Principal Architect (Digital Innovation)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Premium health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Home office setup allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Architect to lead digital innovation in architecture. You will drive generative design, AI analysis, parametric modeling, and VR/AR integration across the design process, mentoring teams and advancing technological execution.

The role emphasizes thought leadership, pushing architectural creativity and performance through cutting-edge tools while enabling flexible, fully remote work from anywhere.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related computational design field.
• Minimum of 10 years of architectural practice experience, with at least 5 years in digital/computational design leadership.
• Expertise in parametric modeling software (Grasshopper, Dynamo) and computational design principles.
• Strong understanding of generative design algorithms and AI applications in design.
• Proficiency with VR/AR platforms for visualization and design review.
• Excellent knowledge of BIM software (Revit) and collaboration tools.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams adopting new technologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic implementation and integration of digital technologies across the design process.
• Develop and champion new digital workflows and best practices for the firm.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies for architectural design and delivery.
• Mentor and train staff on advanced digital design tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on innovative digital design solutions.
• Oversee development of complex parametric models and computational tools.
• Contribute to thought leadership through publications and talks.
• Manage digital innovation projects aligned with firm goals.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.

Skills

Digital design leadership

Parametric modeling

AI in design

VR/AR for design review

Team mentorship

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or computational design

Tools

Grasshopper

Dynamo

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering architectural firm committed to exploring the frontiers of digital design and construction, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Architect for a fully remote position. This senior role is dedicated to driving digital innovation within the practice, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies such as generative design, AI-driven analysis, parametric modeling, and virtual/augmented reality into the architectural workflow. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a profound understanding of how digital tools can enhance design creativity, optimize performance, and revolutionize the way buildings are conceived and realized. You will champion new methodologies, mentor teams in adopting cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to thought leadership in the field of digital architecture. This is a unique opportunity to lead from the forefront of technological advancement in architecture, working flexibly from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic implementation and integration of digital technologies (generative design, AI, VR/AR, parametricism) across the architectural design process.
• Develop and champion new digital workflows and best practices for the firm.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies for potential application in architectural design and delivery.
• Mentor and train architectural staff on advanced digital design tools and methodologies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to explore innovative design solutions driven by digital processes.
• Oversee the development and application of complex parametric models and computational design tools.
• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership through publications, presentations, and conference participation.
• Manage digital innovation projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with firm-wide goals.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning within the design teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related computational design field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in architectural practice, with at least 5 years focusing on digital design, computational design, or architectural technology leadership.
• Expertise in parametric modeling software (e.g., Grasshopper, Dynamo) and computational design principles.
• Strong understanding of generative design algorithms and AI applications in design.
• Proficiency with VR/AR platforms and their application in architectural visualization and design review.
• Excellent knowledge of industry-standard BIM software (e.g., Revit) and collaboration platforms.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams in adopting new technologies.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in pushing the boundaries of architectural design through technology.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant flexibility. Our client provides a highly competitive executive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including premium health coverage, a retirement savings plan, and a generous allowance for home office setup and professional development. We offer substantial opportunities for career advancement and the chance to be at the vanguard of digital transformation in the architecture industry. Join a visionary team and redefine the future of architecture from anywhere.