KPMB Architects — Director, Digital Practice

Who we are:

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totalling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solving today’s challenges and unlocking new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

What we’re looking for:

KPMB is seeking a Director, Digital Practice to join our team. The Director, Digital Practice plays a key role in driving the firm’s advancement and continued integration of digital tools and technologies within our design and business processes. The goal is to assess existing practices and support the advancement of firm technology and knowledge, positioning KPMB as a leader in architectural innovation. Reporting into the Director of IT, with a dotted line to our Executive Committee, the individual will be responsible for leading, defining, and executing the firm’s Digital Practice Strategy, in alignment with the organization’s strategy, mission and values.

Operating at a strategic level, the Director, Digital Practice will establish the vision and direction for Digital Practice across the firm. This includes a framework for the effective use of BIM implementation, ensuring consistency, scalability, and alignment with industry best practices and global standards.

The ideal candidate is an Architect with a passion for and extensive experience leading the development and execution of digital practice solutions. They must also be a seasoned professional who understands how buildings come together and can translate that deep architectural knowledge into innovative digital strategies that support and elevate design excellence. This role requires a forward-thinking leader who can take a holistic view of the industry, align digital initiatives with strategic goals, and anticipate future trends and challenges.

Select responsibilities:

Digital strategy and leadership:

— Lead the development of KPMB’s Digital Practice pillar within the firm’s strategic plan.

— Align Digital Practice goals with overall firm objectives and develop actionable and measurable strategies to achieve them.

— Regularly review and update digital strategies based on changes in the business environment, technological advancements, and/or firm objectives.

— Manage the daily operations of the Digital Practice team, leveraging the strategic plan and coordinating activities to align.

— Develop thought leadership content that speaks to the innovative practices the firm undertakes within the area of Digital Practice and its influence on design excellence.

— Develop internal communication strategies and deliver compelling presentations to keep employees informed during periods of change or in relation to core digital programs.

— Effectively communicate with clients and stakeholders to articulate the benefits of BIM.

 

Digital Practice:

— Lead the evolution of modelling practices and specialized workflows within Digital Practice to drive architectural excellence.

— Direct the development and implementation of BIM Execution Plans across all projects, leveraging tools such as project start-up templates to ensure consistency and quality.

— Oversee and provide advisory on the maintenance of firm-wide BIM standards, templates, and family libraries, including the creation of custom Revit families tailored to project needs.

— Strategize and manage the implementation of KPMB’s content management systems (e.g., intranet) to ensure seamless access to templates, families, and updates on digital advancements.

— Design and lead comprehensive digital training programs, empowering staff at all levels to effectively utilize the firm’s digital tools and platforms.

— Oversee the management of KPMB’s advanced design technologies (Revit, Autodesk, ACC, Rhino, Bluebeam, etc.) to support design teams in producing accurate, data-rich 3D parametric models.

— Govern strategic BIM coordination and guidance, supporting project teams in achieving efficient delivery and maintaining high model quality.

— Champion innovation in modelling workflows, continuously refining practices to align with evolving project demands and design aspirations.

Advancing technology:

— Drive the development of KPMB’s AI strategy across 3 core streams (generative, operating processes, and digital practice solutions) and manage its implementation within the firm.

— Lead the continuous research and implementation of novel AI, digital tools, and technologies to improve project design, efficiency, creativity, ethical use, and sustainable innovations.

— Own the selection, implementation, and management of existing and new digital tools and technologies, including BIM, GIS, VR/AR, and other design software.

— Oversee the review and updating of existing digital systems to ensure they meet the organization’s needs and industry standards, reporting advancements to the senior leadership team.

 

Team leadership and mentorship:

— Oversee and manage the growth of digital practice team members, providing guidance and support to achieve individual and departmental goals.

— Facilitate the dissemination of core industry knowledge across the team and codify digital strategies and approaches.

— Work closely with project architects and senior leadership to understand their needs and ensure seamless integration of digital initiatives.

— Collaborate with the Director of People + Culture to develop an approach to assessing BIM proficiency for all architectural employees.

— Actively participate in internal committees (Digital Practice and Standards & Processes)

— Establish and nurture a firm-wide culture of innovation.

 

Candidate profile + qualifications:

— Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, computer science, information technology, or a related field.

— 15+ years of experience in progressively responsible roles leading digital practice within the AEC industry.

— Proven track record of developing and implementing digital strategies and initiatives including change management experience; technical expertise in digital tools including BIM, GIS, and VR/AR; Architectural Visualization; and other design software including Autodesk ACC.

— Remains proactively informed about digital advancements and emerging innovations.

— Proven experience communicating to a broad range of audiences and collaboratively working with leadership teams.

— Ability to oversee and/or manage multiple strategic projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

— Expertise leveraging data and analytics to drive research-backed decision-making and the measurement of the effectiveness of digital solutions.

— Experience working with and providing Digital Practice Advisory support to Project BIM Leads or Senior Leadership team members running projects.

— Exceptional communication, impact and influence, and interpersonal skills, and can articulate and champion organizational values and culture across all levels of the firm.

Why work with us:

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has evolved a diverse portfolio of architectural projects with a focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. KPMB has grown to 100+ employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative, supportive, and with a wide variety of experience and education. Some of our team members have grown into leadership roles since joining the firm at the beginning of their careers, while others have joined at various points in their careers and bring innovative ideas and approaches to our work. We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration is a part of our DNA. At KPMB, there are many opportunities to share your many skills, get involved in firm activities outside of project work, and contribute to our initiatives that give back.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

How to apply:

Please submit your application via the link provided. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB’s office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking is also available.