Senior Sustainable Design Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Attendance at industry conferences

Green building projects in SA

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sustainable Design Architect in Bloemfontein to lead environmentally responsible building solutions across all project phases. You will guide design teams, run energy modeling, daylight analysis, and champion green technologies.

You will translate sustainability frameworks to practical designs, mentor junior staff, and contribute to business development while delivering cost-effective, aesthetically compelling outcomes for the Free State region.

Qualifications

• Registered SACAP Architect with B.Arch or M.Arch.
• 7+ years of architectural experience, with at least 3 years in sustainable design.
• Experience with Green Star SA or similar rating tools.
• Proficiency in Revit/AutoCAD and sustainability analysis tools.
• Strong communication, analytical and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of sustainable design across all phases of projects.
• Conduct energy modeling, daylight analysis, and other environmental simulations.
• Research and specify sustainable materials, technologies and systems.
• Advise on passive design, renewable energy, water conservation and waste reduction.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and regulators to meet sustainability targets.
• Develop sustainability reports and documentation for green building certifications (e.g., Green Star SA).
• Mentor junior staff and promote a culture of sustainability.
• Contribute to business development by highlighting the firm’s sustainable design expertise.
• Ensure sustainable design solutions are practical, cost-effective and aligned with project goals.

Skills

Energy modeling

Daylight analysis

Sustainable design

Life cycle assessment

Analytical skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch and SACAP registration

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

IES VE

eQUEST

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking architectural practice located in Bloemfontein , is seeking a dedicated Senior Sustainable Design Architect to lead their commitment to environmentally responsible and energy-efficient building solutions. This role is central to integrating sustainable design principles across all project phases, from conceptualization to construction, for a range of typologies. You will be responsible for guiding design teams, conducting environmental performance analyses, and championing innovative green building technologies and materials. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sustainability frameworks (e.g., Green Star SA, LEED), climate-responsive design strategies, and the ability to translate these into practical, cost-effective, and aesthetically compelling architectural solutions for projects in Free State and beyond. This is a significant opportunity to influence the built environment towards greater ecological responsibility within a respected firm that values innovation and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of sustainable design strategies into all phases of architectural projects.
• Conduct energy modeling, daylight analysis, and other environmental performance simulations.
• Research and specify sustainable materials, technologies, and systems.
• Advise design teams on best practices for passive design, renewable energy integration, water conservation, and waste reduction.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies to promote and achieve sustainability targets.
• Develop sustainability reports and documentation for green building certifications (e.g., Green Star SA).
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and innovations in sustainable architecture and green building technologies.
• Mentor junior staff and promote a culture of sustainability within the practice.
• Contribute to business development by highlighting the firm's expertise in sustainable design.
• Ensure that sustainable design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with project goals.

Requirements

• Professional Architect qualification (B.Arch or M.Arch) and registration with SACAP.
• A minimum of 7 years of architectural experience, with at least 3 years focused on sustainable design or green building projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with South African green building rating tools (e.g., Green Star SA SA) is essential.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and sustainable design analysis tools (e.g., IES VE, eQUEST, or similar).
• Strong understanding of building physics, climate-responsive design, and life cycle assessment principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex sustainability concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
• Experience in project management is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• Employees have access to excellent professional development opportunities, including specialized training courses in sustainable design and attendance at relevant industry conferences.
• You will have the chance to work on innovative projects contributing to a greener built environment in Bloemfontein and the Free State region.
• Enjoy a positive and collaborative work culture focused on pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture.
• Be part of a firm that is at the forefront of environmental design in South Africa.