Altis Recruitment is seeking a Director of Design for our client, a highly regarded firm specializing in custom homes and large-scale residential renovations. In this leadership role, you will oversee the design department and play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision, ensuring design excellence, and maintaining alignment between design, construction, and client expectations.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the design team, including architectural designers, interior designers, technologists, and selections coordinators.
• Oversee all phases of the design process—from concept development to detailed drawings and design documentation—ensuring alignment with project scope, client objectives, and construction feasibility.
• Collaborate closely with the construction and project management teams to ensure seamless handoff from design to build and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Uphold design integrity and quality standards across all projects while ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code, zoning regulations, and municipal by-laws.
• Mentor and develop team members through ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Stay ahead of residential design trends, materials, and sustainable building practices to ensure innovative and environmentally responsible design solutions.
• Build and maintain strong client and partner relationships, serving as a key point of contact for design-related communication and decision-making.
• Contribute to the company’s leadership team, helping to define long-term design strategy and organizational growth initiatives.
• Lead design presentations and reviews, ensuring clarity, creativity, and alignment with client vision.
• Promote a collaborative, creative, and inclusive work environment that supports innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills

• 10+ years of progressive experience in residential design, architecture, or interior design, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience overseeing design for custom homes or large-scale residential renovation projects.
• Strong understanding of residential construction processes, materials, and building systems.
• Proficiency with design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp; familiarity with BuilderTrend is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Ottawa zoning regulations, and permitting processes.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong aesthetic judgment, technical accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative and client-focused approach.
• Familiarity with project management principles and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) considered an asset.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with emerging design and construction trends.

Benefits

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Comprehensive benefits plan (health, dental, vision)
• Disability and life insurance
• RRSP matching

We appreciate the time and effort all applicants invest in their submissions. Please note that only candidates shortlisted for this role will be contacted directly. However, your profile will remain under consideration for future opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities including those who identify as women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If you require an accommodation, please review our accessibility policy and reach out to our accessibility officer with any questions. Our human recruiters review all applications and always make the final hiring decision. On occasion, we also use AI-assisted tools to help review applications.