Principal Architect - Urban Design Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Health insurance

Retirement annuity

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Architect with a focus on Urban Design to lead large-scale master planning projects and city revitalization efforts.

This senior role requires 12+ years of experience, proven design leadership, and the ability to engage with government authorities, developers, and communities to deliver sustainable urban futures. The position offers a competitive salary package and opportunities for professional development in a dynamic, award-winning practice.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning with a focus on Urban Design.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in architectural practice and urban design.
• Proven track record leading large-scale master planning and urban design projects.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning theories, sustainability, and SA legislation.
• Exceptional design leadership and graphic communication skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of complex urban planning and master planning projects.
• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, community stakeholders, and developers to build consensus.
• Develop sustainable urban design strategies addressing social, economic, and environmental goals.
• Prepare high-quality design proposals, master plans, and urban design frameworks.
• Ensure design compliance with planning regulations, zoning, and policy frameworks.
• Represent the firm in public consultations, presentations, and design review meetings.
• Conduct site analysis, context research, and feasibility studies for potential urban development projects.
• Oversee production of detailed design documentation and presentation materials.
• Stay abreast of global best practices and emerging trends in urban design and sustainable development.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Urban design expertise

Communication skills

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 prestigious and award-winning architectural and urban planning consultancy based in the heart of Pretoria, Gauteng , is seeking to appoint a visionary Principal Architect with a specialization in Urban Design. This senior leadership role is crucial in shaping the future of urban environments, leading the design and strategic development of large-scale master planning projects, city revitalization initiatives, and sustainable community developments. You will be instrumental in guiding project teams, engaging with stakeholders, and translating complex urban challenges into cohesive, implementable, and inspiring design solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of urban dynamics, socio-economic factors, and environmental considerations, coupled with exceptional design leadership and communication skills. This position demands a strategic thinker who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes and foster collaborative relationships with government bodies, developers, and community groups. Join a firm that is dedicated to creating impactful and sustainable urban legacies in Pretoria and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of complex urban planning and master planning projects.
• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, community stakeholders, and developers to understand needs and build consensus.
• Develop innovative and sustainable urban design strategies that address social, economic, and environmental goals.
• Prepare high-quality design proposals, master plans, and urban design frameworks.
• Ensure design compliance with relevant planning regulations, zoning ordinances, and policy frameworks.
• Represent the firm in public consultations, presentations, and design review meetings.
• Conduct site analysis, context research, and feasibility studies for potential urban development projects.
• Oversee the production of detailed design documentation and presentation materials.
• Stay abreast of global best practices and emerging trends in urban design and sustainable development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning, with a strong focus on Urban Design.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architectural practice and urban design, with a significant portion spent in leadership roles.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering large-scale master planning and urban design projects.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning theories, design principles, sustainability strategies, and relevant South African legislation.
• Exceptional design sensibility, creative vision, and graphic communication skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Proficiency in architectural design software, urban analysis tools, and presentation software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively.
• Experience in facilitating public participation processes and community engagement.
• Professional registration with a relevant South African body (e.g., SACAP) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, reflective of the seniority of this role, along with comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement annuity contribution, and opportunities for professional development and conference attendance.
• The role is based in a well-appointed office in Pretoria , offering a stimulating work environment.
• You will have the opportunity to work on flagship projects that will significantly shape the urban fabric of Gauteng and beyond, contributing to meaningful and sustainable urban futures.