Remote Architectural Design Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Bonus structure

Fully remote

High‑impact projects

Professional development

Global design influence

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Architectural Design Lead to shape design direction remotely for flagship projects across diverse locations including Upington. You will mentor designers, articulate concepts, and drive design excellence in a fully remote structure.

We expect a Master's in Architecture with 12+ years of experience and at least 5 years in leadership, plus strong skills in design software and remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with a strong portfolio showing leadership.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive architectural design experience; 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking and design articulation capabilities.
• Proficient in leading design software and visualization tools.
• Strong remote communication, collaboration and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual and schematic design phases for major projects.
• Develop design narratives and visual strategies for clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide a team of architectural designers for growth and high performance.
• Ensure design quality, innovation, and alignment with briefs and goals.
• Collaborate with technical teams to realize constructible design intent.
• Stay updated on global design trends and new materials.

Skills

Creative leadership

Remote leadership

Design articulation

Visualization tools

Team management

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an inspirational and accomplished Architectural Design Lead to guide their design vision from a remote capacity, influencing projects across diverse locations including Upington. This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to develop and articulate compelling design concepts, lead creative teams, and ensure design excellence throughout project lifecycles. You will be instrumental in setting design direction, mentoring designers, and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration within a fully remote structure. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape significant architectural works and lead design strategy with the freedom and flexibility of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and schematic design phases for major architectural projects.
• Develop and communicate design narratives and visual strategies to clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide a team of architectural designers, fostering creative growth and high performance.
• Ensure design quality, innovation, and adherence to client briefs and project goals.
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure design intent is translated into constructible solutions.
• Stay abreast of global design trends, materials, and technological advancements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture, with a strong portfolio demonstrating design leadership.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architectural design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking and design articulation skills.
• Proficiency in leading design software and visualization tools.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, urban design, and sustainability principles.
• Excellent remote communication, collaboration, and team management skills.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Fully remote working arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Significant impact on the design direction of flagship projects.
• Generous allowance for professional development and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to influence design standards and methodologies globally.