Job Description

Senior Architect
Department: Architecture & Design Services
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Reports To: Associate | Architecture & Design Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Architect will lead the design, documentation, and delivery of complex, high-end architectural projects from concept through to completion. The role requires a highly skilled design professional with a deep understanding of technical coordination, project leadership, and client engagement.
This individual will oversee multiple projects within the hospitality and experiential design sectors, managing cross-disciplinary teams and ensuring creative excellence, technical accuracy, and on-time delivery across all project stages.
Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Master's in Architecture (MArch) or Master's in Architectural Technology (MTech).
• Minimum 5 years of relevant post-qualification experience within a professional architectural environment.
• Demonstrated project lead experience, including managing design teams and coordinating with consultants.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Revit, BIM workflows, and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Proven hospitality design and on-site project experience.
• South African citizen or eligible to work in South Africa.
• Must possess a valid passport and be willing to travel as required.

Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership

• Lead architectural projects from early concept design through detailed documentation to construction and completion.
• Manage multiple project timelines, deliverables, and budgets simultaneously.
• Oversee design teams to ensure that creative intent, technical quality, and client expectations are consistently met.
• Act as the primary liaison between clients, consultants, and internal design teams.
• Ensure all project work aligns with company standards, design philosophy, and best practices.

2. Design Development

• Drive the conceptual and schematic design process, ensuring innovative and contextually responsive solutions.
• Review and critique design proposals, models, and presentations for alignment with project objectives.
• Prepare and develop architectural drawings, 3D visualizations, and presentation materials.
• Maintain a strong awareness of global design trends, sustainability practices, and material innovation.

3. Technical Documentation & Coordination

• Oversee the production of detailed technical documentation and specifications.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant input (structural, MEP, landscape, etc.) to achieve cohesive project outcomes.
• Conduct quality control checks to ensure accuracy, compliance, and technical excellence.
• Participate in tender preparation and construction documentation review.

4. Site Coordination & Project Delivery

• Attend and lead site meetings, ensuring design integrity during implementation.
• Manage communication between contractors, consultants, and design teams.
• Conduct site inspections, identify challenges, and develop proactive solutions.
• Support the timely resolution of construction queries and variations.

5. Mentorship & Collaboration

• Guide and mentor junior architects, technologists, and design staff.
• Promote a collaborative, professional working culture across the project teams.
• Contribute to developing design standards, workflow improvements, and knowledge sharing within the studio.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and project management capability.
• Excellent design and conceptual development skills.
• Advanced technical proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Deep understanding of architectural detailing, materials, and construction methods.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and solutions-driven.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about architecture, experiential design, and innovative problem-solving.
• Collaborative and approachable leader with a hands-on work ethic.
• Organized, self-motivated, and committed to design excellence.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

• 5% Retirement Annuity (RA) Contribution.
• 21 Annual Leave Days, with 12 days allocated to the December builders' holiday.
• Quarterly Socials and Friday Tea for team connection and collaboration.
• Early Friday finish (2:00 PM) if weekly work is completed.
• Hybrid work model 2 days remote work per week after successful 6-month probation.

Skills Required