Community-Focused Architect

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Community-Focused Architect in Soweto, Gauteng, to lead design of affordable housing, community centers, schools, and public spaces. This role emphasizes participatory design, community engagement, and contextually appropriate solutions.

You will collaborate with residents, local government, and NGOs to deliver sustainable, inclusive projects that empower communities, with a focus on social housing and infrastructure and a commitment to social impact.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP or a Master’s degree in Architecture with a focus on community development or social housing.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural practice with community-focused projects.
• Proven ability to conduct effective community engagement and participatory design processes.
• Strong understanding of affordable housing typologies and community infrastructure design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of community-focused architectural projects.
• Facilitate participatory design workshops and engage with community stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Develop architectural designs that are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and cost-effective.
• Ensure designs meet the specific needs and aspirations of the community.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers and contractors to ensure quality construction and adherence to design intent.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring timely completion and community satisfaction.
• Research and apply best practices in social housing, community development, and sustainable architecture.
• Prepare funding proposals and grant applications for community projects.
• Advocate for the role of architecture in community empowerment and development.

Skills

Community engagement

Participatory design

Strong design skills

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Education

SACAP registration

Master's degree in Architecture (community development or social housing)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an architectural practice with a deep commitment to social impact and community development, is seeking a passionate Community-Focused Architect to join their team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is dedicated to designing and delivering projects that directly benefit and uplift local communities, including affordable housing, community centers, schools, and public spaces. The ideal candidate will possess strong design skills coupled with a profound understanding of community engagement, participatory design processes, and the unique socio-economic context of the areas they serve. You will work closely with community members, local government, and NGOs to ensure projects are responsive to local needs and aspirations. This is a rewarding opportunity to utilize architectural expertise for meaningful social change and contribute to the revitalization and empowerment of communities. We are looking for an architect who is dedicated to creating sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of community-focused architectural projects.
• Facilitate participatory design workshops and engage with community stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Develop architectural designs that are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and cost-effective.
• Ensure designs meet the specific needs and aspirations of the community.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers and contractors to ensure quality construction and adherence to design intent.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring timely completion and community satisfaction.
• Research and apply best practices in social housing, community development, and sustainable architecture.
• Prepare funding proposals and grant applications for community projects.
• Advocate for the role of architecture in community empowerment and development.

Requirements

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP or a Master's degree in Architecture with a focus on community development or social housing.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural practice, with demonstrated experience in community-focused projects.
• Proven ability to conduct effective community engagement and participatory design processes.
• Strong understanding of affordable housing typologies and community infrastructure design.
• Proficiency in architectural design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and materials suitable for community projects.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Understanding of socio-economic challenges and opportunities within urban communities like Soweto .
• A portfolio showcasing relevant community-based projects is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, recognizing the unique skills and dedication required for this role. Beyond salary, benefits include medical aid contributions and opportunities for professional development focused on community architecture and sustainable design. You will have the immense satisfaction of working on projects that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities in Soweto and its surroundings. Our client fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritizes social impact and ethical practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an architect driven by purpose to contribute to meaningful development and make a lasting difference.