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
