Principal Architect - Sustainable Housing Development

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect to lead the housing division in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role requires a visionary leader to design and deliver large-scale sustainable housing developments, integrating green building principles and affordable housing goals.

You will guide design direction, manage multi-disciplinary teams, and liaise with clients, government agencies, NGOs and communities to create environmentally responsible residential projects.

Qualifications

• Master of Architecture degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on housing development and sustainability.
• Proven track record in leading and delivering large-scale sustainable housing projects.
• Deep understanding of affordable housing challenges and innovative solutions.
• Expertise in sustainable design principles, green building technologies, and energy efficiency.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, AutoCAD) and BIM.
• Strong project management, leadership, and team coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Professional registration with SACAP is essential.
• A strong commitment to social housing and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and planning of sustainable housing developments, focusing on affordability and environmental performance.
• Develop innovative design strategies that incorporate passive design, renewable energy, and water-saving technologies.
• Manage project teams, including architects, technologists, and consultants, throughout the design and construction phases.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site analyses, and community consultations to inform design development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, housing standards, and sustainability certifications (e.g., EDGE, Green Star SA).
• Prepare comprehensive design documentation, specifications, and tender packages.
• Oversee construction administration, ensuring quality control and adherence to sustainable principles.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of advancements in sustainable building materials, technologies, and affordable housing models.
• Contribute to the firm's strategic goals and advocate for sustainable development practices.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team coordination

Communication

Education

Master of Architecture

SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

BIM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm dedicated to sustainable urban development and affordable housing solutions, is seeking a Principal Architect to lead their innovative housing division in Upington, Northern Cape . This senior role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in designing and delivering large-scale sustainable housing projects. You will be responsible for setting design direction, managing project teams, ensuring the integration of green building principles, and collaborating with stakeholders to create high-quality, environmentally responsible, and socially impactful residential developments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sustainable construction, low-cost housing strategies, community engagement, and project management, along with exceptional design and leadership skills. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in addressing housing needs while championing sustainable practices in a region undergoing development. You will guide the technical aspects of multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and planning of sustainable housing developments, focusing on affordability and environmental performance.
• Develop innovative design strategies that incorporate passive design, renewable energy, and water-saving technologies.
• Manage project teams, including architects, technologists, and consultants, throughout the design and construction phases.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site analyses, and community consultations to inform design development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, housing standards, and sustainability certifications (e.g., EDGE, Green Star SA).
• Prepare comprehensive design documentation, specifications, and tender packages.
• Oversee construction administration, ensuring quality control and adherence to sustainable principles.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of advancements in sustainable building materials, technologies, and affordable housing models.
• Contribute to the firm's strategic goals and advocate for sustainable development practices.

Requirements

• A Master of Architecture degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on housing development and sustainability.
• Proven track record in leading and delivering large-scale sustainable housing projects.
• Deep understanding of affordable housing challenges and innovative solutions.
• Expertise in sustainable design principles, green building technologies, and energy efficiency.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, AutoCAD) and BIM.
• Strong project management, leadership, and team coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Professional registration with SACAP is essential.
• A strong commitment to social housing and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for further professional development. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , offering a unique lifestyle and the chance to contribute to significant regional development. Our client fosters a collaborative and mission-driven work environment, providing a platform for impactful work and career progression. Join us in building sustainable communities and shaping the future of housing in South Africa.