Senior Urban Design Architect

Placements24; Polokwane; Remote; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Performance bonuses

Healthcare benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Urban Design Architect to lead placemaking and development projects from a remote base with a strong focus on Polokwane, Limpopo. You will shape vibrant, sustainable urban environments and guide design teams through master planning and strategic development.

You will collaborate with city planners, developers, and communities, translate visions into architectural and urban design frameworks, and oversee analyses, policy guidance, and stakeholder engagement to

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in urban design and/or architectural practice, with a significant focus on large-scale urban projects.
• Proven track record in leading the design and delivery of complex urban regeneration, master planning, or new community developments.
• Expert knowledge of urban design principles, theories, and best practices.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino).
• Excellent graphic communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and development processes in South Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with public consultation and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of urban design frameworks, master plans, and strategic development strategies.
• Oversee and mentor urban design teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative design culture.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, developers, and community groups to build consensus and deliver project objectives.
• Develop high-quality visual and written materials to communicate design concepts and strategies.
• Conduct urban analysis, research best practices, and identify opportunities for innovation in urban design.
• Ensure designs promote sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and economic vitality.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client relationships effectively.
• Advise on planning policy and design guidelines.
• Liaise with architects and engineers to ensure seamless integration of architectural elements within the urban context.

Skills

Urban design principles

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Graphic communication

Facilitation

Public consultation

Planning legislation knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Rhino

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent urban planning and architecture consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Urban Design Architect to contribute to significant placemaking and development projects. This role, based remotely but with a strong focus on development within **Polokwane, Limpopo**, requires a visionary leader capable of shaping vibrant, sustainable, and contextually relevant urban environments. You will lead design teams, collaborate with city planners, developers, and community stakeholders, and translate strategic visions into tangible architectural and urban design frameworks. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban theory, sustainable urbanism, and participatory design processes, with a proven ability to deliver complex urban regeneration and new development projects. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence the future landscape of **Polokwane** and contribute to its sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of urban design frameworks, master plans, and strategic development strategies.
• Oversee and mentor urban design teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative design culture.
• Engage with clients, government authorities, developers, and community groups to build consensus and deliver project objectives.
• Develop high-quality visual and written materials to communicate design concepts and strategies.
• Conduct urban analysis, research best practices, and identify opportunities for innovation in urban design.
• Ensure designs promote sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and economic vitality.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client relationships effectively.
• Advise on planning policy and design guidelines.
• Liaise with architects and engineers to ensure seamless integration of architectural elements within the urban context.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in urban design and/or architectural practice, with a significant focus on large-scale urban projects.
• Proven track record in leading the design and delivery of complex urban regeneration, master planning, or new community developments.
• Expert knowledge of urban design principles, theories, and best practices.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino).
• Excellent graphic communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and development processes in **South Africa**.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with public consultation and stakeholder engagement is essential.
• Candidates must be based in **South Africa** and able to connect effectively with teams serving **Limpopo**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Remote work flexibility with opportunities for project site visits as needed.
• Performance bonuses and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
• Chance to shape significant urban developments in **Polokwane** and beyond.
• Dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.