Helio is a vertically integrated design-build firm on a mission to solve housing through systematic excellence. We operate like a tech startup in a traditional industrytransparent, fast, and obsessed with continuous improvement. No hierarchy, no politics, just a small team of A-players who believe beautiful housing should be accessible to everyone. We own the entire process from design to construction, which means we can innovate at every step.

Why we pay above market: One A-player architect delivers 3-5x the impact of average talent. Our compensation reflects this reality.

Contract (6 months): $5-7K per project, 10-15 projects. Contract phase allows both sides to ensure fit while earning full-time equivalent.

Junior Architect (1 year): $100K base + 30% target bonus + stock options

Senior Architect: $140K base + 35% target bonus + stock options

Plus: Full benefits (health, dental, vision, life, disability), RRSP matching, $5K learning budget, latest tech/software.

Work directly with founders and construction team. 12 projects underway with rapid scaling ahead.

Every week of design delay costs a family another month of waiting for housing. Traditional architecture treats each project as unique. We see patterns. You'll create design systems that deliver permit-ready drawings in 7-10 days instead of 7 weeks. Your templates will enable hundreds of units annually.

You build what you design. Our vertical integration means design decisions stay in-house. Your morning sketch becomes next month's foundation pour. When something could work better, you'll see it happen in real-time and fix it for the next project.

Small team, massive impact. We're 12 people delivering what traditionally takes firms 5x our sizethrough systems, not bureaucracy. Everyone here could run their own company. Instead, they're building something bigger together.

Technology meets craftsmanship. Use parametric design and BIM not as documentation tools but as the backbone of scalable excellence. Create solutions that look custom-built while leveraging intelligent standardization.

Monday: Review construction feedback from last month's design. Update your template. Better foundation detail saves 2 days per build.

Tuesday: New 8-unit project. Adapt your standard design to a sloped lot using parametric constraints. Done by lunch.

Wednesday: Coordinate with our engineer on ICF adaptation. Your structural understanding eliminates three revision cycles.

Thursday: Permit submission. Your package is so complete, municipal reviewers thank you.

Friday: Design sprint with the team. Your idea for modular mechanical rooms will cut costs 15%.

Essential

• NSAA license (or eligible)
• Revit/BIM expertise
• Multi-unit residential experience
• Self-directed work style
• Systems thinking approach

Technical Skills

• Parametric design tools (Dynamo, Grasshopper preferred)
• Construction documentation across building systems
• Energy modeling coordination
• Cross-discipline understanding (structural, civil, MEP basics)

Who Thrives Here

• Pattern finders who see systems where others see one-offs
• Speed demons who deliver excellence on aggressive timelines
• Builders who want to see their designs constructed immediately
• Mission-driven professionals who measure success in families housed

If you need every project to be unique, love long contemplative design processes, or prefer corporate hierarchy, we're not your place.

Clear metrics, no politics:

• 7-10 day design delivery
• 90% first-pass permits
• Minimal design-related delays
• Continuous improvement mindset

We're interviewing for 2 architect positions this month.