Lead Architect

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,300,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level benefits package

Conferences and advanced training

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks a visionary Lead Architect to steer large-scale architectural projects from concept to construction, bringing strong leadership and design acumen. You will guide multiple teams and drive high-profile outcomes.

You will mentor staff, manage design documentation, and coordinate with clients, regulators and contractors to ensure timely delivery and adherence to SA standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
• 10–15 years post-graduate experience in lead/principal architect roles.
• Extensive portfolio of large-scale commercial, industrial, or public projects.
• Expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, and advanced visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design and development of major architectural projects.
• Manage project teams including architects, technologists, and interns.
• Oversee preparation of design documentation: schematics, drawings and specs.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
• Implement quality control to ensure design integrity and compliance with standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the department.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and experienced Lead Architect to spearhead significant architectural projects in Richards Bay . This leadership role demands a strong blend of design acumen, project management expertise, and the ability to inspire and guide a team of architectural professionals. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire design process, from initial client engagement and conceptualization through to the successful completion of construction. This is a critical position that will shape the future development landscape of KwaZulu-Natal , offering the chance to work on high-profile, impactful projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering complex, large-scale developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design and development of major architectural projects, ensuring alignment with client vision and project objectives.
• Manage project teams, including architects, technologists, and interns, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee the preparation of all design documentation, including schematics, working drawings, and specifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure design integrity and adherence to best practices and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the architectural department, driving innovation and professional development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of post-graduate experience, with significant time spent in a lead or principal architect role.
• Extensive portfolio showcasing successful completion of large-scale commercial, industrial, or public projects.
• Expertise in Revit , AutoCAD, and advanced visualization tools.
• In-depth knowledge of building codes, urban planning regulations, and construction law in South Africa.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Significant leadership opportunity on impactful projects in Richards Bay .
• Support for professional development, including conferences and advanced training.
• Contribution to a legacy of architectural excellence in the region.
• Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and client satisfaction.