Lead Urban Architect

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Fully remote role

Professional development

Exposure to international best pract

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Architect to drive the design vision for transformative urban regeneration projects. This remote-first role requires deep urban design expertise, sustainability focus, and the ability to lead large-scale master planning from concept to implementation.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in architecture with 5+ years in urban design, strong leadership, and a portfolio of impactful urban projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Design with focus on urban-scale projects.
• 10+ years of progressive architectural experience, 5+ years in urban design/master planning.
• Proven leadership in complex urban projects from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and development of designs for urban regeneration and new developments.
• Develop master plans and urban design frameworks integrating housing and public spaces.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, stakeholders, and agencies.
• Ensure designs meet sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity for Soweto.
• Produce design documentation: master plans, drawings, visualizations.
• Lead reviews and workshops; manage multi-disciplinary teams remotely.
• Stay abreast of global best practices in urban design and city development.
• Contribute to strategy, feasibility, and funding proposals.

Skills

Urban design

Project leadership

Sustainable development

Community engagement

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Design

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Grasshopper

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary urban development and regeneration firm, is seeking a highly experienced and creative Lead Urban Architect to drive the design vision for transformative projects. While the company has a strong presence in Soweto, Gauteng, this position is fully remote, enabling you to contribute from anywhere. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of urban design principles, sustainable development, community engagement, and the ability to lead complex, large-scale urban projects from concept to implementation. You will be instrumental in shaping vibrant, livable, and resilient urban spaces that respond to the unique social and environmental contexts of Soweto and beyond. This role requires exceptional leadership, design acumen, and a passion for creating meaningful impact through architecture and urban planning. The position is remote-first, emphasizing digital collaboration and independent work ethic.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of architectural designs for urban regeneration and new development projects.
• Develop master plans and urban design frameworks that integrate housing, public spaces, and amenities.
• Collaborate with urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, community stakeholders, and government agencies.
• Ensure designs adhere to principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity relevant to Soweto.
• Produce high-quality design documentation, including master plans, conceptual drawings, and visualizations.
• Lead design reviews and workshops, fostering a collaborative and innovative design process.
• Stay informed about global best practices in urban architecture and sustainable city development.
• Manage design consultants and ensure the coordination of multi-disciplinary project teams remotely.
• Advocate for design excellence and innovative solutions that enhance urban quality of life.
• Contribute to project strategy, feasibility studies, and funding proposals.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Design, with a strong emphasis on urban scale projects.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with at least 5 years focused on urban design and large-scale master planning.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex urban development projects from inception to completion.
• Advanced proficiency in architectural and urban design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of impactful urban design and architectural projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of urban planning policies, zoning regulations, and sustainable development frameworks.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a remote work environment.
• Experience engaging with diverse community groups and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of projects in Soweto, Gauteng or similar urban contexts is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience and leadership capabilities, along with performance-based incentives.
• This fully remote role provides exceptional flexibility and autonomy.
• You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking urban regeneration projects that will have a lasting positive impact on communities in Soweto.
• The firm provides opportunities for continuous professional development and exposure to international best practices.
• Join a passionate and mission-driven organization that is committed to creating sustainable and equitable urban futures.
• This is a chance to lead significant architectural initiatives and shape the urban fabric from your chosen location, contributing significantly to Gauteng's development.