Job Description

SVA International is a leading South African Architecture and Urban Design practice, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha. SVA operates extensively throughout the African continent, and is a member of the GIBB Group of companies.

As a Senior Design Architect, you will be responsible for leading and/or work in collaboration with a design team to produce innovative designs across a wide range of building typologies and environments.

SVA International has favored a Contemporary approach to design with strong roots in the Modernist movement and continues to produce buildings of this aesthetic. Experience in a leading role during the design process and previous work in different market sectors and building typologies is essential. Our current work is being undertaken across the African continent, and as such, has diverse cultural impacts in the conceptualization of the various design products. The candidates experience of work outside of South Africa will be important factor in responding to these diversities. The candidate will require knowledge and understanding of working with international client- and operator brand standards as necessary for the detail execution of these designs.

The below listed responsibilities and requirements will be assessed during the interview stages and will further be confirmed with the relevant professional references that you currently are or have reported to in your previously two positions.

Core Purpose

The candidate is required to be able to work in collaboration with a design team to produce designs in a broad spectrum of building types and property sectors. The candidate will be required to demonstrate design prowess through their individual portfolio. SVA International has a favoured contemporary approach to design with strong roots in the Modernist movement and continues to produce buildings of this aesthetic. Experience in a leading role during the design process as, as well as and previous work in different market sectors is essential. Our current work is being undertaken in South Africa and the rest of the continent, and as such, has diverse cultural impacts in the conceptualization of the various design products. Work experience in international projects will be useful but not essential. The candidate will be required to produce design and technical information during Stages 1-4 primarily. This position is based at our Johannesburg Studio.

Key Performance Areas

• Produce design and technical information across all the PROCSA Work Stages 1-4 and must display strong creativity in the conceptual design stages.
• Lead the preparation of designs options for cost feasibility studies and designs, prepare full architectural and interior architecture design concepts, and capable of leading the development of the design to the next stages of documentation.
• Creatively design, plan and conceptualize all aspects of assigned projects.
• Consolidate all architectural requirements and specifications, as well as input from other consultants.
• Effectively communicate design intent and concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Work closely with architectural visualizer(s) and graphic designers in preparation of design presentation material.
• Promote and nurture positive business relationships through effective communication.
• Prepare and maintain copies of completed architectural designs and drawings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Design, Architecture, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 4 years of experience as a design architect.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary design teams.

Person Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of design principles, trends, and best practices, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics and architectural presentations.
• Diligence and attention to detail is critical.
• Advanced Autodesk Revit User including good understanding of massing tools, scheduling, keynotes, design options and all other tools for the documentation of projects from preliminary feasibility studies to technical documentation.
• Proficient in design software and tools, SketchUp or FormIt, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Autodesk Forma, Autodesk FormIt, and quick visualization software such as Twinmotion, Lumion or Enscape will be an advantage.
• Minimum working knowledge of collaboration platforms BIM360 & ACC is a must.

Social and inter-personal

• Enthusiastic approach and passion for architectural design excellence and presentation of architectural projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, external consultants and clients.
• Capacity to work as part of a team.
• Adaptability to change and ability to think laterally.

GIBB