Senior Urban Designer (Brook McIlroy)

About Us

Brook McIlroy is a progressive practice of urban designers, planners, landscape architects, and architects with offices in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Thunder Bay. Our multi-disciplinary approach addresses the complex requirements of contemporary community building with projects that span from large-scale urban visions to the detailed design of buildings, landscapes, civic infrastructure and public art. A specific focus of our practice is led by Indigenous architects, artists and planners through the Indigenous Design Studio. Our clients span a fascinating array of diverse sectors including education, arts and culture, residential, infrastructure, mobility, and healthy communities.

Our practice is growing, and we are seeking a Senior Urban Designer to join our dynamic interdisciplinary team in Toronto. The ideal candidate will play a key role in the delivery of innovative and sustainable urban design projects, working with multidisciplinary teams on high-profile initiatives including campus master plans, corridor studies, community visions, and public realm strategies across diverse sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development

• Prepare and refine a wide range of urban design visions and documents, such as Urban Design Rationale Reports, Draft Plan of Subdivisions and Minor Variances, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, and public realm design guidelines.
• Lead the creation of high-quality visualizations, maps, and diagrams that clearly communicate design intent.
• Ensure that project outputs meet both regulatory standards and Brook McIlroy's design excellence standards.

Project Management & Coordination

• Project management of urban design projects including preparation of Campus Master Plans, Urban Developments, Corridor Plans, Mobility Hubs, Community Plans, Urban Design Guidelines, Master Plans, Peer Reviews.
• Oversee full-project life cycles, from concept to implementation, ensuring quality, budget adherence, and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate and coordinate multidisciplinary teams of architects, landscape architects, and planners on planning and urban design projects.
• Prepare proposals in response to RFQs and RFPs, including team coordination and work plan development.
• Manage project budgets and team allocations, assisting with project staffing and resource allocation.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Present materials at public workshops, client meetings, internal workshops, and Council meetings.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with municipal staff, private sector clients, Indigenous communities, and institutional partners.
• Coordinate with client teams, external stakeholders, and sub-consultants, ensuring transparency and engagement throughout the project life cycle.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, focusing on urban plan drafting and design thinking.
• Delegate tasks to junior team members to support their learning and skill development while providing guidance for professional growth.
• Work closely with the senior management team to align staffing and project goals.
• Foster a studio culture and environment of collaboration and continuous innovation across Brook McIlroy's three offices.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams or architects, landscape architects, planners, and Indigenous designers across all three studios as needed.

Innovation & Research

• Develop innovative urban design strategies that are context-sensitive, equity-focused, and aligned with policy, environmental, and social frameworks.
• Champion design excellence, sustainability, and reconciliation through active engagement with Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.
• Contribute to the evolution of firm-wide urban design practice by integrating research on climate resiliency, smart city tools, and emerging planning trends.
• Explore opportunities for technological innovation (i.e. 3D modelling, GIS integration, digital storytelling) in urban design workflows.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree in architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture
• OAA/OALA or Urban Design membership (licensure or pursuing licensure is an asset)
• A minimum of 7-10 years of urban design experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• Extensive experience in the project management of urban design projects
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Attention to detail, analytical and organizational skills
• Motivated, flexible, and enthusiastic team player able to work in an open studio format
• Knowledge and understanding of municipal planning approval process
• Skilled in urban design software applications including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
• Willingness to travel within North America
• Considered an asset to have the following:
  • Experience/interest in working with Indigenous and other diverse communities
  • Multimedia communication skillset (graphic design, infographic design)
  • Sustainable design certification / knowledge of sustainable design practices

Benefits of joining Brook McIlroy

We offer a vibrant studio culture rooted in creativity, collaboration, and interdisciplinary engagement. Our teams enjoy:

• Competitive benefits package including a health spending account with 100% reimbursement of eligible medical expenses (dental/paramedical/vision)
• Professional membership fee reimbursement after one year of service
• Vibrant studio culture that promotes firm-wide and multi-disciplinary engagement, and opportunities for in-studio learning with industry leading partners and principals
• Other benefits include hybrid work options for flexibility and balance, weekly catered lunch and wellness days
• Studio amenities including a fitness centre, bike storage, rooftop terrace, and close access to transit including Bloor subway line, UP Express, and West Toronto Rail Path for cyclist commuting