Senior Design Architect Local & International Architectural Firm

SENIOR DESIGN ARCHITECT

Location:

Johannesburg
Position:
Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date:

As soon as possible, ideally by January 2027

A leading architectural firm with an impressive portfolio of local and international projects is looking to appoint a talented and commercially minded Senior Design Architect to join its Johannesburg-based design team. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative architect who is passionate about large-scale commercial architecture and wants to play a key role in shaping innovative, practical and commercially viable developments.

The successful candidate will be involved primarily in concept design and design development, working closely with the Design Directors while taking ownership of projects and contributing to the growth and success of the design department. We are looking for someone who can balance strong creative thinking with a sound understanding of commercial realities, development requirements and project objectives. The ideal candidate will be confident in generating design concepts, translating ideas into well-developed architectural solutions and working efficiently under pressure to meet demanding deadlines.

Experience in retail, hospitality and mixed-use developments is particularly important, as the successful candidate will be working on exciting, large-scale projects across both local and international markets.

• Lead and contribute to the concept design and design development of large-scale architectural projects.
• Develop creative, innovative and commercially viable design solutions that respond to client briefs, project requirements and development constraints.
• Take ownership of design projects from initial concept through to design development, working closely with the Design Directors.
• Lead, coordinate and manage a design team, ensuring that projects progress efficiently and design standards are maintained.
• Work independently on design projects while collaborating with senior leadership and other project team members.
• Develop architectural concepts for retail, hospitality and mixed-use developments.
• Balance design quality and creativity with practical considerations, functionality, budgets and commercial objectives.
• Produce high-quality designs efficiently, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
• Prepare presentations and visual material to communicate design concepts effectively to clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the design department and support a culture of innovation, collaboration and professional growth.

• A recognised qualification in Architecture.
• Approximately 10 years or more of relevant architectural design experience, particularly in retail and hospitality projects.
• Strong experience in the design of mixed-use developments.
• A proven ability to develop concepts and take projects through the design development stage.
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing a design team, with the ability to work independently when required.
• Proficiency in Revit is essential.
• Strong conceptual design, creative thinking and architectural presentation skills.
• A sound understanding of commercial design principles and the practical considerations involved in large-scale developments.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• The ability to work collaboratively with Design Directors, colleagues and project stakeholders.

• Proficiency in Sketch Up and AutoCAD.
• Strong graphic design and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare professional marketing brochures and design presentations.
• Master planning experience.
• Exposure to international architectural projects and multidisciplinary design environments.

We are looking for a growth-minded architect who is ready to take ownership, contribute ideas and make a meaningful impact within an established design department. You should be creatively driven, commercially aware and genuinely interested in the challenges of designing successful retail, hospitality and mixed-use developments. You will be comfortable working at a fast pace, making informed design decisions and finding the right balance between ambitious architectural thinking and practical development requirements.

The ability to lead others, work independently and deliver strong design solutions under pressure will be essential. While the role is aimed at an experienced…