Principal Urban Design Architect

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive remuneration

Lead transformative urban projects

Generous leave and benefits

Medical aid and pension support

Professional development support

Prime Durban office location

Collaborative studio culture

Strategic influence on design方向

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Urban Design Architect in Durban to lead large-scale urban regeneration and master planning projects. You will guide teams, engage with stakeholders, and set design directions that balance aesthetics with social and environmental goals.

The role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in urban planning, landscape, and public realm design, with profound knowledge of SA planning contexts and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership role focused on urban design and master planning.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex, large-scale urban development projects from concept to implementation.
• Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles, design theories, and relevant legislation.
• Proficiency in urban design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS) and visualization tools.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working within the South African planning and development context is essential.
• Professional accreditation or membership in SACPLAN or PIA is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of urban design strategies and master plans for significant projects (Durban and beyond).
• Develop innovative design solutions addressing housing, transportation, and public spaces.
• Oversee the preparation of urban design guidelines, frameworks, and development control documents.
• Conduct site analysis, context studies, and feasibility assessments for proposals.
• Collaborate with government agencies, community groups, and private developers.
• Present design proposals to clients, public bodies, and at forums.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects within the practice.
• Ensure designs are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and economically viable.
• Stay updated on global best practices, trends, and legislation in urban design.
• Manage project deliverables, timelines, and client relationships.
• Champion placemaking integration in urban development.
• Contribute to thought leadership and business development in urban design.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned architectural practice based in the vibrant city of **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking a distinguished Principal Urban Design Architect. This senior leadership role is responsible for conceptualizing and guiding the development of large-scale urban regeneration projects, master planning initiatives, and community development schemes. You will be the driving force behind innovative urban design strategies that balance aesthetic vision with social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This position requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in urban planning, landscape architecture, and public realm design. You will engage with city officials, community stakeholders, developers, and design teams to shape the future of urban spaces. While the role is primarily office-based, occasional site visits and client meetings will be required. This is an unparalleled opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the urban fabric of **Durban** and beyond, contributing to the creation of dynamic, livable, and resilient cities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of urban design strategies and master plans for significant projects.


• Develop innovative design solutions that address complex urban challenges, including housing, transportation, and public spaces.


• Oversee the preparation of urban design guidelines, frameworks, and development control documents.


• Conduct site analysis, context studies, and feasibility assessments for urban development proposals.


• Collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private developers.


• Present design proposals and strategic recommendations to clients, public bodies, and at public forums.


• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and architects within the practice.


• Ensure designs are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and economically viable.


• Stay abreast of global best practices, emerging trends, and relevant legislation in urban design and planning.


• Manage project deliverables, timelines, and client relationships for urban design commissions.


• Champion the integration of placemaking principles into all aspects of urban development.


• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership and business development efforts in urban design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership role focused on urban design and master planning.


• Demonstrated success in leading complex, large-scale urban development projects from concept to implementation.


• Extensive knowledge of urban planning principles, design theories, and relevant legislation.


• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS) and visualization tools.


• Exceptional presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.


• Proven ability to build consensus and manage diverse stakeholder interests.


• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.


• Experience working within the South African planning and development context is essential.


• Professional accreditation or membership in relevant industry bodies (e.g., SACPLAN, PIA) is highly desirable.


• A strong portfolio showcasing significant urban design and master planning achievements.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.


• Opportunity to lead transformative urban projects.


• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits.


• Contribution towards medical aid and pension fund.


• Professional development support and opportunities for conference attendance.


• Prime office location in **Durban**.


• Dynamic and collaborative studio culture.


• Significant influence on the firm's urban design direction.