Community-Impact Architect: Designing Social Housing & Civic Spaces

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

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.