Principal Architect - Urban Design

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Hybrid work model

Leadership in urban development

Advanced tools & resources

Executive benefits & retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Architect (Urban Design) for a renowned architectural and urban planning firm in Sandton. You will shape strategy, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive major urban development programs with a strong focus on sustainability and community impact.

The role requires extensive leadership and a track record in large-scale projects, with a hybrid work setup and significant interaction with government and community stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning.
• 12–15 years of progressive urban design and master planning experience.
• Registration with SACAP or a recognized urban planning body.
• Experience leading large-scale urban development projects.
• Proficiency in design and visualization software.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design strategies and master plans.
• Oversee design processes for complex urban projects.
• Mentor teams of architects, urban planners, and landscape architects.
• Engage with clients, government agencies, and communities to gain approvals.
• Develop design proposals and feasibility studies.
• Ensure sustainability, innovation, and high design standards.
• Stay abreast of trends and contribute to firm growth.

Skills

Executive leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication & presentation

Negotiation

Team mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

GIS

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned and expansive architectural and urban planning firm with a significant presence in Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a visionary Principal Architect specializing in Urban Design. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping the strategic direction and execution of large-scale urban development projects, master plans, and civic spaces. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, foster innovation, and engage with key stakeholders, including government bodies and community groups. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of urban dynamics, sustainability, and community impact, driving the design of vibrant, resilient, and functional urban environments. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to influence the future of urban landscapes in Sandton and across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of comprehensive urban design strategies and master plans.
• Oversee the design process for complex urban projects, ensuring integration of architectural, landscape, infrastructure, and social considerations.
• Manage and mentor teams of architects, urban planners, and landscape architects.
• Engage with clients, government agencies, community representatives, and other stakeholders to build consensus and drive project approvals.
• Ensure designs respond to socio-economic, environmental, and cultural contexts.
• Develop and present compelling design proposals and feasibility studies.
• Uphold the highest standards of design excellence, innovation, and sustainability in all urban design endeavors.
• Stay abreast of global trends and best practices in urban design and planning.
• Contribute to business development and the firm’s strategic growth.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning with a specialization in Urban Design.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in architectural practice with a significant focus on urban design and master planning.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale urban development projects from concept to implementation.
• Expert knowledge of urban design principles, theories, and methodologies.
• Proficiency in relevant design and visualization software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and navigate regulatory environments.
• Experience within the Gauteng region and understanding of its unique urban challenges is highly desirable.
• Professional registration with SACAP or a recognized urban planning body.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including bonuses and profit sharing.
• Hybrid work model providing a flexible professional environment.
• Opportunity to lead transformative urban projects in Sandton and beyond.
• Shape the future of urban development and community planning.
• Access to advanced tools and resources for cutting-edge design.
• Comprehensive executive benefits and retirement plan.