Architect / Senior Technologist

Vulcan Recruit; Durbanville; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development firm in South Africa is seeking a Senior Architect to lead and innovate in their in-house development team. This role will involve designing and delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use developments, focusing on feasibility, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, be a registered professional, and possess at least 10 years of relevant experience. This is a full-time, office-based position that offers stability and growth in a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Opportunity for long-term growth

Collaborative working environment

Influence in property development projects

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in property development projects.
• Experience collaborating directly with developers and integrated development teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full architectural process and collaborate with the development team.
• Produce schematic plans, concept designs, and technical specifications.
• Manage the preparation and submission of planning approvals.

Skills

Strong portfolio including residential and mixed-use developments

In-depth knowledge of planning regulations

Architectural design software proficiency (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)

Creative problem-solving

Leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Registered Professional Architect (Pr. Arch or equivalent)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

Job Specification: Architect / Senior Technologist – In-House Property Development

Location: Bellville / Brackenfell

Employment Type: Full-Time, Office-Based

Experience Required: Minimum 10 years in property development and architectural design

Reports To: Director of Development / CEO

Role Overview

Our Client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Architect / Technologist to join their in-house property development team. This role focuses on shaping, designing, and delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use developments from concept through completion.

You will be a key strategic partner, working directly with the sales, construction, and development teams to seamless project delivery while maintaining optimal design quality, feasibility, efficiency, and market appeal. This role offers the opportunity to influence the urban landscape and contribute to projects that stand out for innovation and design excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Registered Professional Architect (Pr. Arch or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in property development projects
• Strong portfolio including residential and mixed-use developments
• In-depth knowledge of planning regulations, building codes, and construction methodologies
• Experience collaborating directly with developers and integrated development teams
• Proficient in architectural design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, etc.)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full architectural process and collaborate with the development team to manage multiple property developments efficiently
• Produce schematic plans, concept designs, feasibility layouts, and technical specifications
• Evaluate development sites for design potential, zoning compliance, and investment viability
• Collaborate with town planners, consultants, project professionals, and local authorities
• Manage the preparation and submission of planning approvals and building applications
• Ensure designs comply with building codes, sustainability standards, and regulatory frameworks
• Oversee and coordinate external architectural firms when required
• Drive value engineering with the development team while maintaining design quality and commercial objectives
• Support construction teams during build phases, providing design resolution and technical guidance
• Review and approve detailed drawings, material selections, and finishes
• Present design concepts to internal teams, investors, and stakeholders

Core Competencies

• Commercial awareness and strong understanding of development requirements
• Creativity paired with practical problem-solving
• Strong leadership, communication, and coordination abilities
• Ability to manage deadlines, multiple priorities, and stakeholder expectations
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to design excellence
• Ability to manage and work with the development team in design workshops on product development
• Insights to grow and develop an in-house architectural department managing multiple property developments simultaneously

Why This Role is Exciting

• Shape and influence property developments from concept to completion
• Work in a collaborative, strategic environment with industry experts
• Lead and innovate in an organization redefining property development
• Enjoy stability with long-term growth, leadership, and business development opportunities

Our Ideal Candidate

Someone who:

• Thinks like a property developer and designs like a top architect
• Cares about feasibility, efficiency, and the end-user experience as much as aesthetics
• Takes ownership and drives property developments toward successful delivery
• Desires to grow and manage a team and architectural process across various property developments
• Is a team player contributing to integration of different disciplines in property development

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape and influence property development from concept to completion
• Collaborative, strategic working environment with an integrated industry approach
• Stable position with long-term growth and business development potential