Remote Principal Architect - Design Innovation Lead

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 103,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect to lead Design Innovation for a global practice. This fully remote role invites a visionary leader to drive computational design, parametric modeling, and advanced visualization across international projects.

You will mentor dispersed design teams, push boundary-pushing concepts, and contribute to the firm’s reputation for creative excellence and influential research in architectural practice.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related design field.
• 15+ years of progressive architectural design experience with emphasis on conceptual innovation and leading complex projects.
• Strong portfolio of award-winning, conceptually innovative designs.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, history and contemporary discourse.
• Proficiency in advanced design software such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit and VR/AR applications.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire distributed design teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Registration with SACAP or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development into emerging architectural trends, technologies, and materials.
• Develop and champion innovative design concepts and methodologies across the practice.
• Mentor and inspire design teams globally, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation.
• Oversee the conceptualization and development of high-profile, complex architectural projects.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and technology partners to explore new frontiers in design.
• Develop and implement strategies for integrating computational design, parametric modeling, and advanced visualization techniques.
• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and industry engagement.
• Ensure design innovation aligns with client needs and project objectives, while maintaining architectural integrity.

Skills

Leadership

Design research

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's in Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Grasshopper

Revit

VR/AR tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected international architectural firm, is seeking an exceptional Principal Architect to spearhead their Design Innovation efforts. This is a fully remote role, offering the opportunity to drive cutting-edge design thinking and technological advancement across global projects from anywhere within South Africa. The Principal Architect will be responsible for exploring new design methodologies, materials, and digital tools, pushing the boundaries of architectural practice. You will lead research and development initiatives, mentor design teams, and contribute to the firm's reputation for creative excellence and forward-thinking solutions. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong portfolio of innovative and conceptually rich projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development into emerging architectural trends, technologies, and materials.
• Develop and champion innovative design concepts and methodologies across the practice.
• Mentor and inspire design teams globally, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation.
• Oversee the conceptualization and development of high-profile, complex architectural projects.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and technology partners to explore new frontiers in design.
• Develop and implement strategies for integrating computational design, parametric modeling, and advanced visualization techniques.
• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and industry engagement.
• Ensure design innovation aligns with client needs and project objectives, while maintaining architectural integrity.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related design field.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in architectural design, with a significant focus on conceptual innovation and leading design on complex projects.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing award-winning and conceptually groundbreaking architectural designs.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, history, and contemporary design discourse.
• Expertise in advanced design software and technologies (e.g., "Rhino", "Grasshopper", "Revit", "VR/AR applications").
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire design teams in a remote or distributed environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Professional registration with SACAP or equivalent international body is preferred.

Benefits

• This senior remote position offers a top-tier salary package, comprehensive benefits, and unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and influence. You will have the autonomy to shape the future of architectural design within a globally recognized firm. This role provides the unique chance to redefine architectural boundaries from your home office, contributing to landmark projects worldwide.