Job Description

Department: Architecture & Design Services
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Reports To: Managing Partner / Chief Design Officer
Employment Type: Permanent
Purpose of the Role
The Associate | Architecture and Design Services Consultant is responsible for leading multiple architectural design projects from concept through to completion, ensuring delivery of exceptional design solutions that align with the company's creative vision, technical standards, and client objectives. The role demands a highly organized, detail-oriented professional capable of managing 8 or more complex design projects simultaneously, balancing design excellence with efficient project management, technical delivery, and client coordination.
This position requires strong leadership, design acumen, and technical expertise across all stages of the architectural process -- from feasibility and concept development to detailed documentation and on-site implementation.
Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture (MArch) or Master's in Architectural Technology (MTech).
• Minimum of 8 years post-qualification architectural experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Proven experience managing multiple complex projects concurrently.
• Strong understanding of architectural design, documentation, and delivery processes.
• On-site construction experience is essential.
• Hospitality design experience is advantageous.
• Project management experience (PMP, Prince2, or equivalent) is beneficial.
• South African citizen or eligible to work in South Africa.
• Must hold a valid passport and be willing to travel internationally as required.

Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership

• Lead and oversee a portfolio of 8 or more complex architectural projects, ensuring quality, creativity, and technical excellence throughout all phases.
• Manage design workflows, schedules, deliverables, and project budgets across multiple teams.
• Serve as the key point of contact between clients, consultants, and internal design teams.
• Drive the design vision, ensuring all outputs meet the company's brand and technical standards.

2. Design Management

• Guide concept development, schematic design, design development, and technical documentation stages.
• Provide creative direction and critical design feedback to ensure conceptual and aesthetic alignment.
• Conduct design reviews to uphold consistency, innovation, and adherence to project intent.
• Ensure that all designs comply with building codes, environmental standards, and sustainability practices.

3. Project Coordination & Delivery

• Oversee coordination with structural, MEP, and specialist consultants.
• Manage contractor relationships and oversee on-site implementation and quality assurance.
• Monitor project schedules and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Manage change control, risk mitigation, and issue resolution across projects.

4. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Supervise and mentor junior architects, technologists, and design staff.
• Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and technical excellence within the team.
• Support resource planning and workload allocation to optimize productivity.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and professional development guidance.

5. Client Engagement

• Engage directly with clients to understand design requirements, present concepts, and manage expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Represent the company's design ethos and values in all professional interactions.

Core Competencies

• Strong conceptual design and visualization skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• High level of technical proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Proven project leadership and team management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to manage high-pressure workloads and meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail with a focus on quality and delivery.

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a passion for experiential and sustainable design.
• Collaborative leader who inspires creativity and excellence.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.

Benefits

• Retirement: 5% Company RA contribution.
• Leave: 21 annual leave days (including 12 days during the December builders' break).
• Culture: Quarterly team socials and Friday afternoon teas for team connection.
• Work-life Balance: Early finish Fridays (2 pm knock-off, if work is completed).
• Hybrid Policy: 2 days remote work per week post 6-month probation.

Skills Required