Community & Housing Architect - Remote-Friendly

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Community & Housing Architect to join a fully remote team in South Africa. You will design sustainable, inclusive housing and community facilities, focusing on affordable living environments for diverse populations.

You will collaborate with community stakeholders, government agencies, non-profits, and construction partners through digital platforms to deliver designs that promote well-being, accessibility, and social integration from Soweto and across Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 5 years in architectural practice with community or affordable housing focus.
• Proven ability to design for diverse user groups.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit; PM tools familiarity.
• Knowledge of SA building codes and affordable housing financing.
• Excellent remote communication and stakeholder facilitation.
• Ability to work independently in a distributed team.
• Passion for social impact and community development.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design from concept to construction for community housing and facility projects.
• Engage with community members and stakeholders to co-create design solutions.
• Develop sustainable, cost-effective housing designs with standards.
• Prepare drawings, specifications and project docs.
• Collaborate with engineers, urban planners and contractors.
• Advise on materials, construction methods and feasibility.
• Ensure designs are accessible, safe and promote community cohesion.
• Stay updated on social housing best practices.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Remote collaboration

Project management

Architectural design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Community & Housing Architect to join their fully remote team, focusing on the design and development of sustainable and inclusive housing solutions and community facilities. This role is integral to creating affordable, high-quality living environments that meet the needs of diverse populations. You will work on projects that range from individual housing units to larger community developments, emphasizing user well-being, environmental responsibility, and social integration. As a remote-first position, you will collaborate extensively with community stakeholders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and construction partners through digital platforms. We seek an architect with a strong passion for social impact, excellent design skills, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in community-focused architectural projects. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to positive social change and shape better living spaces from anywhere in South Africa, benefiting communities across the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design process for community housing and facility projects, from concept to construction.
• Engage with community members and stakeholders to understand needs and co-create design solutions.
• Develop cost-effective and sustainable housing designs that adhere to relevant building standards and regulations.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and relevant project documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers, urban planners, and contractors to ensure integrated and functional designs.
• Advise on material selection, construction techniques, and project feasibility for affordable housing initiatives.
• Ensure designs promote accessibility, safety, and community cohesion.
• Stay abreast of best practices in social housing, community development, and sustainable architecture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural practice, with a demonstrated focus on community-based projects, social housing, or affordable housing development.
• Proven ability to design for diverse user groups and community contexts.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and familiarity with project management tools.
• Good understanding of affordable housing financing models, building codes, and construction in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a distributed team setting.
• A passion for social impact and community development is crucial for this role.
• This is a fully remote role, with a preference for candidates familiar with the challenges and opportunities in the Soweto area or broader Gauteng region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development aligned with community-focused work. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility and autonomy in managing your work and location. You will be part of an organization deeply committed to making a positive social impact through innovative architectural solutions. This role provides the chance to work on highly rewarding projects that directly benefit communities. We provide the necessary technological resources and support for remote employees. This is an ideal opportunity for an architect passionate about community development based in or interested in the Soweto area.