Careers

Who is design for? At hcma, we’re asking big questions about how we can help solve some of the world’s wicked challenges, through design. We create buildings, brands and shared experiences that connect people – all driven by a genuine spirit of curiosity and care.

We are interdisciplinary by intention. Designers, architects, researchers, strategists and others, all working together to create the lasting change we want to see in our communities.

And that’s where (we hope!) you come in.

Who is this person?

Are you creative designer eager to make their mark in environmental graphic design? Our Communication Design Team is focused on all aspects of environmental graphic design, wayfinding, and signage for built-environment projects.

As an Environmental Graphic Designer, you will develop and present concepts for wayfinding projects. Your designs will be informed by a sound understanding of fabrication techniques, material and cost; and deliver production documents to tender and implementation.

The nature of this works requires close collaboration with both the wider Communication Design team and architectural teams. When working on an architectural lead project, integrating oneself as part of that team is key to the quality of the work and success of communication and presentation of work.

As a member or the Communication Design Team, you will be expected to ensure your work aligns with the firm's graphic design sensibilities. You should strive to deliver high quality design work that results in the greatest positive social impact for end users.

What will they do? 

• Participate in needs assessment, research, and auditing existing sites;
• Collaborate with both communication designers and architectural project team to help define design strategies;
• Develop concept narratives, designing wayfinding and signage systems, and placemaking identities (if requested)
• Design graphics for signage systems such as pictograms, supergraphics, graphic patterns
• Create and deliver concept and design presentations to both internal project teams and externally to clients (when requested) in a clear, thorough, and professional manner;
• Define graphic standards and contributing to style guides;
• Produce fabrication-ready artwork files;
• Contribute to the writing of technical specifications and requirements;
• Review shop drawings by cross-referencing tender documents, to ensure the design intent has been met;
• Conduct site/ shop visits (if required);
• Engage vendors for costing research and quoting;
• Keep up to date with the firm's impact goals, trends, and best practices to ensure environmental graphics are continually meeting these goals, where necessary;
• Work to achieve client needs, championing best practices (especially in inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability);
• Collaborate with key architecture and communication project staff to develop message schedules and drawing sets to include specifications, material selection, details and locations for designed elements;
• Incorporate these designs into architectural drawing sets or separate packages that include specifications, material selection, details and locations for designed elements
• Contribute to design work on other communication design projects (e.g. brand design & collateral) if required

What experience will they have?

• Degree in Communication Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture or similar.
• 1-3+ years' of environmental graphic design experience taking projects from schematic design through to construction ready documents relating to environmental design, signage and wayfinding.
• Creative flair and a strong level of environmental graphic design;
• A passion for continuous learning and improvement in your craft;
• An eye for design excellence - you keep up with design trends technically and are curious about what is next
• Proficiency in reading architectural plans and designing to scale.
• Expert-level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

Salary Range $50k-65k

Intrigued? Get in touch. If you are interested in this opportunity in Vancouver , please email careers@hcma.ca with your portfolio and a statement telling us why you think you’re a good fit for this role and our team.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations or support to submit your application, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca or call 604 732 6620. We’re happy to help.

Who is design for? At hcma, we’re asking big questions about how we can help solve some of the world’s wicked challenges, through design. We create buildings, brands and shared experiences that connect people – all driven by a genuine spirit of curiosity and care.

We are interdisciplinary by intention. Designers, architects, researchers, strategists and others, all working together to create the lasting change we want to see in our communities.

And that’s where (we hope!) you come in.

We are looking to add Technologists to our team. If you enjoy weaving curiosity and social impact into the future of architectural thinking, we want to hear from you.

If you’re well-suited for this position, you possess the following:

• A passion for architecture with a broad spectrum of experience in the process of achieving architectural objectives through participation in the design process, producing visualizations for design review and technical resolution, research of systems and products and developing standards for constructability and sustainability;
• An appreciation of high-quality architectural design and the ability to apply rigour and design intent to all levels of detailing;
• A deep understanding of how to put together a set of construction documents that provides clarity to those who implement them;
• Demonstrated experience detailing larger scale institutional buildings and market residential;
• Construction Administration experience an asset;
• Strong technical, graphic and organizational skills;
• A high level of proficiency in Revit is necessary; AutoCAD and Rhino knowledge is considered an asset;
• A Diploma in Architectural Technology or equivalent;
• Ability to work independently and through collaboration and co-creation with a team;
• Knowledge of Building Code in BC or AB, and its application to construction detailing;
• Minimum four years post-graduation of relevant work experience in a similar role;
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with consultants and other stakeholders;

If you've got what it takes to be a part of hcma, show us. Email careers@hcma.ca with a statement on why you are right for our team, and include your resume and portfolio.  Get creative, convince us you’re the kind of person who appreciates design and can translate that vision into a well-executed project, and that we’d be foolish not to hire you.

Starting salary: $65,000 - $100,000

Are you curious about the city you live in? If we asked you “What’s possible?” would you look for an answer?

At hcma, we are serious about improving our world through architecture that puts people and the planet first, while being engaging in the civic issues that affect our communities. We bring together passionate, intelligent, and engaged individuals who want to make a significant impact. We are looking to add an Architect (or soon to be registered Architect) to our team. If you enjoy weaving curiosity and social impact into the future of architectural thinking, we want to hear from you.

You’re well-suited for this Architect position if you:

• Are passionate about architecture and design’s role in solving complex societal challenges
• Have a minimum of four years of experience as a registered Architect (AIBC, AAA, OAA, etc.), in designing public buildings and community spaces, as well as experience in planning or designing urban space
• Have a progressive understanding of architecture, the design of public spaces, and future technology trends
• Appreciate high-quality architectural design and the ability to apply rigor and design intent to all levels of detailing
• Are experienced in developing projects from start to finish with minimum supervision, including conceptualizing, designing, construction, contract documents, and liaising with contractors, specialist sub-consultants, and clients
• Are proficient in SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe InDesign Suite
• Have strong technical, graphic, organizational, and communication skills
• Are committed to professionalism and can either self-direct your work or collaborate as a team
• Direct site supervision and construction administration experience an asset

We are looking for people who:

• Believe in design excellence and have a strong portfolio to back it up
• Are committed to developing their technical abilities and understanding of how buildings are realized
• Have strong communication skills (written and verbal/interpersonal) and a positive attitude

If this new opportunity excites you and you want to express your interest, please prepare a submission to us: include your resume, portfolio and most importantly we want to know what you are passionate about and why hcma is right for you. Send this along to careers@hcma.ca. You must be legally eligible to work in Canada and provide supporting evidence prior to any potential offer of employment. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Starting salary: $73,000 - $110,000

Are you a business-minded marketer?

We are searching for a strategic storyteller and proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.

Our team excels because they know every proposal is an opportunity to connect, to share our perspective, and to make an impact. This role is meant for someone who wants to dive in and own the process, from start to finish.

Never satisfied with the status quo, our new team member will have an insatiable appetite to create winning proposals. They will have an eye for design, be a strong writer and editor, and enjoy laying out and designing complex and compelling proposals.

A trusted colleague, they’ll leverage best practices in project management to make sure deadlines are met, communication is clear and constant, and things run smoothly.

Reporting to the Marketing Proposal Manager, this role will join a congenial team of marketers, while also working closely with Principals and other firm leaders.

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