Lead Architectural Designer - Conceptualization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Professional development

Global projects

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Architectural Designer for a fully remote role. You will lead concept development across diverse projects, guiding design teams and translating client visions into innovative expressions.

The ideal candidate has a strong portfolio, 7+ years in conceptual design, and fluency with Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, and the Adobe suite. Remote collaboration and high-level storytelling are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related design field.
• 7+ years of experience in architectural design with emphasis on conceptual design and leadership.
• Portfolio demonstrating exceptional conceptual design and innovative projects.
• Proficiency in Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of architectural theory, history and contemporary discourse.
• Excellent communication, presentation and storytelling skills.
• Ability to inspire remote design teams and manage creative processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design phase for new architectural projects.
• Develop and present initial design concepts, sketches, mood boards and digital models.
• Collaborate with clients to translate vision into architectural expressions.
• Mentor junior designers and foster a creative, experimental culture.
• Research trends, technologies and materials to inform concepts.
• Ensure concepts align with briefs, site constraints and design philosophy.
• Develop strong design narratives and defend proposals in reviews.

Skills

Conceptual design

Creative leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Storytelling

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Grasshopper

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative and internationally recognized architectural studio, is seeking a visionary Lead Architectural Designer with a focus on conceptualization to join their fully remote team. This critical role involves leading the creative process of developing groundbreaking design concepts for a diverse range of projects. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional conceptual thinking, strong design intuition, and the ability to inspire and guide design teams in pushing creative boundaries. This is a unique opportunity to shape innovative architectural visions from inception, working remotely and contributing to projects worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design phase for new architectural projects, generating innovative and compelling design ideas.
• Develop and present initial design concepts, sketches, mood boards, and digital models to clients and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their vision and translate it into unique architectural expressions.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a creative and experimental design culture.
• Research emerging design trends, technologies, and materials to inform conceptual development.
• Ensure concepts align with project briefs, site constraints, and the firm's design philosophy.
• Develop strong narratives and compelling arguments for design proposals.
• Contribute to design reviews and critiques, providing constructive feedback to enhance design quality.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related design field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in architectural design, with a strong emphasis on conceptual design and creative leadership.
• A portfolio showcasing exceptional conceptual design abilities and innovative project work.
• Proficiency in design software such as Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, history, and contemporary design discourse.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate design teams in a remote setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to creative challenges.
• Proven ability to manage creative processes and timelines effectively.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility and the ability to work from **Sandton** or anywhere suitable.
• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Employees have access to continuous professional development, including specialized workshops and conferences.
• You will work on cutting-edge projects with global impact, fostering immense creative growth.
• Join a leading firm renowned for its design innovation and a supportive, collaborative culture that thrives in a remote environment.