Creative Director - Architectural Visualization

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks an exceptional Creative Director to lead a studio of 3D artists and visualization specialists. You will shape the artistic direction for architectural renders, animations, and VR experiences for a global client base.

You will oversee the entire pipeline, collaborate with clients, guide the team, and drive innovative storytelling through state-of-the-art visualization. This remote-first role requires a strong leadership presence and global project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, 3D Animation, Architecture, or related field.
• 8+ years in architectural visualization with leadership experience.
• Portfolio showcasing architectural aesthetics, lighting and storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the artistic vision and quality standards for visualization projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 3D artists and visualization specialists.
• Oversee the visualization pipeline from brief to final render and post-production.
• Collaborate with architectural clients to translate goals into visual narratives.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure timely delivery.
• Stay updated on trends in architectural visualization, real-time rendering, and VR/AR.

Skills

Creative leadership

Team mentorship

Client management

Project coordination

Creative vision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/3D Animation/Architecture

Tools

3ds Max

Maya

Cinema 4D

V-Ray

Corona

Unreal Engine

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge architectural visualization studio in Durban, is looking for an exceptional Creative Director to lead their team of talented 3D artists and visualizers. This role is perfect for someone with a strong artistic vision, deep understanding of architectural principles, and a proven ability to manage creative projects from concept to final delivery. You will be instrumental in driving the artistic direction of high-quality architectural renders, animations, and virtual reality experiences for a global clientele. The position requires a unique blend of creative leadership, technical expertise, and client management skills, fostering an environment where innovation and stunning visual storytelling can flourish. Join us in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and help shape the visual representation of future architectural marvels.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the artistic vision and creative quality standards for all visualization projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 3D artists and visualization specialists.
• Oversee the entire visualization pipeline, from initial client brief and asset creation to final rendering and post-production.
• Collaborate with architectural clients to understand their project goals and translate them into compelling visual narratives.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in architectural visualization, real-time rendering, and VR/AR.
• Develop and implement creative strategies to enhance the studio's portfolio and attract new clients.
• Conduct quality assurance checks and provide constructive feedback to the creative team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, 3D Animation, Architecture, or a related creative field.
• At least 8 years of experience in architectural visualization, with a significant portion in a leadership or directorial role.
• A stunning portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent, creativity, and a deep understanding of architectural aesthetics and lighting.
• Expertise in industry-standard 3D software (e.g., 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D) and rendering engines (e.g., V-Ray, Corona, Unreal Engine).
• Strong knowledge of architectural principles and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.
• Experience with VR/AR visualization techniques is a strong asset.

Benefits

This contract role offers a competitive compensation package, with payment structured based on project milestones. While this is a remote-first position, the successful candidate will be based in or able to travel to Durban for key client meetings and team collaboration sessions. You will have the autonomy to lead creative direction and work on a diverse range of exciting global projects. Opportunities for continued engagement and expansion of your role based on performance and project needs are available. Join a highly innovative and creative team, contributing to state-of-the-art architectural visualizations.