Principal Architect - Commercial & Industrial

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

CPD funding

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, invites a seasoned Principal Architect to lead major commercial and industrial developments. You will oversee the entire architectural lifecycle from client brief to handover, delivering high-quality, sustainable designs and guiding project teams.

The role demands SACAP PrArch registration, 12+ years of experience, and strong leadership with a track record of complex deliveries.

Qualifications

• SACAP PrArch registration is required.
• Minimum 12 years post-qualification architectural experience.
• Proven leadership of large commercial/industrial projects.
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD and SketchUp.
• In-depth knowledge of SA building regulations and construction processes.
• Strong communication, client-relations and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of large-scale commercial and industrial projects.
• Engage with clients to capture vision and budget.
• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications and contract documents.
• Ensure compliance with codes, safety and environmental standards.
• Manage project teams and provide technical leadership.
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, contractors and authorities.
• Mentor junior team members and promote design excellence.
• Oversee tender preparation and evaluations.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies.
• Support project handover and client sign-off.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relations

Communication

Mentoring

Technical detailing

Education

SACAP PrArch registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

A prestigious architectural practice known for its groundbreaking work in Rustenburg, North West , seeks an experienced and visionary Principal Architect. This leadership role is ideal for an individual passionate about designing impactful commercial and industrial facilities. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire architectural lifecycle of major projects, from initial client consultations and conceptual design through to project completion and handover. The position demands exceptional design talent, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills to guide project teams and ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable architectural solutions. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the built environment in North West and contribute to the firm's legacy of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of large-scale commercial and industrial architectural projects.
• Engage with clients to understand their vision, requirements, and budgetary constraints.
• Develop innovative and functional design concepts, ensuring aesthetic coherence and technical viability.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Manage project teams, including junior architects, technologists, and draftspersons, providing technical and design leadership.
• Liaise with engineers, consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure seamless project execution.
• Conduct site analysis, feasibility studies, and project evaluations.
• Oversee the preparation of tender documents and participate in tender evaluations.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the architectural team, fostering a culture of design excellence.

Requirements

• Professional Architect (PrArch) registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
• A minimum of 12 years of post-qualification experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on commercial and industrial projects.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex, large-scale developments.
• Expert proficiency in architectural design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.
• Deep understanding of South African building regulations, planning laws, and construction processes.
• Exceptional design sensibility, creativity, and technical detailing skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and client relationship management abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in contract administration and construction supervision.
• Ability to mentor and develop a team of architects and designers.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Benefits include a comprehensive medical aid plan, a generous retirement fund, and extensive opportunities for professional development, including funding for CPD courses and conferences.
• You will work with a talented team on challenging projects in Rustenburg and beyond, with the flexibility of remote work arrangements.
• We are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture.