Lead Sustainable Design Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous annual leave

Professional development budget

Retirement savings plan

Home office equipment allowance

Virtual team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sustainable Design Architect for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will guide projects from concept to construction documentation, embedding sustainable design strategies and green building technologies throughout.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in Architecture with a Sustainable Design focus, SACAP registration, and 8+ years of experience, including leadership of sustainability integration on major projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with specialization in Sustainable Design.
• Registered Architect with SACAP.
• 8+ years in architectural practice with at least 4 years in sustainable design.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of sustainable design strategies for architectural projects.
• Integrate passive design, renewables, and resource-efficient materials into designs.
• Conduct energy modeling and environmental performance analysis for optimized building design.
• Oversee documentation for green building certifications (LEED, Green Star SA, etc.).
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and design teams to meet sustainability goals.
• Mentor junior architects and designers in sustainable design practices.

Skills

Energy modeling

Sustainable design

Green building rating systems

BREEAM

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Architecture (Sustainable Design)

Professional registration with SACAP

Tools

Revit

IES VE

EnergyPlus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected architectural practice committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, is seeking an experienced Lead Sustainable Design Architect. This role is fully remote, enabling you to contribute your expertise to innovative green building projects from anywhere. You will lead the integration of sustainable design principles and strategies across a diverse range of projects, from concept through to construction documentation. This position requires a deep understanding of green building technologies, materials, and certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star). The ideal candidate will be passionate about creating environmentally responsible and energy-efficient buildings and possess strong leadership and collaboration skills. This remote-first opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable architecture. We are looking for a visionary architect who can guide teams and clients towards achieving ambitious sustainability goals through innovative design solutions, all coordinated through effective digital communication platforms. Your leadership will be key in embedding sustainable practices into the core of every project undertaken by our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sustainable design strategies for architectural projects.
• Integrate passive design principles, renewable energy systems, and resource-efficient materials into project designs.
• Conduct energy modeling and environmental performance analysis to optimize building design.
• Oversee the preparation of documentation required for green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star SA).
• Collaborate closely with clients, project managers, and design teams to champion sustainability goals.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in sustainable building technologies, materials, and research.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers on sustainable design best practices.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and technical specifications related to sustainable design aspects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and building standards.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and meetings to educate and engage project stakeholders on sustainability initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Architecture or a related field, with a specialization in Sustainable Design or Environmental Architecture.
• Professional registration as an Architect with SACAP.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in architectural practice, with at least 4 years focused on sustainable design.
• Proven experience in leading sustainability integration on significant architectural projects.
• In-depth knowledge of green building rating systems (LEED, Green Star, BREEAM).
• Proficiency in energy modeling software (e.g., IES VE, EnergyPlus) and BIM tools (Revit).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership abilities and experience managing design teams.
• Familiarity with sustainable materials and construction techniques.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental advocacy and sustainable development.
• Must have a strong remote working setup and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary between and R per annum.
• Fully remote work arrangement providing maximum flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick days.
• Professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Opportunities to work on award-winning sustainable projects.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Allowance for home office equipment and internet costs.
• A collaborative and mission-driven virtual work culture.
• Company retreats and virtual team-building events.