Senior Sustainability Architect

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is representing an architectural practice in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal seeking a Senior Sustainability Architect. You will embed sustainable design principles across commercial and residential projects, guiding teams on energy performance and certification processes.

The role requires Green Star SA Accredited Professional status (or LEED AP), strong experience in energy modeling (IES VE, EnergyPlus) and LCAs, and a passion for environmental design within the South African

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related environmental field with sustainability focus.
• 6+ years in architectural practice focused on sustainability.
• Green Star SA Accredited Professional or LEED AP essential.
• Proficient in energy modeling software (IES VE, EnergyPlus) and LCA tools.
• Knowledge of SA environmental regulations and codes.

Responsibilities

• Embed sustainable design principles across projects from concept to construction.
• Lead green building certification processes (Green Star SA, LEED).
• Perform energy modeling and life cycle assessments.
• Advise design teams on passive design, renewables, water and waste strategies.
• Prepare sustainability reports for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with engineers and contractors.

Skills

Energy Modeling

LCA Analysis

Green Star SA Accreditation

Sustainability Advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related environmental field

Green Star SA Accredited Professional

Tools

IES VE

EnergyPlus

LCA Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural practice committed to environmental stewardship, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Sustainability Architect to join their growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role focuses on embedding sustainable design principles and practices across a wide range of projects, from commercial developments to residential complexes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star SA), energy modeling, sustainable materials, and resource efficiency. You will be responsible for advising design teams, conducting sustainability assessments, and leading initiatives to minimize environmental impact and enhance building performance. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in a key industrial and port city.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate sustainability principles and strategies into the early stages of architectural design across all projects.
• Lead the process for achieving green building certifications (e.g., Green Star SA, LEED) for projects.
• Perform energy modeling and analysis to optimize building performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) of building materials and systems.
• Advise project teams on sustainable design solutions, including passive design strategies, renewable energy integration, water conservation, and waste management.
• Develop and implement sustainability action plans for projects.
• Stay current with advancements in sustainable building technologies, materials, and policies.
• Prepare sustainability reports and present findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure the effective implementation of sustainable design measures.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base on sustainability and mentor junior staff.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a related environmental field, with a specialization in sustainability.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in architectural practice with a focus on sustainability.
• Accreditation as a Green Star SA Accredited Professional (or equivalent like LEED AP) is essential.
• Proficiency in energy modeling software (e.g., IES VE, EnergyPlus) and LCA tools.
• Strong knowledge of local building codes and South African environmental regulations.
• Experience with passive design strategies, natural ventilation, and daylighting analysis.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence design decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sustainability aspects of multiple projects concurrently.
• A passion for environmental design and a commitment to sustainable development practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and ample opportunities for professional growth, including funding for further certifications and training. This role provides the chance to work on impactful projects within the vibrant coastal region of Richards Bay and contribute meaningfully to a greener built environment. You will be part of a supportive and innovative team dedicated to sustainable architecture.