Head Of Architecture (Remote – Emea)

Ventore Group; Remote; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A design-focused hospitality company is seeking a Head of Architecture in Durban, South Africa. The successful candidate will own the architectural vision for global projects, leading design strategy and managing an in-house architectural team. This role entails ensuring consistency with brand standards and oversight from concept to execution. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in hospitality architecture and strong communication skills, with a passion for design-led properties.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Quarterly pay reviews

Unlimited annual leave

Qualifications

• Professional architectural registration/licensing in one or more locations.
• Significant senior-level experience in architecture or design leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering high-end hospitality projects.

Responsibilities

• Define the architectural strategy and design vision for the portfolio.
• Build, lead and manage the in-house architectural team.
• Oversee all phases of architectural work from concept design to site supervision.

Skills

Visionary thinker

Strong aesthetic judgment

Excellent communication skills

Proactive problem-solver

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Job description

ventoré is reimagining how people invest in and experience iconic destinations - starting with design-forward hospitality assets in Bali, Dubai and Europe.

You'll join a small, agile, mission-driven team who move fast and think boldly.

About the Role

As the Head of Architecture at ventoré, you'll own the architectural vision for ventoré's global projects, leading design strategy, overseeing execution and ensuring each asset delivers on our brand's design-forward standards.

This role sits at the intersection of creativity, technical execution and strategic leadership shaping how ventoré's brand comes to life.

Core Responsibilities

• Define the architectural strategy and design vision for the ventoré portfolio ensuring consistency with the brand.
• Build, lead and manage the in-house architectural team.
• Partner with external architectural studios on an as needed basis and project manage both main and sub-contractor works.
• Oversee all phases of architectural work from concept design, design development, construction drawings and site supervision / inspections.
• Collaborate with the investment team to assess site progress to inform investor updates.
• Manage relationships with local regulatory authorities.
• Set and control architectural design standards, guidelines and best practice for ventoré assets globally.
• Ensure design quality, consistency, cost efficiency and timely delivery of global projects.
• Monitor design budgets, timelines, variation orders and elevate issues with proposed solutions using critical path theory.
• Ensure compliance with relevant building codes, planning regulations, sustainable design standards and health & safety requirements in each location.
• Stay abreast of global hospitality and architectural design trends, materials, building systems and technologies bringing innovation and differentiation to the portfolio.
• Consistently report to the C‑Suite on design milestones and key risks.

Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (or related field) and professional architectural registration / licensing in one or more locations.
• Significant senior‑level experience in architecture or design leadership, preferably within hospitality, resorts or luxury real‑estate.
• Proven track record of delivering high‑end hospitality or resort projects globally.
• Strong design sensibility and ability to translate brand / experience into the built environment and guest experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross‑functional teams and external consultants in multiple geographies.
• Excellent understanding of construction processes, cost control, contract and risk management.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder‑management skills – able to present to C‑Suite and global partners.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across time‑zones.

Who You Are

• Visionary and strategic thinker with strong aesthetic judgment.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, high‑growth, global environment.
• Collaborative leader who can inspire design teams, partner with business functions and drive execution.
• Proactive problem‑solver who can anticipate design issues and propose practical solutions.
• Passion for hospitality, real‑estate, design‑led properties and creating iconic assets.

Work Eligibility & Location

This role is an in‑office position located in Cape Town, South Africa and includes regular international travel to development sites.

The appointment will initially be made on an independent contractor basis with a planned transition to an indefinite employment contract.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Quarterly pay reviews
• Unlimited annual leave

Application Process

• Interview with CPO
• Interview with Co‑Founder & CEO
• Interview with Co‑Founder & Creative Director