Lead efforts for Ottawa Architecture staff recruiting, retention, and recognition. Regularly review Studio performance with Managing Principal and Senior Leads. Mentor peers and reports as a part of this leadership role. Coordinate and foster worksharing opportunities with other HDR studios. Lead the day-to-day operations of the Ottawa Architecture Studio space. Provide support and collaborate with the leadership of the Engineering and other consulting teams that may share the Ottawa Studio space.

Meet High Level Objectives

Proactively work with the Managing Principal and other office/company leaders as appropriate in the development and implementation of the Studio's overall strategy. Establish short and long-term studio goals consistent with firm wide objectives. Participate in annual budgeting and monthly income statement development. Contribute to the strength of HDR's capabilities, systems, and procedures through continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years project leadership and management experience in Architectural design A minimum of 5 years' experience in project leadership and management with Canadian Federal clients and projects

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field Maintains a professional Engineering or Architecture registration and has extensive related technical management experience Outstanding leadership, communication and team-building skills Experienced in management and development of diverse teams Work cooperatively with company operations managers, business group and technical directors and marketing managers on departmental efforts Committed to quality, improvement and promoting HDR values An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.



Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards.



In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.



HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Primary Location

Canada-Ontario-Ottawa

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Gen Architecture

Job Posting

Oct 15, 2025