Director of Architecture - Luxury Retail and Hospitality

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant bonuses

Equity participation

Executive health benefits

Retirement provisions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Director of Architecture to lead its design division in Sandton. You will set the design vision for a global luxury brand, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and shape flagship stores and upscale hospitality environments.

The role requires 15+ years of leadership, SACAP registration, and a successful track record in luxury retail or high-end hospitality. You will drive innovation and sustainability while collaborating with executive stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in architecture, with luxury retail or hospitality focus.
• Proven track record leading flagship global brands and large-scale projects.
• Professional registration and mastery of luxury market strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching architectural and design strategy for global portfolio.
• Lead internal design teams and manage external consultants.
• Oversee design development from concept to completion for flagship venues.
• Ensure all designs reflect brand standards and customer experience.
• Collaborate with executives, operations, marketing, and development teams.
• Manage design budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
• Stay abreast of luxury design trends, tech, and materials.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Brand development

Client experience design

BIM

Visualization tools

Education

Master of Architecture

SACAP registration

Tools

BIM

Visualization software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer and operator of luxury retail environments and high-end hospitality venues, is seeking a visionary Director of Architecture to lead their design division. This executive-level position, based in the prestigious hub of Sandton, requires a seasoned architect with a proven track record in shaping world-class luxury brands through exceptional architectural and interior design. You will be responsible for setting the design vision, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all projects reflect the pinnacle of quality, innovation, and brand identity. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of luxury market trends, client experience, and sustainable design principles within the retail and hospitality sectors. This is a career-defining opportunity to influence the design direction of a globally recognized brand and shape cutting-edge spaces that define luxury experiences. We are looking for an inspiring leader with exceptional strategic and creative capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overarching architectural and design strategy for the company's global portfolio.
• Lead and mentor internal design teams and manage external architectural and interior design consultants.
• Oversee the design development process for new flagship stores, hotels, and related luxury venues from concept to completion.
• Ensure all designs align with brand standards, enhance customer experience, and drive commercial success.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, marketing, and development teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Manage design budgets, timelines, and resource allocation effectively.
• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and materials in the luxury retail and hospitality sectors.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in all design initiatives.

Requirements

• Master of Architecture degree, with a strong focus on luxury design or hospitality architecture.
• Professional registration with SACAP or an equivalent international body.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in architectural leadership, with significant specialization in luxury retail and/or high-end hospitality design.
• Demonstrated success in leading design for flagship global brands and large-scale luxury projects.
• Expert knowledge of luxury market dynamics, brand development, and guest/customer experience design.
• Proficiency in advanced architectural design software, BIM, and visualization tools.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A world-class portfolio showcasing high-impact luxury retail and hospitality projects.
• Experience working internationally or with international clients is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Significant bonuses
• Equity participation
• Comprehensive executive health benefits
• Retirement provisions

You will have the autonomy to shape the design direction of a leading luxury brand from our strategic location in Sandton, impacting projects across South Africa and potentially internationally. Our client fosters a dynamic, creative, and collaborative work culture, providing unparalleled opportunities for leadership and professional influence in the luxury design industry.