Professional 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, industrial and public sectors. Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to successfully deliver some of Africa's most complex developments.

We are seeking an experienced Professional Architect to join our team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years' post-registration experience, a proven track record in the successful delivery of complex architectural projects, and extensive experience leading multidisciplinary project teams through the technical design, documentation and construction phases.

The role requires a highly competent project leader with extensive experience as a JBCC Principal Agent, capable of independently managing complex projects through PROCSA Stages 3–6 while maintaining exceptional technical quality, commercial awareness and client service.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of complex architectural projects through PROCSA Stages 3–6.
• Act as JBCC Principal Agent, administering the construction contract and managing project delivery through construction and close-out.
• Lead multidisciplinary consultant coordination, ensuring the seamless integration of architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, fire, wet services and specialist consultant information.
• Produce and oversee high-quality technical documentation and construction information.
• Manage project programmes, technical coordination, design development, documentation, contract administration and site delivery.
• Review and approve architectural documentation prepared by project teams, ensuring compliance with SVA quality standards.
• Manage RFIs, technical queries, contractor submissions, shop drawings, variation orders and contract instructions.
• Conduct regular site inspections, monitor construction quality and resolve technical and contractual matters.
• Lead project meetings and maintain effective communication with clients, contractors, consultants and authorities.
• Mentor and develop architects, technologists and candidate professionals within the studio.
• Support business development activities, proposals and client relationship management.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

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

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' post-registration experience.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large, complex architectural projects across multiple sectors.
• Extensive experience as JBCC Principal Agent.
• Strong experience leading multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Proven experience managing projects through PROCSA Stages 3–6.
• Retail, mixed-use or commercial project experience will be advantageous.

Technical Competencies

• Exceptional technical design and detailing skills.
• Thorough understanding of South African building regulations, SANS standards and statutory approval processes.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, contract administration and project delivery.
• Advanced Autodesk Revit skills, including model management, documentation, scheduling and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), BIM 360 and collaborative BIM workflows.
• Proficiency in SketchUp, Autodesk Forma, Adobe Creative Suite and visualisation software will be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of BIM coordination and digital project delivery.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and project financial management.
• Ability to mentor, coach and develop junior professionals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for technical excellence and the successful delivery of high-quality architectural projects.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Professional, accountable and client-focused, with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Resilient, adaptable and able to make sound decisions in complex and challenging project environments.
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple complex projects, competing deadlines and changing priorities within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to continuous learning, innovation and the adoption of new technologies and best practices to improve project delivery.