Website SAOTA
South African-based firm SAOTA is a studio of architectural designers and technicians including in-house CGI and marketing teams, as well as strong support staff. It is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye, and Logen Gordon who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their design. This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the execution of projects, has seen SAOTA become an internationally sought-after brand.
About the Role
In addition to project-based architectural duties, this individual will:
- Provide expert technical input across multiple projects, beyond their assigned ones
- Attend coordination meetings (internal and external) to resolve technical challenges
- Participate in key milestone workshops, offering technical critique and advice
- Review detail drawings before presentation/issue where needed
- Offer on-demand support to juniors and peers facing technical challenges
- Dedicate ±15–20% of their time to studio-wide technical initiatives, systems, and mentorship
- Contribute to developing internal resources like the Engineering Coordination Guide and LMS training materials for junior architects
Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Team Leaders on project coordination and program management
- Guide architectural development and be accountable for design outputs and deadlines
- Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors
- Demonstrate leadership by fostering open communication, maintaining team morale, and supporting professional development
Technical Expertise
- Display deep technical aptitude across all project phases, from documentation to construction
- Provide solutions aligned with regional regulations and building technologies
- Drive implementation and refinement of internal systems and workflows
- Engage with external suppliers to deepen product knowledge and enhance internal databases
- Guide and mentor team members in coordination, technical detailing, and system understanding
Design Contribution
- Interpret briefs and support project teams through full architectural services
- Produce design documentation, including drawings, 3D models, renders, videos, and presentations
- Maintain consistency and quality in design language and presentation
Studio & Systems Contribution
- Contribute to SAOTA’s internal knowledge-sharing platforms (e.g., Design Fridays)
- Lead and participate in the implementation of technical standards across the practice
- Ensure project folders and documentation adhere to company systems
- Train others on SAOTA systems and emerging technologies
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications & Experience:
- Architectural or Architectural Technologist qualification
- Minimum of 8 years’ post-qualification experience, including leadership roles
- At least 2 years of working on multidisciplinary projects (locally or internationally)
Essential Skills:
- High-level knowledge of Revit, Adobe Suite, Twinmotion, AutoCAD & Lumion
- Excellent technical and design problem-solving ability
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Calm under pressure and able to manage sensitive/confidential information
- Able to travel when required
- Confident in presenting and articulating design decisions