Design Architect (Cape Town)

SVA International, one of Africa's leading architectural practices and a member of the GIBB Group of Companies, delivers innovative architectural solutions across the retail, mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, public sector and industrial sectors. Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to undertake some of the continent's most complex and exciting developments.

We are seeking an experienced and highly creative Design Architect to join our team. This role is suited to an individual with a passion for design excellence and a proven ability to lead the conceptual design and development of complex architectural projects from feasibility through to developed design.

We welcome your application if you believe you meet the requirements for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualisation and design development of complex architectural projects across a range of sectors.
• Produce architectural design and technical information across PROCSA Work Stages 1–4.
• Develop innovative architectural concepts that respond to client objectives, operational requirements, commercial viability and environmental considerations.
• Prepare and present design concepts, feasibility studies, masterplans and architectural proposals to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation and evaluation of design options and develop preferred concepts through schematic and developed design.
• Coordinate architectural design with multidisciplinary consultant teams and ensure the integration of engineering, sustainability and specialist requirements.
• Maintain design intent throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with architectural visualisers and graphic designers to produce high-quality presentation material.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the continued development of design capability within the studio.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders.
• Contribute to competitions, proposals and business development initiatives where required.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
• Professional registration with SACAP

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years' post-qualification experience in architectural design.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex architectural projects through feasibility, concept and developed design stages.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary design teams.
• Experience presenting architectural concepts to clients and facilitating design reviews.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Autodesk Revit skills, including conceptual massing, design options, schedules and documentation workflows.
• Strong working knowledge of SketchUp, Autodesk FormIt and Autodesk Forma.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign).
• Experience with visualisation software such as Twinmotion, Lumion or Enscape.
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and BIM 360.
• Good understanding of BIM processes and collaborative digital project delivery.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional conceptual design ability supported by a strong portfolio of completed projects.
• Demonstrated experience designing complex buildings across a range of sectors and scales.
• Strong understanding of architectural design principles, spatial planning, urban design and placemaking.
• Ability to balance creativity with technical feasibility, commercial objectives and buildability.
• Excellent presentation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and collaboration abilities.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to design excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced project environment.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for architecture and design excellence.
• Innovative thinker with strong creative problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptable, collaborative and proactive.
• Commercially aware with a client-focused approach.
• Committed to continuous learning and the adoption of new technologies and digital design tools.