Principal Educational Architect

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Educational Architect in Bloemfontein to lead the design direction for a broad portfolio of educational facilities, from early childhood centers to university campuses. You will guide design teams, engage with educators and communities, and ensure architectural excellence that supports effective learning.

The role requires a Master’s in Architecture, 12+ years of progressive experience in educational projects, and on-site commitment in Bloemfontein.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architecture with a strong portfolio in educational facilities.
• Proven experience leading major educational projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of educational planning, spatial programming for learning environments, and child development principles.
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design development for significant educational projects.
• Collaborate with educators, administrators, students, and community members to understand needs and aspirations.
• Develop innovative design solutions supporting diverse learning pedagogies and student engagement.
• Oversee technical development and documentation of educational facilities.
• Ensure designs comply with building codes, accessibility standards, and regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers on educational projects.
• Manage client relationships and lead presentations for educational institutions.
• Stay updated on global trends and research in educational architecture.

Skills

Leadership

Educational design

Pedagogical planning

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

BIM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned architectural firm recognized for its innovative educational facilities, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Educational Architect to join their team in Bloemfontein . This senior leadership position will involve guiding the design direction for a range of educational projects, from early childhood development centers to university campuses and research facilities. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of pedagogical principles, modern learning environments, and the unique spatial requirements of educational institutions. You will be responsible for leading design teams, engaging with educational stakeholders, and ensuring that projects are not only architecturally significant but also foster effective learning and community engagement. This is a premier opportunity to shape the future of education through thoughtful and inspiring architectural design in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role requires full-time, on-site commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design development for significant educational projects.
• Collaborate closely with educators, administrators, students, and community members to understand their needs and aspirations.
• Develop innovative design solutions that support diverse learning pedagogies and promote student engagement.
• Oversee the technical development and documentation of educational facilities.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant building codes, accessibility standards, and educational facility regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers working on educational projects.
• Manage client relationships and lead presentations for educational institutions.
• Stay abreast of global trends and research in educational architecture and learning environments.
• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership and strategic development in the education sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architecture, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in designing educational facilities.
• Proven experience leading major educational projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of educational planning, spatial programming for learning environments, and child development principles.
• Proficiency in advanced architectural design software, including Revit and AutoCAD.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and client management skills.
• Ability to translate complex programmatic requirements into compelling architectural designs.
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices applicable to educational settings.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Bloemfontein, Free State .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement benefits, and performance incentives. Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and the chance to work on high-profile, impactful projects. The firm fosters a collaborative and inspiring work culture. This is a key leadership role in Bloemfontein , offering the chance to leave a lasting legacy on educational infrastructure.