Principal Architect - Luxury Residential & Commercial

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Private healthcare

Retirement plan

Professional development

Bonuses

Leave allowance

Prestigious Sandton projects

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a distinguished Principal Architect to lead ultra-luxury residential and high-end commercial developments. You will drive the full architectural process from concept through delivery, ensuring unmatched finishes and international standards.

You will mentor junior staff, manage client relations, coordinate with interior designers and consultants, and oversee detailed drawings, site analyses, and tender documentation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in luxury residential & high-end commercial projects.
• Professional SACAP registration required.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-end design, detailing and project management.
• Experience working with VIP clients on complex, high-value projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and project management for ultra-luxury properties in Sandton.
• Develop sophisticated concepts aligned with exclusive client briefs.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle and ensure top-quality finishes.
• Collaborate with high-profile clients, interior designers, and consultants.
• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and tender docs.
• Conduct site analyses and ensure compliance with building regs.
• Procure consultants and manage contractors for seamless delivery.
• Maintain design innovation, materials excellence, and craftsmanship.
• Oversee construction quality and site supervision to match design intent.
• Mentor junior architectural staff on luxury projects.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or related design discipline

12+ years of extensive luxury residential/commercial experience

SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Lumion

Adobe Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished and highly experienced Principal Architect to lead high-end projects in Sandton, Gauteng , focusing on Luxury Residential and Commercial developments . This prestigious role requires an individual with exceptional design talent, impeccable taste, and a proven track record of delivering bespoke, luxurious properties that meet the highest international standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for the full architectural process, from initial client engagement and conceptual design through to project completion, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and superior quality finishes. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work on some of the most exclusive projects in Sandton and the surrounding affluent areas. We are seeking a visionary leader with strong client relationship skills, adept at translating sophisticated client aspirations into reality. The role demands a deep understanding of high-end materials, innovative construction techniques, and exclusive lifestyle requirements, coupled with robust project management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and project management for ultra-luxury residential properties (mansions, penthouses) and high-end commercial spaces in Sandton .
• Develop unique and sophisticated design concepts tailored to exclusive client briefs and premium market expectations.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, ensuring exceptional quality, aesthetic coherence, and functional excellence.
• Collaborate closely with high-profile clients, interior designers, landscape architects, and specialist consultants.
• Manage the preparation of highly detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Conduct rigorous site analysis, feasibility studies, and ensure compliance with all relevant building codes and planning regulations.
• Procure and manage specialist consultants and contractors, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Maintain the highest standards of design innovation, material selection, and craftsmanship.
• Oversee construction quality and site supervision to ensure adherence to design intent.
• Mentor junior architectural staff working on luxury projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related design discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience, with a significant portfolio dedicated to designing and delivering luxury residential and high-end commercial projects.
• Professional registration with SACAP or equivalent is mandatory.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-end architectural design, detailing, and project management.
• Proven experience working with VIP clients and managing complex, high-value projects.
• Expert proficiency in architectural software (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, Adobe Suite).
• An exceptional understanding of luxury finishes, materials, and bespoke detailing.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, negotiation, and client relationship management skills.
• Thorough knowledge of South African building regulations and planning processes applicable to high-end developments.
• A distinguished portfolio that exemplifies world-class luxury design.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary of per annum.
• Exceptional private healthcare and executive retirement plan.
• Unrivalled opportunities for professional development and high-profile project involvement.
• Generous performance-based bonuses and leave allowance.
• The chance to work on prestigious projects in the exclusive Sandton environment.
• A sophisticated and collaborative work culture focused on excellence.