Lead Building Envelope Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Building Envelope Specialist in Cape Town to head design and construction aspects of envelope systems. You will guide technical decisions, oversee complex facade and roofing solutions, and ensure energy performance across landmark projects within a dynamic architectural practice.

The role requires 10+ years of specialized experience, proficiency with envelope simulation tools, and strong collaboration with design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of specialized building envelope design/consulting experience.
• Knowledge of curtain walls, roofing, waterproofing, and thermal bridging.
• Proficiency with envelope simulation tools (WUFI/THERM/IES VE).
• Excellent constructability, detailing, and coordination with teams.
• Strong PM and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Western Cape building codes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership on building envelope design and construction matters.
• Develop and implement envelope strategies including material research and performance criteria.
• Conduct performance analyses (thermal, moisture, structural).
• Oversee detailing and documentation of facade systems, roofing, and waterproofing.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and construction teams for seamless integration.
• Review shop drawings, submittals, and mock-ups for design intent and performance.
• Perform site inspections and diagnostics during construction and post-occupancy.
• Stay current with envelope tech and standards; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Building envelope design

Facade systems

Thermal bridging

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture/Civil Engineering

Professional registration (SACAP/ECSA) desirable

Tools

WUFI

THERM

IES VE

Job description

About the Role

A prominent architectural firm in the vibrant city of Cape Town is seeking a distinguished Lead Building Envelope Specialist to spearhead critical aspects of their design and construction projects. This senior role demands expertise in all facets of building enclosure systems, from design and material selection to performance analysis and on-site execution. The successful candidate will be a crucial contributor to ensuring the long-term durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic integrity of our client's diverse architectural portfolio. You will work on landmark projects across various sectors, collaborating closely with design teams, engineers, and contractors to deliver exceptional outcomes. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the performance and sustainability of buildings in Cape Town, Western Cape , and beyond, working within a firm renowned for its commitment to design excellence and technical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on all building envelope design and construction matters.
• Develop and implement comprehensive building envelope strategies, including material research, specification, and performance criteria.
• Conduct rigorous performance analyses, including thermal, moisture, and structural assessments, to ensure design integrity.
• Oversee the detailing and documentation of complex facade systems, roofing, and waterproofing solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers (structural, mechanical, facade), and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of the envelope.
• Review shop drawings, submittals, and mock-ups to verify compliance with design intent and performance specifications.
• Perform site inspections and diagnostics to identify and resolve envelope-related issues during construction and post-occupancy.
• Stay current with advancements in building envelope technology, materials, and relevant industry standards.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and architects specializing in building envelope design.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant South African professional council (e.g., SACAP, ECSA) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in building envelope design, consulting, or construction.
• Extensive knowledge of facade systems (curtain walls, masonry, precast), roofing, waterproofing, and thermal bridging.
• Proficiency in relevant simulation software (e.g., WUFI, THERM, IES VE) is a significant advantage.
• Experience with testing procedures and performance verification of envelope components.
• Excellent understanding of constructability, detailing, and the interaction of building envelope with other building systems.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively with diverse project teams and clients.
• Familiarity with local building codes and standards applicable in Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflective of the specialized expertise and leadership this role demands. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and continuous professional development opportunities. The role is based in a modern, well-equipped office in the heart of Cape Town , offering a stimulating work environment. We promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage innovation and collaboration. Join a leading firm where your expertise in building envelopes will be highly valued and contribute to iconic projects in Cape Town .