Affordable Housing Project Architect

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Community impact work

Opportunity for contract renewal

Exposure to SA affordable housing

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Affordable Housing Project Architect to lead design and delivery of community-focused housing projects in Soweto, Gauteng. You will translate social impact aims into cost-effective, sustainable architecture that respects local contexts.

In collaboration with communities, government bodies and construction partners, you will manage design development, documentation, and compliance with SA housing policies, targeting quality housing solutions for residents while

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Architecture degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years of architectural experience with affordable housing/social housing/community projects.
• Experience in participatory design processes and community engagement.
• Familiarity with low-cost building materials, techniques, and urban construction management.
• Knowledge of South African housing policies and subsidy frameworks.
• Proficiency in drafting software (AutoCAD, SketchUp).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and improving housing conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and project management for affordable housing initiatives in Soweto, Gauteng.
• Engage with community members to reflect local needs, contexts and aspirations.
• Develop practical, cost-effective housing designs using available materials and methods.
• Ensure compliance with South African building regulations, bylaws and housing policies.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors and consultants to manage construction process.
• Oversee site supervision to guarantee quality construction and adherence to design specifications.
• Explore sustainable and resilient design solutions for the local context.
• Prepare documentation for planning approvals and building plan submissions.

Skills

Participatory design

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Housing policy knowledge

Low-cost construction methods

Education

Bachelor of Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a social impact organization focused on developing accessible and high-quality housing solutions, is seeking an Affordable Housing Project Architect to join their team serving communities in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is crucial in translating the organization's mission into tangible architectural outcomes, focusing on the design and execution of cost-effective, sustainable, and community-oriented housing projects. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of low-cost construction methodologies, community engagement, and the specific needs of residents in densely populated urban areas like Soweto . You will collaborate closely with local communities, government bodies, and construction partners to deliver projects that enhance living conditions and foster sustainable neighborhoods. This is a chance to apply architectural skills for significant social benefit in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and project management for affordable housing initiatives in Soweto, Gauteng .
• Engage actively with community members to ensure designs reflect local needs, cultural contexts, and aspirations.
• Develop practical and cost-effective housing designs, considering material availability and local construction practices.
• Ensure compliance with South African National Building Regulations, municipal bylaws, and relevant housing policies.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and other consultants to manage the construction process effectively.
• Oversee site supervision to guarantee quality construction and adherence to design specifications.
• Explore and integrate sustainable and resilient design solutions appropriate for the local context.
• Prepare necessary documentation for planning approvals and building plan submissions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Architecture degree or a recognized equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 4 years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on affordable housing, social housing, or community-based projects.
• Demonstrated experience in participatory design processes and effective community engagement.
• Familiarity with low-cost building materials, techniques, and construction management in an urban context.
• Knowledge of relevant South African housing policies and subsidy frameworks.
• Proficiency in architectural drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for social impact and improving housing conditions is essential.

Benefits

• A competitive contract rate reflective of experience and project scope.
• The profound reward of contributing to meaningful social development in Soweto.
• Opportunity to shape impactful housing projects within the vibrant Gauteng community.
• Exposure to innovative models for affordable housing delivery.
• A collaborative work environment focused on community empowerment and tangible results.
• Potential for contract renewal and further project engagement.
• Gain valuable experience in the affordable housing sector in South Africa.