DPAI is hiring
Join our dynamic and vibrant team at our beautiful downtown Hamilton office.
We are inviting OAA licensed architects to join our team. This is a pivotal role for someone ready to take meaningful ownership of projects, leading delivery from concept through construction administration, working directly alongside a Principal, and building toward a Senior Architect position with us. We are hiring specifically to grow our multi-residential and affordable housing portfolio. We welcome applications from architects who bring genuine experience and passion for this building type, and who:
- Have relevant experience leading project delivery from schematic design through construction close out.
- Are passionate about balancing strong design intent with technical resolution.
- Have experience engaging & consulting with clients and user groups to determine project requirements.
- Are proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Possess knowledge in the field of sustainable design (LEED, Passivehouse accreditation &/or Well AP or other professional accreditation is an asset).
- Have a solid working knowledge of Building Code and regulatory requirements as they apply to multi-residential building types.
- Have demonstrated experience with project delivery in a fully integrated REVIT team environment.
- Have 5-10 years of working experience in an architectural environment.
- Are ready, willing and able to mentor junior team members and contribute to a culture of growth.
- Bring a collaborative and wholistic outlook on teamwork.
- Are excellent in verbal, written, and graphic communication.
About DPAI
DPAI is full-service architecture, interior, and urban design studio in Hamilton, Ontario. The firm was established in in 2005 by founding principal and CEO David Premi, who brings over 35 years of experience to the firm. We are focused on urban renewal, sustainability, and the strengthening of community through design excellence in the built environment. Our core values are:
- We chose to be positive and humble.
- We work to sustain our communities.
- We expect honest and open communication.
- We grow through discovery.
- We succeed through our client-centered process.
DPAI is committed to an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact us.
Position Responsibilities:
Design
- Possesses both design and technical skills, synthesizing strong design intent with technical resolution across multi-residential project types.
- Leads and coordinates the development of projects from early concept through design development, construction and close out, working directly alongside a Principal.
- Develops design concepts after approval and confirms building code and regulatory requirements are met.
- Coordinates and develops construction documents for projects of varying scope in both AutoCAD and Revit, with Principal oversight.
- Collaborates and consults with clients to determine project requirements.
- Develops, leads community stakeholder engagement activities.
- Communicates design decisions with confidence.
- Contributes to and helps guide design thinking within the project team.
- Contributes to knowledge sharing.
- Actively advocates for socially impactful, sustainable design (Supply chain audit, Environmental Product Declaration, Climate mitigation strategies, etc).
Technical
- Prepares architectural drawings using Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other modeling software in a fully integrated BIM environment.
- Have demonstrated experience with project delivery in a fully integrated REVIT team environment
- Manages project scheduling and resource planning.
- Proficient in Adobe suite (Photoshop / InDesign / Illustrator / Acrobat), Microsoft Suite, and resource planning tools.
- Coordinates drawings, specifications, and construction documents across all project phases.
- Evaluates design solutions against municipal zoning, site conditions, and constraints.
- Maintains and manages all project documentation related to construction documentation and contract administration.
- Ensures solutions meet building code and regulatory requirements, with a solid understanding of the Building Code as it applies to multi-residential building types.
- Maintains awareness of new methods and developments relevant to the area of assignment, incorporating updates as appropriate.
- Specification writing and coordination.
People level Responsibilities
- Interfaces directly with clients as a key project contact, under the oversight of a Principal.
- Collaborates with all members of the team, and helps mentor, junior members.
- Develops strong relationships with internal teams and external consultants.
- Manages and coordinates consultant teams across project phases.
- Articulates ideas and concepts clearly to both technical collaborators and non-technical clients.
- Leads and participates in project team meetings to advance design options into effectively built solutions.
- Embraces firm culture and office community with passion, guided by our vision.
Qualifications
- OAA licensed Architect with a minimum of 5 years of experience (mandatory).
- Proven experience executing projects in multi-residential or mixed-use building types from design through project closeout & warranty.
- Strong knowledge of Building Code and regulatory requirements for multi-residential building types.
- Proven ability to balance design intent with technical execution.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organized and detail oriented; proven track record of meeting project timelines.
- Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite experience (mandatory).
- Experience with specification writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work alongside senior leadership and take on project ownership.
- A proven collaborative team player with a positive outlook to people, challenges, and growth.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Expressions of interest are welcomed via email: work@dpai.ca
Please include the following:
- A written statement telling us why this position interests you
- A written statement of how you consider yourself qualified for this position
- A current resume
- Representative sample of project work in housing
DPAI is committed to an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact us.
Last Updated Date: 2026/April/20