Senior Sustainable Building Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Professional development

Global project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sustainable Building Architect to join a fully remote team. The role focuses on designing high-performance, environmentally conscious buildings across South Africa and internationally, with Cape Town-based supervision available as needed.

You will lead design strategies, model energy performance, and ensure certifications while guiding a dispersed team and collaborating with clients and consultants to deliver cutting-edge sustainable projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Sustainable Design.
• 8+ years of experience in architectural design with a focus on sustainable projects.
• Experience leading sustainable design strategies and managing certifications.
• Knowledge of building physics, passive design, renewable energy, and sustainable materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of sustainable architectural projects emphasizing energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Integrate green building technologies and ensure compliance with certifications (LEED, Green Star SA).
• Conduct LCAs and energy modeling to optimize performance.
• Collaborate remotely with project teams, consultants and clients for seamless execution.
• Prepare architectural drawings, specifications and technical reports for sustainable projects.
• Mentor junior architects and provide guidance on sustainable design principles.
• Stay updated on trends, regulations, and research in sustainable architecture.
• Present concepts and progress to clients through virtual platforms.
• Champion sustainable practices across the organization and industry.

Skills

Sustainable design

Building physics

Remote collaboration

Independent work

South African codes

Green Star/LEED knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Architecture (Sustainable Design)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

IES VE

Ecotect

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering architectural practice renowned for its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative design solutions. We are seeking a highly accomplished Senior Sustainable Building Architect to join our fully remote team. This role is ideal for a passionate professional dedicated to advancing green building technologies and principles. You will play a crucial role in designing and delivering high-performance, environmentally conscious buildings that minimize ecological impact while maximizing occupant well-being. Operating remotely from **Cape Town, Western Cape**, you will collaborate with a dispersed team of experts to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture. Your expertise will be vital in conceptualizing, designing, and overseeing the construction of cutting-edge sustainable projects across South Africa and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of sustainable architectural projects, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and material lifecycle assessment.
• Integrate advanced green building technologies and strategies into architectural designs, ensuring compliance with relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star SA).
• Conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) and energy modeling to optimize building performance.
• Collaborate closely with remote project teams, consultants, and clients to ensure seamless project execution.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and technical reports for sustainable building projects.
• Mentor junior architects and provide technical guidance on sustainable design principles and practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and regulations in sustainable architecture and construction.
• Present design concepts and project progress to clients and stakeholders through virtual platforms.
• Champion the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the organization and within the wider industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Sustainable Design, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in architectural design, with a significant focus on sustainable and green building projects.
• Proven experience in leading sustainable design strategies and managing certifications for commercial and residential buildings.
• In-depth knowledge of building physics, passive design strategies, renewable energy systems, and sustainable materials.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, AutoCAD) and specialized sustainability modeling tools (e.g., IES VE, Ecotect).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote teamwork.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of South African building codes and environmental regulations.
• Accreditation as a Green Star SA Accredited Professional or LEED AP is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting your expertise and contribution. As a fully remote position, you will benefit from the flexibility and work-life balance that remote work provides, eliminating the need for commuting. We provide a robust virtual collaboration platform, support for professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful, globally recognized sustainable projects. Join a team that is at the forefront of green architecture and contribute to a more sustainable future from the comfort of your home office in **Cape Town** or anywhere else.