Architectural Design Lead

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Medical aid

Retirement fund

PD opportunities

Richards Bay office

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an Architectural Design Lead to guide design teams and deliver award-worthy projects from concept to construction. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Architecture, SACAP registration, 10+ years of experience, and a strong portfolio.

You will mentor staff, collaborate with clients and regulators, and ensure sustainable, innovative design across typologies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
• At least 10 years of professional experience with design leadership.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• Strong portfolio across multiple project typologies.
• Expert proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of South African building codes and construction processes.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in KwaZulu-Natal is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design direction and conceptual development from inception to completion.
• Mentor architects and designers, fostering a collaborative studio culture.
• Develop design proposals, master plans, and presentations.
• Ensure design quality, innovation, and feasibility throughout projects.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and regulators to meet objectives.
• Oversee design development and construction documentation.
• Stay current with architectural trends and materials.
• Represent the firm in client meetings and public forums.
• Uphold sustainability and best practices.

Skills

Design leadership

Mentoring

Client collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a prestigious architectural firm known for its award-winning designs and commitment to sustainable urban development, is seeking an experienced and visionary Architectural Design Lead for their office in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership position is integral to the conceptualization and execution of innovative architectural projects. You will be responsible for guiding design teams, fostering creative excellence, and ensuring that projects meet the highest aesthetic and functional standards while adhering to client briefs and project constraints. We are looking for a dynamic individual with a proven track record in leading design processes, mentoring junior architects, and translating complex ideas into tangible, inspiring spaces. This role offers the chance to shape the built environment in a region experiencing significant growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design direction and conceptual development of architectural projects from inception to completion.
• Manage and mentor a team of architects and designers, fostering a collaborative and creative studio culture.
• Develop design proposals, presentations, and master plans for a diverse range of projects.
• Ensure design quality, innovation, and technical feasibility throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee the preparation of design development and construction documentation.
• Conduct design reviews and provide constructive feedback to design teams.
• Stay current with architectural trends, materials, and technologies, and integrate them into designs where appropriate.
• Uphold the firm's commitment to sustainability and best practices in design.
• Represent the firm in client meetings and public forums related to design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in architectural practice, with significant experience in design leadership roles.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• Demonstrated portfolio showcasing high-quality design work across various project typologies.
• Expert proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong understanding of building codes, regulations, and construction processes in South Africa.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• A passion for design excellence and innovation.
• Experience in the KwaZulu-Natal region is advantageous.

Benefits

• competitive salary package and benefits, including performance-based bonus structure, medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• Our client invests in their employees' growth through continuous professional development programs and opportunities to work on high-profile projects.
• The position is based in our state-of-the-art offices in Richards Bay, providing a stimulating and professional working environment.