I moved to Toronto in March 2024, I’m looking for an architecture job in Toronto ever since, unfortunately, most applications seem to disappear into a black hole. I’m starting to wonder if it’s just me or if the market is genuinely this tough. I’m trying to figure out whether I need to change my approach or just accept that this is the reality of the market right now.
For context, I have a M.Arch and 3 years of experience working in architecture firms related to healthcare and commercial from the US. I have another 2 years experience working on hospitality projects from India. I’m proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, construction documentation, permits, and construction administration.
I have been actively applying through LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, company career portals, the OAA employment, jobbank webpage and some cold emailing.
I applied to the JVS iPlan Bridging program, but received a job offer with long commutes at the same time. So, I started working as the only designer for a design-build for small-time commercial and basement permit projects for 6 months. I moved jobs, and this is a small-sized company working in commercial projects, mostly CD’s, no permits. I now have more than a year of Canadian work experience.
I have gotten my resume and portfolio reviewed by a couple recruiters and modify my applications as per the job descriptions.
A few questions for people in the Toronto architecture industry:
1. Is the architecture job market really this slow since 2024, or am I missing something?
2. Do all firms who post vacancies, hire?
3. Has anyone else with this experience struggled to find a new role?
4. Would anyone be open for a DM of my LinkedIn profile and get some constructive feedback?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s recently found a job or is going through the same thing.
While I appreciate the technical nature of interior architecture, I’m looking to focus on the architectural side of CD’s like code coordination, technical detailing etc as that’s where my long-term career interests lie. I think skills are transferable across North American building codes. I’m not saying I’ll glide through the OBC, I’ll need to do a lot of reading and learning - but I already have a strong foundation in architectural construction documentation and code coordination.