Senior Building Architect - On-Site Focus

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Pension fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Building Architect to lead design development for major projects in Pretoria on-site. You will oversee concept through construction, guiding teams and ensuring quality, function, and aesthetics align with client goals.

A strong leader with deep regulatory knowledge and hands-on project lifecycle experience is essential to collaborate with managers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver landmark urban projects.

Qualifications

• Registration as Professional Architect (PrArch) with SACAP.
• Minimum 10 years post-registration experience.
• Proven track record delivering large building projects.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD or ArchiCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design from concept to construction documentation.
• Mentor junior architects and technicians.
• Coordinate with project managers to meet timelines and budgets.
• Interface with engineers, contractors and clients for integrated design.
• Inspect sites to ensure quality and conformity with design.
• Review shop drawings and material submittals for approvals.
• Engage with authorities to obtain approvals and permits.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and health and safety standards.
• Build relationships with contractors and consultants.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development of the department.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Architectural design

Revit

AutoCAD

ArchiCAD

Regulatory liaison

Education

Professional Architect registration (PrArch) with SACAP

10+ years post-registration experience

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

ArchiCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer renowned for its innovative urban projects, is seeking an accomplished Senior Building Architect to join their established team in Pretoria . This is an on-site position, integral to the hands-on management and design oversight of major construction projects. You will be responsible for leading architectural design development, ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle, from concept design through to completion and handover. You will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients to bring ambitious architectural visions to life. A strong understanding of local building regulations and construction methodologies is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design process for complex building projects, from initial concept to detailed construction documentation.
• Oversee and mentor junior architects and architectural technicians.
• Collaborate closely with project managers to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor construction quality and compliance with design specifications.
• Review and approve shop drawings and material submittals.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to present designs and obtain approvals.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant building codes, planning regulations, and health and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors and consultants.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and business development of the architectural department.

Requirements

• Professional Architect registration (PrArch) with SACAP.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-registration experience in architectural practice.
• Proven track record in managing and delivering significant building projects from inception to completion.
• Expertise in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD) and presentation tools.
• In-depth knowledge of South African building codes, planning laws, and construction contract administration.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in liaising with clients, authorities, and construction teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating design excellence and technical proficiency.
• Experience in the commercial or residential development sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• You will have the opportunity to work on landmark projects in the Pretoria region and contribute significantly to the built environment.
• Our client invests in the professional development of its employees, offering opportunities for continued learning and career advancement.
• Join a respected firm with a strong reputation for design excellence and project delivery.