Principal Healthcare Architect

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work flexibility

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Healthcare Architect to lead its healthcare design division in a fully remote, high-impact role. You will direct hospital, clinic and medical center projects, ensuring functionality, safety and patient care while coordinating with diverse stakeholders across large teams.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in architecture, with at least 7 in healthcare facilities, strong regulatory knowledge, and mastery of AutoCAD, Revit and BIM tools.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture with healthcare focus preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in architectural practice, 7+ years in healthcare design.
• Experience leading large hospital/clinic projects from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and strategic direction for healthcare projects.
• Oversee design teams, consultants, and healthcare planners to deliver projects.
• Engage with clients, hospital admins, and regulators to meet objectives.
• Manage scopes, budgets and schedules for large healthcare developments.
• Mentor junior staff and champion innovative patient-centered design.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Communication

Autodesk AutoCAD

Revit

BIM platforms

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Master's degree in healthcare architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international architectural firm with a strong presence in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a Principal Healthcare Architect to lead their specialized healthcare design division. This is a fully remote, high-impact position for an architect with extensive experience in designing complex healthcare facilities. You will be responsible for the strategic direction and execution of major hospital, clinic, and medical center projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of functionality, safety, and patient care. The role demands a visionary leader who can collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage large-scale projects, and contribute to innovative healthcare solutions in a remote-first setting. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of healthcare infrastructure and elevate patient experiences through thoughtful, cutting-edge architectural design.

Key Responsibilities

Provide senior architectural leadership and strategic direction for all healthcare projects. Lead the design process for complex healthcare facilities, ensuring compliance with medical planning principles, regulatory requirements, and international best practices. Oversee project teams, including junior architects, consultants, and specialist healthcare planners, to deliver exceptional results. Engage effectively with clients, hospital administrators, medical staff, and regulatory bodies to understand and meet project objectives. Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules for large-scale healthcare developments. Ensure the integration of best practices in infection control, patient flow, staff efficiency, and technological advancements within designs. Conduct site analyses, feasibility studies, and master planning for healthcare campuses. Review and approve architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents. Mentor and develop junior architectural staff within the healthcare sector. Champion innovation in healthcare design, exploring new materials, technologies, and approaches to patient-centered care environments.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture; Master's degree or specialized post-graduate qualification in healthcare architecture is highly preferred. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with at least 7 years exclusively focused on healthcare facility design. Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex, large-scale hospital and healthcare projects from concept to completion. Deep understanding of healthcare planning, medical equipment integration, and regulatory compliance (e.g., local health standards, JCI). Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms) and project management tools. Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and client management skills. Ability to work autonomously and effectively manage remote teams and stakeholders. Strong understanding of healthcare trends, patient safety protocols, and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead design teams. A strong portfolio showcasing significant contributions to major healthcare projects.

Benefits

• As a Principal Healthcare Architect with our client, you will receive a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal or beyond.
• You will have access to comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off.
• Our client is dedicated to your professional growth, offering opportunities for continued education, conference attendance, and leadership development.

Join a leading firm and make a tangible impact on healthcare delivery.