Affordable Housing Architect

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Impactful projects

Professional development

Social housing focus

Community engagement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Affordable Housing Architect to lead design of cost-effective, sustainable housing in Soweto, Gauteng. You will collaborate with community stakeholders, NGOs, and government bodies to deliver high-quality housing for low to middle-income residents.

The role requires a strong portfolio in social housing, proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit, and a deep understanding of housing finance models and subsidies.

Qualifications

• Professional architect registration (PrArch) or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years in architecture with focus on social/affordable housing.
• Experience designing housing for low-to-middle income communities.
• Understanding of housing finance models and subsidy programs.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit; knowledge of cost-control methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of affordable housing projects with community input.
• Develop cost-effective, sustainable housing typologies for low-to-middle income families.
• Ensure compliance with housing standards, codes, and subsidy requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, community liaisons, and construction teams.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and documentation for approvals.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies for developments.
• Incorporate community needs into the design process.
• Oversee construction administration and cost control.

Skills

Community engagement

AutoCAD

Revit

Cost estimation

Team collaboration

Education

Professional Architect (PrArch) registration

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a socially responsible architectural firm dedicated to improving communities, is seeking a passionate Affordable Housing Architect to join their team in Soweto, Gauteng. This role is central to designing and delivering high-quality, sustainable, and contextually appropriate affordable housing solutions for low to middle-income communities. You will work closely with community stakeholders, NGOs, and government bodies to create designs that are not only cost-effective but also enhance the quality of life and foster community development. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio demonstrating experience in low-cost housing design, a deep understanding of social housing principles, and proficiency in creating efficient, replicable housing typologies. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible positive impact on the lives of residents in Soweto and contribute to equitable urban development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of affordable housing projects, including community consultation.
• Develop cost-effective and sustainable housing typologies suitable for low to middle-income families.
• Ensure designs meet relevant housing standards, building codes, and subsidy requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, community liaisons, and construction teams.
• Prepare architectural drawings, specifications, and necessary documentation for approvals.
• Conduct site analysis and feasibility studies for affordable housing developments.
• Integrate community needs and participation into the design process.
• Oversee construction administration to ensure quality and cost control.
• Research and apply innovative construction techniques and materials to reduce costs.
• Contribute to policy development and best practices in affordable housing design.

Requirements

• Professional Architect registration (PrArch) or relevant architectural qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years of architectural experience, with a significant focus on affordable or social housing projects.
• Demonstrated experience in designing housing for low to middle-income communities.
• Strong understanding of housing finance models and government subsidy programs.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Knowledge of cost-effective construction methods and materials.
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• A portfolio showcasing affordable housing projects is essential.
• Commitment to social impact and community development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the importance of the work.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects directly benefiting the Soweto, Gauteng community.
• Professional development focused on social housing and community architecture.
• A purpose-driven work environment with a strong ethical focus.
• Chance to contribute significantly to sustainable and equitable urban development.
• Collaboration with passionate professionals and community leaders.