Senior Architect - Modern Commercial and Public Buildings

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Retirement fund

Professional development

Medical aid

Leave benefits

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a prestigious architectural firm, seeks a Senior Architect to lead design for commercial, public, and institutional projects in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role focuses on concept through completion with a strong emphasis on design excellence and technical delivery.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in Architecture, SACAP registration, and at least eight years of progressive experience, with a robust portfolio in modern design and leadership of design teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive architectural experience with emphasis on commercial/public buildings.
• Proven experience leading design teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong portfolio in modern architectural design and execution.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and visualization tools.
• Registration with SACAP required.
• Experience with project budgeting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design initiatives for commercial, public, and institutional projects from inception through to final handover.
• Develop creative and practical design solutions that align with project briefs, client expectations, and site-specific contexts.
• Manage project teams, ensuring effective coordination of tasks, timelines, and design quality.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, engineers, and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prepare design presentations, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other relevant legislation in South Africa.
• Conduct site visits and construction administration to monitor progress and resolve design issues.
• Mentor junior architectural staff and foster a culture of design excellence and professional growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious architectural firm known for its contemporary design ethos and impactful public and commercial projects, is seeking a Senior Architect to enhance their team in **Bloemfontein, Free State**. This role is central to the design and delivery of innovative architectural solutions for a variety of building typologies, including commercial centers, educational institutions, and public facilities. You will be responsible for leading design teams, managing project phases from concept to completion, and ensuring the highest standards of design excellence and technical proficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a robust portfolio showcasing modern architectural design, a strong understanding of construction methodologies, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the built environment of **Bloemfontein** and the wider **Free State** region with impactful and aesthetically advanced structures. We are committed to pushing design boundaries and creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. If you are a highly motivated and experienced architect with a passion for modern design and project leadership, this role offers significant career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design initiatives for commercial, public, and institutional projects from inception through to final handover.
• Develop creative and practical design solutions that align with project briefs, client expectations, and site-specific contexts.
• Manage project teams, ensuring effective coordination of tasks, timelines, and design quality.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, engineers, and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prepare design presentations, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other relevant legislation in **South Africa**.
• Conduct site visits and construction administration to monitor progress and resolve design issues.
• Mentor junior architectural staff and foster a culture of design excellence and professional growth.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Architecture or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive architectural experience, with a significant emphasis on commercial and public buildings.
• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing complex architectural projects.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in modern architectural design and execution.
• Proficiency in architectural software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools.
• Excellent understanding of construction methods, materials, and building technologies.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional registration with SACAP is required.
• Experience with project budgeting and financial management is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and retirement fund contributions.
• Professional development is strongly encouraged through training programs and opportunities to attend industry events.
• You will work on significant and challenging projects that contribute to the urban fabric of **Bloemfontein**.
• We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment that values innovation and design integrity.
• Standard leave benefits and medical aid are provided.
• This role is based in our **Bloemfontein** office, offering direct engagement with local projects.