Principal Architect - Mixed-Use Developments

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leadership development budget

Generous annual leave

Prestigious work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a premier architectural firm in Randburg, Gauteng to recruit a Principal Architect. The role leads design strategies, oversees teams, and directs complex mixed-use developments from concept through completion.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years' experience, SAIA or international registration, and a strong portfolio demonstrating leadership, urban context insight, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years in architectural practice with leadership of large-scale mixed-use developments.
• Professional registration with SAIA or recognised international body.
• Proven track record delivering complex, high-profile mixed-use projects.
• Expertise in BIM (Revit), AutoCAD, and visualization tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in Gauteng, Randburg area preferred.
• Compelling portfolio of major mixed-use projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design strategy and execution for major mixed-use development projects.
• Oversee design teams through the project lifecycle, ensuring design integrity and quality.
• Engage with clients, developers, and stakeholders to define visions and requirements.
• Develop innovative and contextually relevant architectural concepts for complex urban sites.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and consultant coordination for large-scale developments.
• Present design proposals and updates to clients, review boards, and the public.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate architects.
• Conduct thorough site analysis and feasibility studies for potential developments.
• Foster a culture of design excellence, creativity, and collaboration within the practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Professional registration (SAIA or international)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier architectural firm with a strong reputation for designing innovative mixed-use developments, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Architect for their prestigious office in Randburg, Gauteng . This leadership role requires a visionary architect with extensive experience in managing complex, large-scale projects that integrate residential, commercial, and retail components. You will lead design teams, drive conceptual innovation, and ensure the seamless execution of projects from conception to completion, upholding the highest standards of design excellence and functionality. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional design leadership, project management capabilities, and a profound understanding of urban context and stakeholder engagement. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape significant urban landscapes in Randburg and contribute to the firm's continued success. Join a team of dedicated professionals at the forefront of architectural innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design strategy and execution for major mixed-use development projects.
• Oversee design teams throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring design integrity and quality.
• Engage directly with clients, developers, and stakeholders to define project visions and requirements.
• Develop innovative and contextually relevant architectural concepts for complex urban sites.
• Ensure projects comply with all relevant building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and consultant coordination for large-scale developments.
• Present design proposals and project updates to clients, review boards, and the public.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate architects.
• Conduct thorough site analysis and feasibility studies for potential developments.
• Foster a culture of design excellence, creativity, and collaboration within the practice.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 15 years of extensive experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on leading large-scale mixed-use developments.
• Professional registration with SAIA or a recognized international architectural body.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, high-profile mixed-use projects.
• Expertise in advanced architectural design software, including BIM (Revit), AutoCAD, and visualization tools.
• Deep understanding of urban planning principles, development economics, and real estate trends.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and public consultations.
• Experience working within the Gauteng province, particularly in the Randburg area, is highly preferred.
• A compelling portfolio showcasing a range of significant mixed-use projects.

Benefits

• A highly attractive executive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive executive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Significant opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in the firm.
• Generous annual leave and professional development budget.
• The opportunity to work on landmark projects in Randburg and contribute to shaping urban futures.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
• A stimulating and prestigious work environment.