Remote Principal Sustainable Architect

Placements24; Centurion; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office setup support

Professional development

Medical and retirement benefits

Profit-sharing potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Sustainable Architect to lead green design across South Africa from a remote home office, steering environmental strategy and sustainable practice on diverse projects nationwide.

Expect oversight of LEED/Green Star certifications, energy modeling, embodied carbon reduction, and mentoring of junior staff, with a Master’s in Architecture, 12+ years’ experience, SACAP registration, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field.
• 12+ years of architectural design experience with sustainable focus.
• Experience obtaining LEED AP / Green Star certifications.
• Proficiency with sustainability assessment tools and energy modeling software.
• Strong leadership, communication and remote collaboration skills.
• Registered Architect with SACAP or equivalent.
• Experience developing firm-wide sustainability policies and strategies.
• Knowledge of embodied carbon and circular economy principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of sustainable design strategies for diverse projects.
• Provide guidance on green building principles, materials, energy modeling and resource efficiency.
• Oversee process for LEED/Green Star certifications.
• Collaborate with clients and teams to integrate sustainability from始 design.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses.
• Develop training materials and workshops on sustainable design.
• Stay updated on technologies, research, and regulations in sustainability.
• Manage budgets and timelines related to sustainability initiatives.
• Serve as a point of contact for sustainability inquiries and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior architects and sustainability consultants.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Environmental design

Communication

Energy modeling

Sustainability strategy

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Building performance software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an exceptional Principal Sustainable Architect to join their pioneering team on a fully remote basis. This role is critical for driving the firm's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable design practices across all its projects nationwide. As a Principal Architect, you will provide senior-level expertise, technical leadership, and strategic direction in the integration of sustainable principles into building design and construction. You will be responsible for developing innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and promote occupant well-being. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable architecture from your home office, influencing projects from conceptualization to completion. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader in sustainability, possess extensive experience in green building certifications, and be adept at managing complex projects remotely, fostering collaboration through digital platforms. This is a fully remote role, requiring strong self-discipline and excellent virtual communication skills, working primarily with our client's teams and project sites across South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sustainable design strategies and goals for diverse architectural projects.
• Provide expert guidance on green building principles, materials, energy modeling, and resource efficiency.
• Oversee and manage the process for achieving green building certifications such as LEED, Green Star, or equivalent.
• Collaborate with clients, design teams, and consultants to integrate sustainability from the earliest stages of design.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses for proposed developments.
• Develop and deliver training materials and workshops to educate internal teams and clients on sustainable design best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, research, and regulatory changes in sustainable architecture globally.
• Manage project budgets and timelines related to sustainability initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as a key point of contact for sustainability-related inquiries and discussions with stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and sustainability consultants in developing their expertise.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in architectural design with a specialized focus on sustainable design.
• Extensive knowledge and proven track record in obtaining major green building certifications (LEED AP, Green Star Accredited Professional preferred).
• Proficiency with sustainability assessment tools and building performance simulation software.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and remote collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously from a distance.
• Professional Architect registration with SACAP or equivalent international body.
• Experience in developing and implementing firm-wide sustainability policies and strategies.
• Strong understanding of embodied carbon, circular economy principles, and resilient design.
• Demonstrated ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package for a remote principal role.
• Significant autonomy and opportunity to shape the firm's sustainability agenda.
• Work from anywhere in South Africa, with flexible working hours.
• Exposure to innovative and high-impact sustainable architecture projects.
• Opportunities for continued professional development & leadership advancement.
• Support for home office setup and technology.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Performance-based incentives and profit-sharing potential.
• Direct contribution to creating a more sustainable built environment.
• A forward-thinking company culture that embraces remote work and environmental responsibility.