Principal Architect - Sustainable Urban Housing

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation package

Health, wellness & retirement benefits

Professional development allowance

Career advancement opportunities

Opportunity to lead Upington projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect to lead sustainable urban housing projects in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role requires strong design leadership, long-term client relationships, and a proven ability to drive complex residential developments.

The candidate should have SACAP registration and a distinguished portfolio in sustainable design. The role offers executive-level responsibilities, opportunities to shape regional housing strategy, and a collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Registered professional architect with SACAP.
• Minimum 15 years in architectural practice.
• Strong track record in sustainable urban housing.
• Experience delivering multi-unit residential developments.
• Leadership and client management skills.
• Knowledge of Upington / Northern Cape context is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide design leadership for sustainable urban housing projects.
• Develop and champion sustainable design strategies and integrated solutions.
• Manage client relationships and ensure project satisfaction throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor design teams for high performance and collaboration.
• Oversee designs from concept to construction documentation.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, planning regulations and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and authorities to ensure project success.
• Conduct design reviews and quality assurance checks.

Skills

PrArch SACAP registration

15+ years experience

Sustainable urban housing

Leadership & team management

Client relationship management

Revit & AutoCAD proficiency

Urban planning knowledge

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Sustainability software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural practice renowned for its leadership in sustainable urban housing development, is seeking a Principal Architect to lead their innovative projects in Upington, Northern Cape . This senior role demands exceptional design leadership, a deep commitment to sustainability, and proven experience in managing complex multi-unit residential developments. You will be responsible for guiding design teams, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the highest standards of architectural excellence and environmental responsibility are met. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished portfolio showcasing impactful sustainable housing solutions and a strong understanding of urban planning and community integration. This is a prestigious opportunity to shape the future of sustainable living in the Northern Cape region, working on projects that are both architecturally significant and socially responsible. Our client offers a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and provides ample opportunities for professional influence and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall design leadership and direction for sustainable urban housing projects.
• Develop and champion innovative sustainable design strategies and integrated solutions.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee the development of architectural designs from concept through construction documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, planning regulations, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure project success.
• Conduct design reviews and quality assurance checks.
• Represent the firm in professional forums and contribute to thought leadership in sustainable design.
• Contribute to business development and securing new projects.

Requirements

• Professional Architect (PrArch) registration with SACAP.
• Minimum of 15 years of architectural experience, with a significant portion dedicated to leading the design of sustainable urban housing projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in sustainable design principles, green building technologies, and certifications.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex residential developments.
• Exceptional design sensibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and client relationship skills.
• Proficiency in advanced architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, sustainable design analysis tools).
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning, zoning, and housing policies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience within the Northern Cape province, particularly in residential development contexts like Upington , is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including salary and profit sharing.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional impact and career advancement.
• Lead influential and cutting-edge sustainable housing projects in Upington, Northern Cape .
• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Generous annual leave and professional development allowance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of urban living in the region.