Senior Urban Designer & Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Urban Designer & Architect to bridge master planning and architectural design, shaping urban environments and public life.

The candidate will lead master plans, regeneration projects, and mixed-use developments with a focus on sustainable, contextually appropriate design and stakeholder engagement. A Master’s degree and 7–10 years’ experience are required, with SACAP registration desirable.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
• 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in urban design and/or architecture.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in master planning and urban regeneration.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of South African planning legislation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies and master plans for new developments and regeneration projects.
• Create detailed urban design guidelines and architectural frameworks.
• Translate urban design concepts into architectural designs for buildings and public spaces.
• Conduct site analysis, research, and feasibility studies for urban development projects.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Engage with stakeholders including government agencies, developers, and community representatives.
• Prepare high-quality visuals, presentations, and reports to communicate design proposals.
• Ensure designs adhere to sustainability principles and local planning policies.
• Mentor junior designers and architects; foster collaboration and creativity.
• Stay updated on international best practices and trends in urban design and architecture.

Skills

Urban Design

Architectural Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Leadership

SACAP

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a highly respected interdisciplinary design studio based in the picturesque city of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Senior Urban Designer & Architect. This multifaceted role requires a professional who can seamlessly bridge the gap between large-scale urban planning and detailed architectural design. You will be responsible for shaping the future of urban environments, leading the design of master plans, precinct developments, and mixed-use projects that are sustainable, livable, and contextually appropriate. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical grounding in urban design principles, combined with practical expertise in architectural design and implementation. You will collaborate with a diverse team of planners, landscape architects, and engineers, and engage with various stakeholders, including local authorities and community groups. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of dynamic urban spaces in Stellenbosch and the wider region, fostering innovative solutions for sustainable urban growth and enhancing the quality of public life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies and master plans for new developments and regeneration projects.
• Create detailed urban design guidelines and architectural frameworks.
• Translate urban design concepts into coherent architectural designs for individual buildings and public spaces.
• Conduct site analysis, research, and feasibility studies for urban development projects.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure integrated and holistic design solutions.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, and community representatives.
• Prepare high-quality visualisations, presentations, and reports to communicate design proposals.
• Ensure designs adhere to sustainability principles, local planning policies, and heritage considerations.
• Mentor junior urban designers and architects, fostering a collaborative and creative team environment.
• Stay abreast of international best practices and emerging trends in urban design and architecture.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in urban design and/or architecture.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in master planning, urban regeneration, and architectural design.
• Proficiency in urban design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Deep understanding of urban design theory, spatial planning, and placemaking principles.
• Excellent knowledge of South African planning legislation and development processes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and diverse project teams.
• SACAP registration is highly desirable, with strong urban planning credentials preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement contributions, and significant opportunities for professional development and growth. You will have the chance to work on high-profile urban development projects in the beautiful Stellenbosch, Western Cape region. This role provides a unique platform to influence urban landscapes and contribute to sustainable and vibrant city-making, within a supportive and award-winning design studio environment. We value collaboration, innovation, and the well-being of our team.