Principal Architect

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Prestigious projects

Profit sharing

Development budget

Health & retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to lead major architectural projects and guide the strategic direction of the practice.

You will mentor junior staff, manage client relationships, and ensure delivery within quality, budget, and schedule constraints. A distinguished portfolio and SACAP-registered qualification are required.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect qualification and registration with SACAP.
• A minimum of 15 years of post-registration experience in architectural practice.
• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering complex, large-scale projects.
• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing exceptional design talent and project leadership.
• Expertise in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and visualization tools.
• Proven ability to manage project teams, client expectations, and project finances.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and South African building regulations.
• Strategic thinking and business development capabilities.
• Commitment to sustainable design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design development, and execution of major architectural projects.
• Provide expert technical and design guidance to project teams.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring adherence to quality, budget, and schedule constraints.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and architectural staff, promoting professional growth.
• Contribute to business development efforts and the acquisition of new projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, regulations, and professional standards.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, public presentations, and stakeholder consultations.
• Drive innovation in design and practice methodologies.
• Maintain a high level of technical expertise and stay abreast of industry advancements.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Communication

Presentation

Education

Professional Architect qualifications

SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious architectural firm with a national footprint, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Principal Architect to lead key projects and contribute to the strategic direction of the practice. This senior leadership role, based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, requires an individual with exceptional design acumen, strong project leadership capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of architectural practice management. You will be responsible for overseeing the design and delivery of complex, large-scale developments, mentoring junior staff, and fostering client relationships. The ideal candidate is a registered architect with a distinguished portfolio and a passion for pushing the boundaries of design innovation and sustainability. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the built environment, influence design trends, and lead a team of talented professionals within a highly respected organization. We are seeking a proactive leader committed to excellence in all facets of architectural practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design development, and execution of major architectural projects.
• Provide expert technical and design guidance to project teams.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring adherence to quality, budget, and schedule constraints.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and architectural staff, promoting professional growth.
• Contribute to business development efforts and the acquisition of new projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, regulations, and professional standards.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, public presentations, and stakeholder consultations.
• Drive innovation in design and practice methodologies.
• Maintain a high level of technical expertise and stay abreast of industry advancements.

Requirements

• Professional Architect qualification and registration with SACAP.
• A minimum of 15 years of post-registration experience in architectural practice.
• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering complex, large-scale projects.
• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing exceptional design talent and project leadership.
• Expertise in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and visualization tools.
• Proven ability to manage project teams, client expectations, and project finances.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and South African building regulations.
• Strategic thinking and business development capabilities.
• Commitment to sustainable design principles.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.
• Opportunity to lead prestigious and transformative architectural projects.
• Significant influence on design direction and firm strategy.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Generous professional development budget and opportunities for further specialization.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment that values innovation.