Architect

PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic design, as well as independent, professional quality assurance to reduce the risks of the client. This role is responsible for the planning, design and supervision of the construction of buildings, other associated structures and in certain instances, the spaces in between. This role is also responsible to provide architectural inputs and guidance for the development of infrastructure strategies, policies, systems, functional / technical norms and standards in line with Infrastructure Delivery.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Functions

• Provide strategic design and advice from the onset of any project from an Architectural perspective.

Operational Functions

• Oversee quality and accuracy of prototype and design drawings as provided by the client and professional service providers (building designs, site layout plans and as-built drawings)
• Research and advise on best practice within the architectural universe.
• Provide technical input into project implementation plans, standard contractual documentation (best practice, governance items)
• Provide occupation/profession specific quality control during project execution
• Seek to minimise project cost and enhance value for money, while keeping regulatory standards and quality
• Keep abreast of, and advise on, local statutory building regulations and manage incorporation of these regulations into relevant programmes
• Project/programme schedule and cost control
• Continuous Improvement Of Architecture, Cost Engineering and Estimating Services
• Keep abreast of new developments and technologies in the field of architecture
• Liaise with external architecture firms and associations regarding documentation, benchmarking rates and alternative procedures to ensure improvements and cost saving
• Optimize standard guides, methods and techniques to evaluate the utilisation of available resources
• Evaluate and identify new initiatives or enhanced/improved products
• Identify and investigate problem areas to recommend possible solutions
• Assist the Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead in conducting internal audits for assurance that standards and procedures are being applied
• Compile and present special technical reports when required
• Development, interpretation and customisation of functional and technical norms and standards
• Master Planning, Project Briefs, Business Cases, Accommodation Schedules and Operational Narratives.
• Preparation of inputs to the development of the User Asset Management Plan and final project lists
• Research / literature studies to keep abreast with new technologies and procedures, including interaction with professional Councils/Boards
• Prepare regular performance reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of programme implementation
• Identify and manage key risks.

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor's degree of Architecture or building management, building science or equivalent as recognised by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession
• Professional registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
• 5 years or more relevant working experience in the built environment
• Drivers' License code 08.

Skills & Knowledge

• MS Office proficient
• Excellent knowledge of Architectural design packages and programs
• Estimating and value engineering of construction services and works
• Project and contract management
• Budgeting / cost planning
• Strong programme management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, effective presentation skills and skills to express complex concepts in business terms
• Strong analytical skills
• An excellent grasp of three-dimensional space planning and engineering service requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of: Health Act and Regulations, National Building Standards Act of 1977 and Regulations, Construction Industry Development Board Act of 2000 and Regulations, Architectural Profession Act of 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993
• Understand the Health service delivery platform, -indicators & service plan and how that links with infrastructure
• Understand how to undertake a risk analysis and undertake a risk mitigation strategy
• Understand how to identify the required information fields and documents for use by Health
• Ability to process and analyse new and complex information quickly and to prioritise issues for consideration.
• Ability to build strategic alliances with key players for business
• Ability establishes and maintains effective relationships and gains the trust and respect of clients.
• Results driven: Demonstrates high levels of commitment and dedication to achieving goals and objectives in a pressured work environment.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical skills
• MS Office proficient
• Budgeting / cost planning