Principal Architect - Urban Regeneration & Masterplanning

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Profit-sharing compensation

Impact on urban landscapes

International travel

Professional growth

Consulting network access

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Architect to lead transformative urban regeneration and masterplanning projects. This is a fully remote position enabling work from anywhere while delivering large-scale urban design visions.

You will collaborate with city planners, developers, and stakeholders to create sustainable, inclusive urban environments, manage teams and budgets, and present proposals to diverse audiences. A proven track record and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or Urban Planning required.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in architectural practice with masterplanning/urban design.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale urban regeneration projects.
• Strong portfolio of urban-scale masterplans and design frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead remote multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and delivery of large-scale urban regeneration and masterplanning projects.
• Set strategic design directions integrating sustainability, social, and economic objectives.
• Collaborate with clients, government bodies, communities, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop masterplans, design guidelines, and urban design frameworks.
• Present designs to stakeholders including public forums.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and timelines to ensure quality.
• Conduct research on urban trends and innovative design solutions.
• Represent the firm as a spokesperson for urban design expertise.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Remote team management

Urban design vision

Project governance

Education

Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related field

Tools

GIS software

3D visualization tools

Masterplanning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned architectural and urban design consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Architect to lead transformative urban regeneration and masterplanning projects. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while driving significant impact on city development. You will be at the forefront of shaping communities, envisioning and delivering large-scale masterplans that integrate sustainable principles, innovative urban design, and economic viability. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership capabilities and a proven track record in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from inception through to implementation. As a Principal Architect, you will collaborate with city planners, developers, stakeholders, and design teams to create resilient, vibrant, and inclusive urban environments. We are looking for a thought leader who can inspire teams, articulate a compelling design vision, and navigate the intricacies of urban development policy and practice. This is an unparalleled opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the urban fabric.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and implementation of large-scale urban regeneration and masterplanning projects.
• Formulate strategic design directions and ensure the integration of sustainable, social, and economic objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, government agencies, community groups, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop comprehensive masterplans, design guidelines, and urban design frameworks.
• Present design proposals and project visions to diverse stakeholders, including public forums and governmental bodies.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and timelines, ensuring high-quality design outcomes.
• Conduct research and analysis on urban trends, best practices, and innovative design solutions.
• Act as a key spokesperson and ambassador for the firm's urban design expertise.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with a strong specialization in masterplanning and urban design.
• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex urban regeneration projects.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a range of urban-scale projects and masterplans.
• Deep understanding of urban design theory, sustainable development principles, and public policy.
• Proficiency in masterplanning software, GIS, and 3D visualization tools.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage remote teams effectively.

Benefits

• Fully remote position with the freedom to work from anywhere.
• Highly competitive executive compensation package including profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Significant impact on shaping future urban landscapes.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Continuous professional growth and engagement with leading experts in urbanism.
• Access to a broad network of consultants and collaborators.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate personal and professional needs.