Senior Interior Designer

ABA Architects Inc. is seeking a Senior Interior Designer to lead interior design projects from early visioning through construction completion. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced generalist who can build trusted client relationships, translate project goals into thoughtful and buildable design solutions, direct multidisciplinary teams, and manage multiple projects with sound judgment around quality, scope, schedule and budget. The successful candidate will work closely with clients, senior staff, consultants and project teams in a collaborative architecture, urban design and interior design practice serving the Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge–Guelph region. **Key Responsibilities** **Design Leadership** · Meet with clients to understand operational needs, project goals, budget and long-term priorities. · Lead the development of the overall design vision, concept, space planning and design direction through sketches, plans, rendering, finish selections and presentations. · Translate client objectives into clear recommendations and future-focused options, while explaining the implications of design decisions on function, budget, schedule and long-term value. · Direct the progression of approved concepts into coordinated, buildable solutions that meet ABA’s design and documentation standards. **Project Delivery** · Lead projects through schematic design, design development, construction documentation and construction administration. · Develop and coordinate complete drawing, specification and FF&E packages, including millwork, custom furniture, finishes, hardware, plumbing fixtures and specialty details. · Coordinate input from architects, technical staff, vendors and external consultants, including structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, signage and kitchen specialists. · Understand a variety of delivery models. · Administer contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client’s consultant. · Maintain strong working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, construction practices, building systems and material applications. **Construction Administration** · Direct the construction administration process, attend site meetings, prepare site review reports and respond to site questions and clarifications. · Review shop drawings, samples and submittals for conformance with the design intent and contract documents. · Assess proposed changes and make practical recommendations with a clear understanding of impacts to quality, budget, schedule and the overall project. **Team & Practice Leadership** · Plan and manage project resources, priorities, deliverables and timelines across multiple concurrent projects. · Direct, review and coordinate the work of internal and external team members, while providing clear feedback, mentoring and technical guidance to junior and intermediate staff. · Contribute to fee proposals, RFP interviews and presentations, consultant selection and business development initiatives. · M