SvN Architects + Planners

Position Summary

SvN Architects + Planners is looking for a Senior Planner to join our award-winning team in our new Vancouver based studio. The role of the Senior Planner is to work with the SvN team to deliver pragmatic and forward-thinking plans, reports and strategies that support our private and public sector clients, navigate the development process from project conception to municipal approvals. This person would also be involved in assisting with the management of the studio in Vancouver, business development and team expansion.

Responsibilities

• Seamlessly marry the practices of planning and design;
• Lead a range of development studies and planning approvals projects for both public and private sector clients;
• Work with the Architecture Team to analyse the development potential of various sites and incorporate good planning principles into SvN’s designs;
• Collaborate with a range of subject matter expert teams to position, pursue and deliver great projects that have a positive city-building impact on the growth and vibrancy of Metro Vancouver and BC;
• Mentor and supervise the work of junior and intermediate planners, to facilitate their continued growth within the planning profession;
• Work with colleagues locally and across the country to broaden the area of practice to tackle critical urban issues;
• Increase SvN’s visibility through industry events, articles and publications, awards submissions, presentations, networking and participation in the broader Vancouver community of planning and design professionals.

Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Planning;
• Minimum six years of experience in urban planning in North America; planning experience in Vancouver an asset;
• Fluent and deep experience with Provincial, Municipal Policy (Growth Planning, Supportive ‘Infrastructure’ Planning (e.g. Transportation and Movement, Housing), OCPs, Neighbourhood Plans, etc.
• Development Planning and Planning Approvals Management expertise, including the authorship or coordination of planning rationales, design justifications, and other planning reports required for municipal approvals;
• Community Design experience (Area Specific Design Framework + Policy Development + Parameters for the Built and Public Realm Environments);
• Public Engagement and Consultation;
• Solid understanding of the range of Housing issues and priorities in Metro Vancouver including the delivery of affordable housing, seniors housing and neighbourhood infill;
• Experience in the following areas is an asset:
  • Public-Private Partnerships/ Third-Party Delivery Mechanisms;
  • Development Management;
  • Social and Environmental Sustainability Planning + Design.
     

Why Choose SvN?

SvN is one of Canada’s premier integrated design firms with a multidisciplinary team of architects, planners, urban designers and landscape architects engaged with the dynamic social, economic and environmental forces that define and govern where we live and work. We provide solutions focused on the urgent transition of the built environment into an equitable and low carbon world.

We are committed to engaging with projects that put people, the planet and local economies at the forefront of design. We believe the multiple crises we face today are fundamentally design challenges. We are unique in providing design-intensive services and believe that ideas and expertise together with optimism and generosity can help make a better world.

Since our original inception over 40 years ago, we continue to shape the built environment in regions, cities, and towns across Canada and worldwide. With offices in Toronto, Mexico City (known as SvNMX) and now Vancouver, we’ve revitalized industrial waterfronts, developed many new forms of affordable housing, designed resilient neighbourhoods, and promoted rural and urban economic development.
 

What we have to offer you:

SvN offers a competitive salary, full health and dental benefits, including a Health Spending Account, a generous Professional Development Allowance, as well as a Group Retirement Savings Plan with a matching component.

Now for the fun part! SvN holds many social events throughout the year, we also hold weekly forums, design workshops, and yoga classes for all staff to learn, socialize, get involved and stay healthy – mentally, emotionally and physically. In addition to much-deserved vacation time, we offer flex time, a generous amount of sick time and personal days, extended weekends in the summer months, and if that wasn’t enough, our studio closes during the holidays in December so you can spend quality time with your family and friends!
 

How Do I Apply?

Candidates may apply through our Bamboo HR platform. The link can be found here. 

Please attach or send a link for a portfolio of your work. Should you be selected for an interview, you will be required to present your portfolio.

As an employer committed to employment equity, SvN encourages applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. We encourage members of equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their cover letter in their application.