Lead Urban Design Architect

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Design Architect for its Centurion studio to lead urban design master plans and complex city-scale projects, shaping sustainable, people-centered urban spaces.

You will manage design teams, supervise feasibility studies, engage diverse stakeholders, and ensure solutions respond to socio-economic, environmental and cultural contexts, while collaborating with landscape architects, planners and engineers. Travel within Gauteng will be required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in urban design and master planning.
• Proven experience leading design teams on complex urban development projects.
• Strong graphic communication skills with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite; Lumion is a plus.
• Familiar with South African urban planning policies and development processes.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal abilities; able to build consensus.
• Willing to travel within Gauteng for meetings and site visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead master plans and frameworks for multiple scales of development.
• Oversee design teams producing urban design presentations, graphics and reports.
• Conduct site analysis, context studies and feasibility assessments.
• Engage with clients, government bodies, communities and consultants.
• Ensure designs respond to socio-economic, environmental and cultural contexts.
• Collaborate with landscape architects, planners, civil and transportation engineers.
• Promote sustainable design principles and innovative urban planning strategies.
• Present proposals in public forums and client meetings.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources for urban design work.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects.

Skills

Leadership

Presentation

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design / Urban Planning / Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Lumion

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned architectural practice with a strong focus on urban regeneration and sustainable city planning, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Urban Design Architect to join their vibrant team in Centurion, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves shaping the future of urban environments through innovative design strategies and master planning. You will be responsible for leading design teams on significant urban development projects, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies through to detailed design development and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban planning principles, landscape architecture, transportation integration, and sustainable development practices. This position offers the chance to work on transformative projects that will leave a lasting legacy on the built environment. You will collaborate closely with city officials, developers, community groups, and other consultants to foster consensus and deliver designs that are contextually sensitive, socially equitable and economically viable. We are looking for a creative thinker with exceptional leadership qualities and a passion for creating dynamic, people-centered urban spaces. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to excellence in design execution. Join a practice that values collaboration, innovation and making a tangible positive impact on communities within Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of urban design master plans and frameworks for various scales of development.
• Oversee and guide design teams in producing high-quality urban design presentations, graphics, and reports.
• Conduct site analysis, context studies, and feasibility assessments for potential urban development projects.
• Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, government bodies, community representatives and consultants.
• Ensure designs respond to socio-economic, environmental and cultural contexts.
• Collaborate with landscape architects, urban planners, civil engineers and transportation planners to achieve integrated design solutions.
• Champion sustainable design principles and innovative urban planning strategies.
• Present design proposals and lead discussions in public forums and client meetings.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources for urban design components.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects within the team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in urban design and master planning, with a significant portfolio of completed projects.
• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing complex urban development projects.
• Exceptional graphic communication skills, including proficiency in software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and ideally Lumion or similar visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of urban planning legislation, policies and development processes in South Africa .
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Superior presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and build consensus.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Passion for sustainable urbanism and placemaking.
• Willingness to travel for project-related meetings and site visits within Gauteng .

Benefits

• Significant influence on impactful urban regeneration projects.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A highly collaborative and inspiring work environment.
• Pension fund and other retirement benefits.
• Potential for leadership growth within a respected firm.