Architectural Project Lead - Contract Administration

Hariri Pontarini Architects is a leading Canadian architectural and urban design firm. Driven by a commitment to design excellence, our 120-person practice is committed to advancing cities through enduring buildings and inspired public spaces. Our firm’s portfolio covers a diverse range of cultural, academic, mixed-used, multi-unit and private residential, healthcare and commercial projects.

Position Description:

Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) is seeking an experienced Architectural Project Lead – Contract Administration to lead construction-phase contract administration for complex institutional, public-sector, and large-scale architectural projects.

This role will serve as a key liaison between clients, contractors, consultants, and internal project teams, ensuring contract compliance, resolving construction issues, and maintaining the quality and integrity of project delivery. The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound contractual judgment, and the leadership skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and support projects through successful completion.

Positions Responsibilities:

• Lead contract administration activities throughout construction, ensuring compliance with contract documents, project requirements, and applicable codes and standards.
• Act as a primary liaison between the client/owner, general contractor, construction manager, consultants, and internal project teams.
• Review and interpret construction documents, specifications, shop drawings, submittals, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Prepare, review, and administer change orders, change directives, contract amendments, payment certificates, and substantial and total performance documentation.
• Assess proposed changes, claims, delays, back charges, and other contractual matters; negotiate resolutions and recommend appropriate action.
• Conduct construction site reviews, attend progress meetings, identify deficiencies, and support the resolution of construction and constructability issues.
• Coordinate contract document revisions, consultant responses, and closeout submissions, maintain accurate project records and timely deliverables.
• Support the Project Manager with project coordination, scheduling, resource planning, budget tracking, risk management, and quality control.
• Maintain effective client relationships and clear communication among all project stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Technologists and other team members, fostering collaboration and consistent quality standards.

Position Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10–15 years of experience in architectural practice, including substantial experience in construction-phase contract administration for complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience administering construction contracts, reviewing technical submissions, managing changes, and resolving site-related issues.
• Experience with institutional, public-sector, or other large-scale, technically complex projects.
• Thorough knowledge of construction documentation, building science, construction methods, contract requirements, and applicable building codes and standards.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and contractual deliverables independently.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Degree or diploma in Architecture, Architectural Technology, or a related field.
• OAA registration or another relevant professional designation is preferred.
• Valid Ontario driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to attend construction sites as required.

What You Bring

You combine strong contract administration expertise with architectural technical knowledge and project leadership. You are confident interpreting contract requirements, making sound professional judgments, resolving construction issues, and coordinating diverse stakeholders while protecting project quality, schedule, and budget.

Position Compensation

• $80,000 - $100,000

Position Location:

• HPA Toronto Studio

Our Culture & Environment:

At Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA), our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where collaboration and innovation thrive. We are proud to be a Great Place to Work® in Canada (2022–2025/2026) and one of the Best Workplaces in Professional Services (2024 and 2025).

Our studio space is a spacious, open environment that reflects our design philosophy and supports collaboration and innovation in working spaces. We believe architecture has the power to elevate the human experience, and our workplace is designed with that intentionality. Our studio features ergonomic furniture, spacious workstations, advanced IT tools, and state-of-the-art facilities.

HPA offers core working hours of Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with hybrid and flexible work options. Our competitive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, professional certification and membership dues, and employee referral bonuses.

We take pride in our vibrant studio culture, which includes annual holiday events, ski days, weekly snack afternoons, ping pong tournaments, and a company softball team.

HPA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We encourage applications from candidates with disabilities and are committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

AI Usage Disclosure

We do not use artificial intelligence at any stage of our recruitment, screening, or hiring process.