Lead Residential Architect - Sustainable Community Design

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Residential Architect in Pietermaritzburg to lead design teams and deliver high-quality sustainable housing projects.

You will drive concept design through construction documentation, manage client relationships, and coordinate with engineers and consultants to ensure compliance with codes and sustainability standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in residential architecture with a strong portfolio.
• Registered with SACAP as a Professional Architect.
• Experience with multi-unit residential developments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design process for a range of residential projects, emphasizing sustainability and community integration.
• Develop innovative conceptual designs and master plans for new housing developments.
• Manage project teams, guiding them through all design phases from inception to construction documentation.
• Engage directly with clients, understanding their needs and translating them into high-quality architectural solutions.
• Coordinate with engineers, landscape architects, and other consultants to ensure cohesive project development.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed construction drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainable standards.
• Mentor and develop junior architectural staff, fostering collaboration and design excellence.

Skills

Sustainable design

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Client management

Resilience

Team mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rendering software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an award-winning firm known for its commitment to sustainable and community-focused residential design, is seeking an experienced Lead Residential Architect to join their vibrant practice in Pietermaritzburg . This is a significant opportunity to shape innovative housing projects that prioritize environmental responsibility, resident well-being, and long‑term sustainability. You will lead design teams from concept ideation through to project completion, managing client relationships, consultant coordination, and ensuring the highest standards of design quality and technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sustainable building principles, passive design strategies, material innovation, and residential typologies. Our client is dedicated to creating beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious living spaces, and this role is central to their mission. You will work on diverse residential projects, including single-family homes, multi‑unit dwellings, and neighborhood developments. The successful applicant will be a creative visionary, an adept leader, and a passionate advocate for sustainable living, driving excellence in residential architecture within the Pietermaritzburg area and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design process for a range of residential projects, emphasizing sustainability and community integration.
• Develop innovative conceptual designs and master plans for new housing developments.
• Manage project teams, guiding them through all design phases from inception to construction documentation.
• Engage directly with clients, understanding their needs and translating them into high-quality architectural solutions.
• Coordinate with engineers, landscape architects, and other consultants to ensure cohesive project development.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed construction drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainable building standards.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies for potential residential projects.
• Mentor and develop junior architectural staff, fostering a collaborative and design‑driven environment.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in sustainable architecture, green building technologies, and residential design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in residential architecture, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in sustainable and community-focused design.
• Proven track record of leading design teams and managing residential projects of varying scales.
• In‑depth knowledge of sustainable design principles, green building certifications (e.g., EDGE), and passive design strategies.
• Proficiency in architectural design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client management skills.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and materials relevant to residential projects.
• Registered with SACAP as a Professional Architect.
• A passion for creating high-performance, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing living environments.
• Experience with multi‑unit residential developments is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflective of your leadership experience and expertise in sustainable design, along with comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development include specialized training in green building techniques, attendance at industry conferences, and involvement in award‑winning projects.
• Join a collaborative and passionate team dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy, and eco-friendly homes.
• This is more than just a job; it's a chance to build a better future through architecture.