DesignAgency is an international studio specializing in interior design, architectural concepting, strategic branding, and visual communications. Since its beginnings in 1998, the firm has become a global leader in the development of transformative spaces and brands, with projects in more than 60 cities across 18 countries. With a lead studio in Toronto, and offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Barcelona, DesignAgency works with leading hotels and resorts, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and developers, leveraging talent, expertise, and the power of collaboration to deliver extraordinary experiences that create lasting value.
DesignAgency is seeking experienced candidates for an immediate opening for the position of Senior Project Manager: Design. DesignAgency relies on the Sr. PM to facilitate the entire process of project management including planning, design development, construction documentation, construction administration and project close out. Successful candidates must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques required to meet project requirements and expectations. Project Managers are responsible for managing the scope of work, executing the required work with a team, monitoring the quality of produced work, identifying and mitigating risks, and closing out successful projects.
The Sr. PM reports to their Co-Team Leads, Design Director, Principals, and Partners and will be recognized for their ability to oversee the design process from start to finish.
Role and responsibilities
Design
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Establish project standards and information to set up accurate project documents that can be utilized and coordinated throughout the phases.
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Assist in developing feasibility studies; if required.
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Coordinate project schedule milestones within the project’s scope, time and budget while maintaining the Design intent, work quality and client expectations.
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Use of project management tools and techniques to assist the team and project management like drawings list, meeting minutes, project update logs, gantt charts, etc.
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Coordinate and communicate the design intent with contractor, structural, MEP & T, and other various consultants.
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Coordination or production of specification manual when required.
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Prepare and/or coordinate interior design drawing packages
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Construction document review (mark-ups) and quality assurance.
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Coordinate and collaborate in value engineering process when required.
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Attend consultant and construction coordination meetings, conference calls, etc. and relaying info back to Team Leads in form of minutes and /or scheduled meetings.
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Answering and reviewing RFI's, change orders, shop drawings, site instructions with the assistance when required.
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Manage purchasing and oversee installation when required.
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Site administration, visits, meetings, documentation of site progress & condition
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Quality control and documentation of deficiencies of site work.
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CAD Standards: establish, evolve and maintain construction standards.
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Assist in creating and archiving the templates and typical details for future project use for internal database.
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Utilize established standard steps and processes on how to issue and archive drawings and specs.
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Clear understanding of codes, OBC, IBI, ADA and Barrier Free
Leadership
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Advise and mentor project designers and technologists
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Initiate opportunities to increase the firm’s design capabilities.
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Proactively share design knowledge with other team members.
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Contribute to the development of systems and processes for improved design, technical quality, or client service.
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Create sound relationships with colleagues, clients, contractors, and suppliers, to promote repeat business.
Management
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Manage personal and team time to project schedules.
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Project scope and budget management.
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Quality assurance and risk management.
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Act as client and consultant contact throughout the construction documentation and contract administration phases
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Responsible for project close out and integration
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Assign tasks and schedule deliverables to project designers and technicians that are part of the project team
Qualifications
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An Interior Design Diploma or equivalent
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Minimum of 6 years of working experience as a Project Manager within interior design is required in addition to prior industry experience in a related technical or design role
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Experience leading complex, large-scale full project lifecycle (concept, DD, CD, CA, and install)
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Strong understanding of construction methods, millwork, detailing, and coordination with consultants
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Proven ability to develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing plans
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Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects with varying scales and timelines
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Demonstrated ability to mentor junior and intermediate designers
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Strong client‑facing communication skills with experience managing VIP/hospitality clients or branded operators
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Understanding of QA/QC processes, drawing standards, and documentation best practices
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Strong problem‑solving and risk‑mitigation capabilities
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An understanding of the local building codes for Ontario
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Advanced proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD is required (Sketch-Up being beneficial).
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Hospitality and multi-unit residential design experience required
The preferred location for this role is Toronto; however, we are also open to considering exceptional candidates in a fully remote capacity. Compensation for this role will be commensurate with geographic location, as well as the candidate’s skills, experience, and overall qualifications. Achievement of professional credentials such as PMP, NCIDQ, MAATO, ARIDO, BCIN and LEED will be taken into account in promotion and compensation decisions, and preparatory studies or test costs may be eligible for firm support.
If you believe that this could be a perfect fit for you, please send your resume and portfolio immediately, or if you know the perfect person for this position then feel free to forward this correspondence. All applications will be kept in the strictest of confidence.
A portfolio or work samples must be included in your application.
