Principal Architect - Sustainable Urban Housing

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development allowance

Generous annual leave

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect to lead sustainable urban housing projects in Upington, Northern Cape. The role requires 15+ years of experience, SACAP PrArch registration, and a proven track record delivering complex residential developments with strong design leadership.

You will guide design teams from concept to construction, ensure compliance with codes and environmental standards, and contribute to business development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of architectural experience with sustainable urban housing focus.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary design teams.
• Track record delivering complex residential developments.
• Strong knowledge of planning codes and environmental standards.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide design leadership for sustainable urban housing projects.
• Oversee concept through construction documentation.
• Manage client relationships and project communications.
• Lead and mentor design teams, fostering collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with codes, planning regulations, and standards.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and authorities.
• Contribute to business development and new projects.

Skills

Leadership

Sustainable design

Revit

AutoCAD

Urban planning

Client relationships

Education

SACAP PrArch registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Sustainable design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural practice renowned for its leadership in sustainable urban housing development, is seeking a Principal Architect to lead their innovative projects in Upington, Northern Cape . This senior role demands exceptional design leadership, a deep commitment to sustainability, and proven experience in managing complex multi-unit residential developments. You will be responsible for guiding design teams, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the highest standards of architectural excellence and environmental responsibility are met. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished portfolio showcasing impactful sustainable housing solutions and a strong understanding of urban planning and community integration. This is a prestigious opportunity to shape the future of sustainable living in the Northern Cape region, working on projects that are both architecturally significant and socially responsible. Our client offers a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and provides ample opportunities for professional influence and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall design leadership and direction for sustainable urban housing projects.
• Develop and champion innovative sustainable design strategies and integrated solutions.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee the development of architectural designs from concept through construction documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, planning regulations, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure project success.
• Conduct design reviews and quality assurance checks.
• Represent the firm in professional forums and contribute to thought leadership in sustainable design.
• Contribute to business development and securing new projects.

Requirements

• Professional Architect (PrArch) registration with SACAP.
• Minimum of 15 years of architectural experience, with a significant portion dedicated to leading the design of sustainable urban housing projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in sustainable design principles, green building technologies, and certifications.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex residential developments.
• Exceptional design sensibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and client relationship skills.
• Proficiency in advanced architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, sustainable design analysis tools).
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning, zoning, and housing policies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience within the Northern Cape province, particularly in residential development contexts like Upington , is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including salary and profit sharing.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional impact and career advancement.
• Lead influential and cutting-edge sustainable housing projects in Upington, Northern Cape .
• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Generous annual leave and professional development allowance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of urban living in the region.