Community Housing Architect

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Social impact

Contract extensions

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng seeks a Community Housing Architect to design affordable, sustainable housing with a strong social focus. You will engage community stakeholders, plan sites, and supervise drawings and BOQs for housing developments.

The role is contract-based with a flexible hybrid work arrangement, requiring deep knowledge of low-cost construction and SA regulations. You will contribute to improving housing accessibility and living conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in architectural design, with residential/community focus.
• Knowledge of low-cost housing materials, typologies, and SA construction techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design affordable and sustainable housing units and community facilities.
• Engage with community members and leaders to understand housing needs.
• Develop cost-effective, culturally appropriate design proposals.
• Ensure designs comply with building codes and housing standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and contractors for construction efficiency.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities.
• Assist in planning, site analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Provide technical support during construction to realize design intent.

Skills

Architectural design

AutoCAD

Revit

Community engagement

Budgeting

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Community Housing Architect to contribute to the development of affordable and sustainable housing solutions in and around Soweto, Gauteng . This role focuses on designing practical, dignified, and community-oriented housing projects. You will work closely with community stakeholders, local authorities, and development partners to create designs that meet the specific needs of residents while adhering to budgetary and regulatory constraints. The ideal candidate will possess a strong social conscience, excellent design skills, and a thorough understanding of low-cost housing construction methods and materials. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant social impact by improving living conditions through thoughtful and responsible architectural design. As a contractor, you will bring specialized expertise to these vital projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design affordable and sustainable housing units and community facilities.
• Engage with community members and leaders to understand their housing needs and aspirations.
• Develop design proposals that are cost-effective, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sound.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant building codes, zoning regulations, and housing standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and contractors to ensure efficient and practical construction.
• Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities for housing projects.
• Assist in project planning, site analysis, and feasibility studies for housing developments.
• Provide technical support during the construction phase to ensure design intent is realized.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in architectural design, with a focus on residential or community projects.
• Knowledge of low-cost housing typologies, materials, and construction techniques in South Africa.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Understanding of community engagement processes and participatory design principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work within budget constraints.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Experience with social housing projects or informal settlement upgrading is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects that directly benefit the community in Soweto, Gauteng .
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Gain valuable experience in social impact architecture.
• Contribute to improving housing accessibility and quality of life.
• Potential for extended contracts based on project needs.