Lead Commercial Development Architect

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first position

Comprehensive medical aid

Generous pension fund

Opportunities for international travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Commercial Development Architect to lead the architectural vision for major commercial and mixed-use projects in the Sandton area. This remote-first role demands strategic leadership, market insight, and the ability to drive complex developments from concept to completion.

You will mentor design teams, align designs with commercial viability, manage stakeholders, and stay ahead of global trends in placemaking and sustainable development, with flexibility for site

Qualifications

• Professional architecture degree and SACAP registration.
• 12+ years in architectural practice, leading big commercial projects.
• Experience in property development or with development teams.
• Proven track record delivering high-value developments.
• Skilled in Revit/AutoCAD and development feasibility tools.
• Strong commercial acumen and market analysis.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication.
• Strong portfolio of significant commercial development work.
• Experience with sustainable development and green certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural conceptualization, design strategy, and development oversight for major projects.
• Collaborate with development teams, investors, and consultants to define scope and feasibility.
• Ensure designs meet market demands, viability, and strategic objectives.
• Mentor design teams on architectural quality, innovation, and execution.
• Oversee master plans, design guidelines, and development drawings.
• Ensure compliance with planning regulations, codes, and environmental standards in Gauteng.
• Represent the company in design reviews with authorities and stakeholders.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies for new opportunities.
• Stay abreast of global trends in commercial real estate and placemaking.
• Communicate design strategies and progress to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Market analysis

Team mentorship

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch

SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent property development and investment group with a focus on large-scale commercial and mixed-use projects, is seeking an accomplished Lead Commercial Development Architect to join their dynamic team. This role, which can be managed remotely, will involve overseeing the architectural vision and strategic development of significant commercial real estate ventures, including retail centers, office parks, and lifestyle estates, primarily within the Sandton economic hub and its surroundings. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and a proven ability to drive complex development projects from concept to completion. You will be instrumental in shaping the future commercial landscape, ensuring projects are innovative, sustainable, and commercially successful. Our client values strategic thinking, design excellence, and a results-oriented approach. We seek a visionary architect to spearhead exciting new developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural conceptualization, design strategy, and development oversight for major commercial and mixed-use projects.
• Collaborate closely with the development team, investors, and external consultants to define project scope, feasibility, and design direction.
• Ensure all architectural designs align with market demands, commercial viability, and the client's strategic objectives.
• Manage and mentor design teams, providing guidance on architectural quality, innovation, and technical execution.
• Oversee the preparation of master plans, design guidelines, and detailed development drawings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant planning regulations, building codes, and environmental standards in the Gauteng region.
• Represent the company in design review meetings with authorities and stakeholders.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies for prospective development opportunities.
• Stay abreast of global trends in commercial real estate, placemaking, and sustainable development.
• Effectively communicate design strategies and project progress to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) and professional registration with SACAP.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in architectural practice, with a substantial focus on leading large-scale commercial and mixed-use development projects.
• Proven experience in property development or working closely with development teams.
• Demonstrable track record of successfully delivering complex, high-value commercial projects.
• Expertise in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and an understanding of development feasibility tools.
• Strong commercial acumen and an understanding of real estate finance and market analysis.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and make sound strategic decisions under pressure.
• A strong portfolio showcasing significant commercial development achievements is essential.
• Experience with sustainable development and green building certifications is highly valued.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional remuneration package, including a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, and equity options, reflecting the seniority and impact of this role.
• As a remote-first position, it offers significant flexibility.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a generous pension fund, and opportunities for international travel related to industry events and site visits.