Principal Urban Design Architect

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay

Bonuses

Autonomy

Leading projects

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Principal Urban Design Architect to lead the design and strategic vision for large urban development projects, shaping cityscapes and public realm strategies in Gauteng.

You will mentor senior and junior designers, engage with government bodies and developers, and drive sustainable, context‑driven solutions across master plans and policy guidance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• At least 12 years in urban design/master planning with leadership experience.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale urban development.
• Strong portfolio of innovative, contextually appropriate design solutions.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite and visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and delivery of complex urban design projects, including master planning, precinct development, and public realm strategies.
• Develop innovative and sustainable urban design solutions that respond to social, economic, and environmental contexts.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and client relationships to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality design documentation, including master plans, design guidelines, and visualisations.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, and community groups, to build consensus and support for urban design proposals.
• Provide expert advice on urban policy, planning regulations, and design best practices.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform urban design strategies and interventions.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Represent the firm in public forums, conferences, and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Urban design

Master planning

Public realm

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design or related

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Lumion

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious international urban planning and architectural consultancy, is seeking an exceptional Principal Urban Design Architect to join their expanding practice in Pretoria. This senior position is responsible for leading the design and strategic vision for large-scale urban development projects, fostering sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities. You will play a key role in shaping cityscapes, influencing policy, and collaborating with government bodies, developers, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of design excellence, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities. This is a career-defining opportunity to influence the urban fabric of Gauteng and contribute to transformative city-building initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and delivery of complex urban design projects, including master planning, precinct development, and public realm strategies.
• Develop innovative and sustainable urban design solutions that respond to social, economic, and environmental contexts.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and client relationships to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality design documentation, including master plans, design guidelines, and visualisations.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, and community groups, to build consensus and support for urban design proposals.
• Provide expert advice on urban policy, planning regulations, and design best practices.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform urban design strategies and interventions.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Represent the firm in public forums, conferences, and client presentations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of professional experience in urban design and master planning, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering large-scale urban development projects.
• Exceptional design skills, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative and contextually appropriate urban design solutions.
• Proficiency in urban design software such as AutoCAD, GIS, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, and Lumion or similar visualisation tools.
• Excellent understanding of urban planning principles, sustainable development, public space design, and mobility strategies.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with public sector clients and navigating complex regulatory environments.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• The opportunity to lead prestigious and transformative urban development projects in Pretoria and across the region.
• Significant professional autonomy and influence in shaping urban environments.
• Access to global best practices and innovative urban design methodologies.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment fostering creativity and collaboration.