Urban Design Architect - Inner-City Regeneration

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Pension contribution

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Professional memberships

International urban design forums

Job summary

Placements24 is representing a prominent urban planning and design consultancy in Bloemfontein, seeking an experienced Urban Design Architect to lead inner-city regeneration initiatives. The role focuses on master planning, public space design, and development frameworks, requiring collaboration with city officials, developers, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, SACAP registration, and a track record of leading major regeneration projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in urban design, master planning, and project leadership.
• Professional registration with SACAP or a relevant urban planning body.
• Portfolio demonstrating high-quality urban design and master planning work.
• Experience in Bloemfontein or similar regional city contexts is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban design strategies, master plans, and design guidelines for inner-city regeneration.
• Collaborate with government, developers, and community groups to build consensus.
• Create visual representations of concepts using CAD, 3D models, and visualizations.
• Conduct urban analysis on form, mobility, sustainability, and public space.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and planners for integrated solutions.
• Advise on planning policy, zoning, and development frameworks.
• Present to clients, public bodies, and community forums.
• Manage project teams and consultants to meet deadlines.
• Stay updated with global best practices in urban design.
• Contribute to firm reputation and business development in urban design.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Presentation

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Urban Design / Urban Planning / Architecture

Tools

CAD

GIS

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent urban planning and design consultancy, is seeking an experienced Urban Design Architect to lead transformative inner-city regeneration projects from their office in **Bloemfontein, Free State**. This senior role involves shaping the future urban fabric through visionary master planning, public space design, and strategic development frameworks. You will collaborate with city officials, developers, community stakeholders, and multidisciplinary design teams to create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of urban dynamics, a passion for place-making, and exceptional skills in conceptual design, master planning, and stakeholder engagement. This is a unique opportunity to leave a significant mark on the urban landscape of **Bloemfontein** and contribute to the revitalization of its core areas. Your leadership will guide the vision and execution of critical urban development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of urban design strategies, master plans, and design guidelines for inner-city regeneration projects.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, developers, and community groups, to foster consensus and achieve project goals.
• Create compelling visual representations of urban design concepts, including master plans, 3D models, and visualizations.
• Conduct urban analysis, identifying opportunities and challenges related to urban form, public space, mobility, and sustainability.
• Coordinate with architects, landscape architects, engineers, and planners to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Advise on planning policy, zoning regulations, and development frameworks to support urban design objectives.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to clients, public bodies, and community forums.
• Manage project teams and consultants, ensuring high-quality deliverables and project deadlines.
• Stay current with global best practices and innovative approaches in urban design and planning.
• Contribute to the firm's reputation and business development in urban design.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in urban design, master planning, and architectural project leadership.
• Professional registration with SACAP or a relevant urban planning body.
• Proven track record of leading significant urban regeneration or master planning projects.
• Exceptional skills in urban design software, including CAD, GIS, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of urban planning principles, public space design, sustainable urbanism, and heritage conservation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with municipal governments and understanding of **South African** planning legislation.
• Ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
• A portfolio showcasing high-quality urban design and master planning projects is essential.
• Experience within **Bloemfontein** or similar regional city contexts is highly valued.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including private health insurance, a generous pension contribution, and opportunities for continuous professional development. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the urban future of **Free State**'s capital city. We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment. Additional benefits include paid time off, professional memberships, and opportunities to attend international urban design forums.