Principal Architect - Commercial & Retail

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,300,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect in Mossel Bay to lead the commercial and retail design portfolio. You will set design direction, manage client relationships, and guide project teams from inception to completion.

The role requires a strong track record in major commercial developments and a portfolio of notable retail designs. The ideal candidate will balance aesthetics with commercial viability, mentor staff, and expand the firm’s market presence in the Mossel Bay region and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional qualification.
• 10–12 years post-graduate experience with emphasis on commercial/retail architecture.
• Proven success in leading complex, large-scale commercial projects.
• Portfolio with award-winning or high-impact commercial/retail designs.
• SACAP registration is mandatory.
• Proficiency in architectural design software: Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and design development for major commercial and retail projects.
• Manage client engagements and align with business objectives.
• Oversee project teams ensuring high-quality design output and on-time delivery.
• Develop design solutions balancing aesthetics, function, and commercial viability.
• Ensure compliance with planning regulations, codes, and accessibility standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, developers, and contractors.
• Mentor junior staff and guide design teams.
• Lead design presentations and stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to business development and client expansion.
• Stay informed about market trends and retail design innovations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client communication

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading architectural and urban design consultancy based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Architect to lead their Commercial and Retail design portfolio. This senior leadership position requires a visionary architect with extensive experience in conceptualizing and delivering large-scale commercial developments, shopping centers, and high-street retail environments. You will be responsible for setting the design direction, managing client relationships, and overseeing project teams from inception through to completion. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to blend innovative design with commercial viability, ensuring projects are functional, aesthetically striking, and economically successful. You will play a key role in expanding the firm's market presence in the commercial sector, mentoring junior staff, and upholding the highest standards of design excellence and project delivery in the Mossel Bay region and beyond. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the retail and commercial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design development for major commercial and retail projects.
• Manage client engagements, build strong relationships, and understand their business objectives.
• Oversee project teams, ensuring high-quality design output and timely delivery.
• Develop innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and commercial requirements.
• Ensure projects comply with all relevant planning regulations, building codes, and accessibility standards.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, consultants, developers, and contractors.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and design staff, fostering their professional growth.
• Lead design presentations and stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to business development efforts and the expansion of the firm's client base.
• Stay informed about market trends, retail design innovations, and commercial development best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of post-graduate experience, with a significant emphasis on commercial and retail architecture.
• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex, large-scale commercial projects.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing award-winning or high-impact commercial/retail designs.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong understanding of retail planning, customer flow, branding integration, and tenant coordination.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and client communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and project risks.
• Strategic thinker with a strong business acumen and understanding of market dynamics.
• SACAP registration is mandatory.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund.
• This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional leadership, strategic influence, and career advancement within a prestigious firm located in beautiful Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• You will be instrumental in shaping iconic commercial and retail destinations, working in a collaborative and stimulating environment that values creativity and excellence.
• Excellent support for professional development and continuing education is provided.