Principal Architect - Sustainable Design

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect with a strong Sustainable Design focus in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will lead the integration of eco-friendly strategies across complex projects, guiding teams from concept to construction and championing high-performance buildings.

The role demands a track record of sustainable outcomes, leadership of design studios, and expertise in sustainability frameworks alongside knowledge of SA building codes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related field with specialization in Sustainable Design.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• 10+ years post-graduate experience with award-winning sustainable/green projects.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks, certifications, and building performance tools.
• Proven leadership in managing design teams and projects.
• Excellent understanding of architectural design, construction technology, and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and integration of sustainable design strategies across all projects.
• Provide expert advice on green building certifications (LEED, Green Star SA).
• Oversee selection of sustainable materials and technologies.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimise building performance.
• Mentor architectural teams on sustainable design principles.
• Develop and deliver training on sustainable design to staff/clients.
• Stay abreast of trends, research, and technologies in sustainable architecture.
• Contribute to firm vision and marketing for sustainable design.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Research & analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or related field (Sustainable Design)

Registered Professional Architect (SACAP)

Tools

Energy modeling tools

Life cycle assessment (LCA) tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural practice based in the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Principal Architect with a strong specialization in Sustainable Design. This leadership role will involve guiding the firm's commitment to environmentally responsible architecture, overseeing the design and implementation of green building strategies across a diverse range of projects, including commercial, institutional, and high-end residential developments. You will be responsible for embedding sustainability principles into every stage of the design process, from conceptualization to construction. This is a unique opportunity to lead sustainable innovation within a respected practice and significantly contribute to a greener built environment in Mossel Bay and beyond. The firm is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly design and seeks a visionary leader to champion this cause. Your expertise will be crucial in developing strategies that minimize environmental impact while maximizing building performance and occupant well-being. We are looking for a thought leader with a passion for sustainability and a proven track record of delivering impactful green building projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and integration of sustainable design strategies across all projects.
• Provide expert advice on green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star SA).
• Oversee the selection of sustainable materials and technologies.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses for building designs.
• Collaborate with engineers and consultants to optimize building performance (energy, water, waste).
• Mentor and guide architectural teams on sustainable design principles and practices.
• Develop and deliver training on sustainable design to internal staff and potentially clients.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and technologies in sustainable architecture.
• Contribute to the firm's vision and marketing efforts related to sustainable design.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field with a specialization in Sustainable Design.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience, with a significant portfolio of award-winning sustainable or green building projects.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks, certifications, and building performance simulation tools.
• Proven leadership experience in managing design teams and projects.
• Excellent understanding of architectural design, construction technology, and materials.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African building codes and environmental regulations.
• Passion for environmental stewardship and innovation in the built environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, reflecting the seniority and specialized expertise of this role. This includes private medical insurance, a generous pension fund, and significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful sustainable projects in the beautiful region of Mossel Bay, Western Cape . The firm provides a stimulating work environment, a commitment to innovation, and the resources necessary to excel. This is a leadership position with the potential to shape the future of sustainable architecture within the practice and the community.