Lead Urban Planner and Design Architect

Placements24; Durban; Sur place; ZAR 1 200 000 - 2 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund

Annual performance bonus

Professional development opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Planner and Design Architect to spearhead high-impact urban regeneration and master planning projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive strategic planning, design excellence, and stakeholder collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring sustainable and people-centred urban outcomes.

The role calls for a senior professional with a proven track record, extensive project leadership experience, and strong South African urban development knowledge.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in urban planning and/or urban design with a strong portfolio.
• Experience leading complex urban planning and design projects, preferably in a South African context.
• Proficiency in GIS software, CAD tools, and 3D modeling/visualization tools.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation and communication skills.
• Professional registration with SACPLAN/SACAP is highly desirable.

Responsabilités

• Lead strategic planning and architectural design of large-scale urban development and regeneration projects.
• Develop master plans, urban design frameworks, and development guidelines.
• Conduct site analyses, feasibility studies and spatial impact assessments.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and public participation processes.
• Oversee design development, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior staff and manage project timelines and budgets.

Connaissances

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Communication

Formation

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

Outils

GIS software

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rhino

Lumion

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious architectural and urban design consultancy, is seeking an accomplished Lead Urban Planner and Design Architect to be based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior position requires a visionary professional with a proven track record in shaping transformative urban environments. You will be responsible for leading the planning and design of significant urban regeneration projects, community developments, and master plans that promote sustainability, livability, and economic vitality. The role involves extensive stakeholder engagement, including local authorities, community groups, and developers, to ensure a collaborative and integrated approach to urban development. You will guide design teams through all project phases, from initial concept development and feasibility studies to the creation of detailed design guidelines and implementation strategies. This is a critical role for an individual passionate about creating resilient and human-centered cities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and architectural design of large-scale urban development and regeneration projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas. Develop comprehensive master plans, urban design frameworks, and development guidelines that align with client objectives and community needs. Conduct site analyses, feasibility studies, and spatial impact assessments for proposed developments. Facilitate and manage stakeholder consultations, workshops, and public participation processes. Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, landscape architects, transport planners, and other consultants to ensure integrated design solutions. Prepare and present design proposals, reports, and policy recommendations to clients, government agencies, and the public. Oversee the design development process, ensuring adherence to quality, sustainability, and regulatory requirements. Mentor and guide junior planning and design staff, fostering professional growth within the team. Stay informed about urban planning policies, best practices, and emerging trends in sustainable urbanism and resilient city development.

Requirements

Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a closely related field. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in urban planning and/or urban design, with a strong portfolio of completed projects. Demonstrated experience in leading complex urban planning and design projects, preferably within a South African context. Expertise in land use planning, zoning regulations, environmental impact assessment, and urban design principles. Proficiency in GIS software, CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD), and 3D modeling/visualization software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion). Exceptional stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and communication skills. Proven ability to manage project teams, timelines, and budgets effectively. Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., SACPLAN, SACAP) is highly desirable. A deep understanding of social, economic, and environmental issues impacting urban development in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority of the role. Employees are provided with comprehensive private medical insurance, a robust retirement fund, annual performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. This position offers the chance to work on high-profile, impactful projects that will shape the future of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, working within a highly respected firm known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in urban design and planning.