Design Specialist
Toronto Lands Corporation, Canada
Job Description
Join our dynamic cross-functional team in the Strategic Partnerships and Development area as a Design Specialist! As part of this team, you'll play a key role in reviewing and managing the planning and design of site development projects, contributing to the realization of new school acquisitions, and advancing TLC's Modernization Plan and TDSB Capital Priorities.
As a Design Specialist, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting external stakeholder negotiations, setting direction for site development, and providing detailed design feedback on a number of projects. Your expertise will ensure that design objectives are seamlessly integrated and aligned with our corporate objectives and directives.
If you're passionate about transforming spaces and creating innovative solutions in the realm of site development, this is the perfect opportunity for you to bring your skills to a team dedicated to shaping the future of education infrastructure. Join us on this exciting journey and be a part of something extraordinary!
Requirements
What you will do:
Provide Professional Architectural/Design/Real Estate Advice and Support:
Act as the lead for corporate initiatives, offering expert advice and support to TLC/TDSB.
Provide input on urban design, negotiation of development proposals, and master planning/site development exercises. Provides design feedback based on understanding of school design principles, TDSB design standards and school operational needs.
Client Relationship Management and Design Interface:
Build and sustain client relationships, serving as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and various consultants, and liaising between internal and external stakeholders. Work closely with TDSB Facility Services and Planning staff to ensure projects are planned with considerations of school maintenance, operations and funding challenges. Take a leadership role in conducting design reviews with TDSB stakeholders and build consensus among various departments.
Urban Design Coordination and Review:
Coordinate urban design review with TDSB, analyzing risks/opportunities and issuing review comments within deadlines.
Enforce design quality and innovation, ensuring compliance and promoting best practices among team members.
Identify value-added design changes to support projects across all disciplines.
Consultants' Studies Administration:
Coordinate and administer consultants' studies, leading the overall and day-to-day scope of work, and ensuring the successful completion of deliverables.
Project Scope Envisioning and Leadership:
Envision project scope of work, including initiating, preparing, coordinating, and reviewing terms of reference and study designs.
Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services.
Research and Stay Current on Best Practices:
Be a leader on best practices and emerging approaches in urban design, specifically related to school/public realm design and mixed-use projects.
Support for Land Use Planning:
Support the Land Use Planning team in preparing evidence for the OLT (Ontario Land Tribunal) and provide feedback on area studies.
What you will have:
Educational and Professional Qualifications:
University degree in Architecture, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferably, a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in architectural design, planning, construction, and operations of institutional facilities, with a preference for experience in school design.
Membership in the Ontario Association of Architects and/or Project Management Professional certification is considered an asset.
Experience and Skills:
Direct experience in institutional building design or other complex multi-disciplinary public projects is an asset.
Familiarity with local planning regulations.
Ability to think creatively, work independently, and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.
Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity, and change.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
Experience in working in multi-stakeholder environments and a track record in fostering collaborations and ability to build consensus.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Integrity, professionalism, and excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively with staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to work in teams and