Senior Urban Design Architect

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package and bonuses

Medical aid and provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Urban Design Architect to lead the design and planning of integrated, sustainable, and vibrant communities in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will guide master plans, precinct strategies, and public realm concepts, collaborating with architects, landscape architects, planners, and engineers.

You will manage complex projects, engage with stakeholders, and ensure alignment with planning policies while advocating inclusive urbanism and resilience.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP is required.
• A Master’s degree in Urban Design/Urban Planning or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 9 years of progressive experience in urban design, master planning, or related fields.
• Strong portfolio in urban master planning, precinct design, and public space creation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion and GIS tools.
• Solid knowledge of South African urban planning legislation and development processes.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead significant urban design projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and development frameworks.
• Create visualisations, concept designs, and design guidelines for urban projects.
• Analyse urban contexts, site conditions, and socio-economic factors to inform design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders.
• Present design proposals to clients, municipalities, and public forums.
• Ensure designs align with municipal spatial development frameworks and policies.
• Promote sustainable urbanism, resilience, and inclusive design.
• Manage project deliverables, timelines, and budgets for urban design components.
• Contribute to the growth and reputation of the urban design practice.

Skills

Urban design leadership

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Excellent communication

Education

Professional Architect registration with SACAP

Master's degree in Urban Design/Urban Planning

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rhino

Lumion

GIS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading urban development and architectural consultancy, is seeking a visionary Senior Urban Design Architect to join their established team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This critical role involves shaping the future urban landscape, focusing on the design and planning of integrated, sustainable, and vibrant communities. You will lead the conceptualization and development of urban master plans, precinct strategies, and public realm designs, working at the intersection of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of urban dynamics, placemaking, and the principles of creating people-centric environments. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to significant urban regeneration and development projects in the picturesque Mossel Bay, Western Cape, leaving a lasting legacy on the region's built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and development frameworks.
• Create compelling visualisations, concept designs, and design guidelines for urban projects.
• Analyse urban contexts, site conditions, and socio-economic factors to inform design.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including planners, landscape architects, engineers, and community stakeholders.
• Present design proposals and strategies to clients, municipalities, and public forums.
• Ensure designs align with municipal spatial development frameworks and relevant planning policies.
• Promote principles of sustainable urbanism, resilience, and inclusive design.
• Manage project deliverables, timelines, and budgets for urban design components.
• Contribute to the growth and reputation of the urban design practice.

Requirements

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP, or a relevant Master's degree in Urban Design/Urban Planning.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in urban design, architectural master planning, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in leading significant urban design projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in urban master planning, precinct design, and public space creation.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion) and GIS tools.
• In-depth knowledge of urban planning legislation, policies, and development processes in South Africa.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams and manage client relationships.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits scheme including medical aid and provident fund contributions. We are invested in your professional growth, providing access to continuous learning, professional development programs, and support for advanced studies or accreditations in urban design. This role is based in scenic Mossel Bay, Western Cape, offering a desirable coastal lifestyle and the chance to influence significant urban transformations. Join a team dedicated to creating meaningful and sustainable urban places.