Lead Healthcare Architect - Hospital Design Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

International projects and relocation

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Healthcare Architect to head the design of large-scale medical facilities in George, Western Cape. The role requires transforming clinical needs into innovative architectural solutions and delivering projects from concept through construction documentation.

You will coordinate with hospital staff, regulators, and consultants, guiding teams toward high-performance, compliant design while embracing evidence-based approaches and advanced healthcare technologies.

Qualifications

• Master of Architecture with a specialization in Healthcare Design or related field.
• Professional Architect registration with SACAP.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience, including 7+ years in healthcare architecture.
• Proven leadership of complex hospital design projects from concept to completion.
• Knowledge of SA healthcare regulations and infection control principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership for large-scale healthcare projects.
• Translate healthcare operations into architectural solutions.
• Oversee design process from feasibility to construction documentation.
• Liaise with hospital admins, medical staff, and regulators to drive project success.
• Develop and maintain client relationships as the primary contact for healthcare projects.
• Mentor and lead architects and designers to foster a high-performance team.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare codes and standards.
• Champion evidence-based design and healthcare technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Healthcare design

Project management

Communication

Team mentorship

Education

Master of Architecture (Healthcare Design)

Tools

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized architectural practice renowned for its cutting-edge healthcare facility designs, is seeking an exceptional Lead Healthcare Architect to spearhead their projects in George. This senior position requires a visionary leader with specialized expertise in the planning and design of complex medical institutions, including hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. The role involves leading design teams, engaging with healthcare stakeholders, and ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of functionality, patient safety, and operational efficiency, all while adhering to stringent healthcare regulations. You will be at the forefront of creating healing environments that integrate advanced technology with compassionate care. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of healthcare infrastructure in the Western Cape and beyond, working on state-of-the-art facilities that will serve communities for generations. We are seeking a passionate advocate for innovation in healthcare architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership and direction for the design and development of large-scale healthcare projects.
• Translate complex healthcare operational needs and functional requirements into innovative architectural solutions.
• Manage all phases of the design process, from feasibility studies and conceptual design to detailed construction documentation.
• Liaise effectively with hospital administrators, medical staff, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure project success.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for healthcare projects.
• Oversee and mentor a team of architects and designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant healthcare building codes, standards, and best practices.
• Champion the integration of evidence-based design principles and cutting-edge healthcare technologies.

Requirements

• Master of Architecture degree with a specialization in Healthcare Design or a related field.
• Professional Architect registration with SACAP.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience, with at least 7 years focused exclusively on healthcare architecture.
• Proven experience in leading complex hospital design projects from conceptualization to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of healthcare planning, medical equipment coordination, and infection control principles.
• Expert proficiency in BIM software (e.g., Revit) and other relevant architectural design tools.
• Strong understanding of South African healthcare regulations and standards.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Portfolio demonstrating successful delivery of significant healthcare projects.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the candidate's expertise and experience in specialized healthcare architecture. Our client provides comprehensive medical aid, an excellent retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional growth through international projects and continued education. You will be part of a leading firm that values innovation and employee development, with the chance to work on impactful projects in George and contribute to advancements in healthcare environments across South Africa. Assistance with relocation to the beautiful Garden Route area can be provided.