Senior Commercial Architect

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid model

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a dynamic architectural firm in East London, Eastern Cape, seeking a Senior Commercial Architect.

You will lead design development for office, mixed-use, and retail projects, coordinate with clients and consultants, and oversee documentation, schedules, and budgets while mentoring junior staff. The role blends office collaboration with flexible remote work in a supportive, growth‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect qualification registered with SACAP.
• 8+ years post-qualification experience in commercial architecture.
• Proven experience managing office and mixed-use projects.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD and SketchUp.
• Strong knowledge of SA building codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and documentation for commercial projects from concept to completion.
• Coordinate with clients, developers and internal teams to define scope.
• Manage schedules, budgets and quality control through design and construction.
• Mentor junior architects and technicians.
• Review submittals and respond to RFIs during construction.
• Stay updated on codes and best practices for commercial architecture.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Client liaison

Mentoring

Education

Professional Architect qualification (PrArch) registered with SACAP

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing architectural firm located in the coastal city of East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a seasoned Senior Commercial Architect to join their collaborative team. This role is instrumental in the design and delivery of a wide range of commercial projects, including office buildings, mixed-use developments, and retail centers. You will lead design development, coordinate with consultants and clients, and ensure projects meet high standards of design excellence, functionality, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio of completed commercial projects, excellent technical skills, and a deep understanding of project lifecycle management. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant developments in East London and the broader Eastern Cape region.

• Lead architectural design and documentation for various commercial projects from concept to completion.
• Collaborate closely with clients, developers, and internal teams to define project scope and objectives.
• Coordinate with engineers, quantity surveyors, and other consultants to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.
• Conduct site analysis, feasibility studies, and programming for new commercial developments.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and ensure quality control throughout the design and construction phases.
• Review construction submittments and respond to requests for information during the construction phase.
• Mentor junior architects and technicians, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Stay updated on building codes, regulations, and industry best practices relevant to commercial architecture.

Requirements

• Professional Architect qualification (e.g., PrArch) registered with SACAP.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience in architectural practice, with a strong focus on commercial projects.
• Proven experience in managing commercial architectural projects, including office buildings and mixed-use developments.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp).
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and construction methodologies in South Africa.
• Excellent project management, communication, and client liaison skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
• Experience working on projects within East London or the Eastern Cape province is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement savings plan.
• This role operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a blend of office-based collaboration and remote working flexibility.
• You will have the opportunity to work on impactful commercial developments in East London and contribute to the firm's reputation for excellence.
• Join a supportive and professional environment that encourages career growth and work-life balance.