Principal Digital Architect

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 2,992,000 - 4,654,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Global health insurance

Stock option plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Digital Architect to lead global digital transformation in an architecture practice. This remote role focuses on AI, generative design, VR/AR, and data analytics to redefine design workflows and client value.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in architecture with 8+ years leading digital initiatives, exceptional leadership, and the ability to guide distributed teams across time zones.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Architecture, Computational Design, or related digital technology field.
• Experience: 12+ years in architecture with 8+ years in digital design or architectural technology leadership.
• Proven expertise in AI, ML, generative design, VR/AR, and data analytics in architecture.
• Experience developing and implementing digital strategies for large orgs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking; excellent leadership and communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital strategy for the architectural practice.
• Lead R&D into emerging digital tools and methodologies for architecture.
• Implement and manage AI-driven design tools, generative design platforms, and VR/AR visualization environments.
• Oversee data analytics integration into design for performance and decisions.
• Develop and maintain digital standards, workflows and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to drive digital innovation and adoption.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship in digital architecture.
• Identify opportunities for digital solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability and client value.
• Advise leadership on future technological directions.

Skills

AI

Machine learning

Generative design

VR/AR

Data analytics

Digital strategy

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Architecture/Computational Design

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary architectural consultancy with a global outlook, is seeking an exceptional Principal Digital Architect to spearhead their digital transformation initiatives. This role is entirely remote, offering the ultimate flexibility to collaborate with teams across various time zones. You will be responsible for defining and implementing the company's digital strategy, focusing on advanced technologies such as AI, VR/AR, generative design, and advanced data analytics within the architectural domain. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader in digital architecture, possess a strong understanding of architectural workflows, and have a proven track record of innovation and successful technology adoption. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of architectural practice from anywhere in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital strategy for the architectural practice, encompassing advanced technologies.
• Lead research and development into emerging digital tools and methodologies applicable to architecture.
• Implement and manage AI-driven design tools, generative design platforms, and VR/AR visualization environments.
• Oversee the integration of data analytics into the design process for performance optimization and decision-making.
• Develop and maintain digital standards, workflows, and best practices for the organization.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to drive digital innovation and adoption.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship in digital architecture and related fields.
• Identify opportunities for digital solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and client value.
• Stay at the forefront of digital innovation, advising leadership on future technological directions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Architecture, Computational Design, or a related digital technology field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architecture, with a substantial focus (8+ years) on digital design, computational design, or architectural technology leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI, machine learning, generative design, VR/AR, and advanced data analytics within an architectural context.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing digital strategies for large organizations.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and guide diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to various audiences.
• Experience working in a remote-first environment and managing distributed teams is essential.
• A portfolio showcasing innovative digital architecture projects is required.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary, comprehensive global health insurance, a generous stock option plan, and extensive professional development opportunities. As a fully remote position, you gain the freedom to work from your preferred location while contributing to cutting-edge architectural projects. This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a lasting impact on the evolution of architectural design through technology, truly revolutionizing how buildings are conceived and created worldwide.