Architectural Concept Designer — Cape Vernacular Development

Architectural Concept Designers & Technologists — Cape Vernacular Development

South Africa | Project-Based Opportunities | Potential for Long-Term Collaboration

We are currently recruiting creative architectural team members for a large mixed-use development in South Africa, planned to comprise more than 4,000 units.

The architectural direction is Cape Vernacular, combining thoughtful floor plans, attractive roof forms and practical indoor–outdoor living.

We are looking for people who listen carefully, contribute original ideas and translate discussions and visual references into practical layouts and appealing exterior concepts.

Our immediate focus: 100+ design ideas and concepts

We require more than 100 distinct design ideas and concepts across the following house sizes, exploring both single- and double-storey options:

• 460 m²
• 480 m²
• 520 m²
• 540 m²

We want a broad selection of layouts and architectural approaches, exploring different room arrangements, roof forms, courtyards, entrances, balconies and outdoor living spaces while maintaining a consistent Cape Vernacular character.

Concepts will be developed and reviewed in agreed batches, with selected designs refined further.

How we will work

The process begins with floor plans, followed by quick exterior 3D views that allow us to assess the building’s appearance and provide feedback.

You should be comfortable working collaboratively—for example, retaining an approved layout while exploring alternative roof designs, adjusting the façade or improving the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The emphasis is on creative thinking, practical design, clear communication and efficient revisions.

The broader development

As the project progresses, opportunities will extend to:

• Apartment blocks containing 12 units, with individual unit sizes ranging from approximately 60 m² to 160 m².
• Freestanding homes of approximately 180 m², 240 m², 260 m², 600 m² and 1,450 m², as well as larger homes.
• Additional building types and sizes as the mixed-use development evolves.

We are building a team capable of supporting this variety and scale over time.

Your responsibilities

• Translate briefs, discussions and visual references into original residential concepts.
• Develop floor plans with dimensions, room labels and clear area schedules.
• Produce quick front, rear and elevated exterior 3D views.
• Explore Cape Vernacular roof forms, building proportions, façades and architectural details.
• Suggest improvements to layouts, circulation and use of space.
• Revise concepts collaboratively following feedback.
• Ensure exterior models accurately match the proposed floor plans.
• Supply organised, editable source files for future design development.

Skills and experience

• A strong residential concept-design portfolio.
• Experience with, or a demonstrated understanding of, Cape Vernacular architecture.
• Excellent listening, communication and creative problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Revit, Archicad or a compatible architectural modelling workflow.
• Understanding of South African residential construction and building requirements.
• Experience progressing concepts into technical drawings, municipal submissions and construction documentation.
• Apartment and large-development experience would be advantageous.

Initial scope and appointment

The current scope covers floor plans, exterior concepts and quick 3D design previews.

Detailed interior design, walkthrough videos and full construction documentation are not required at this stage. However, experience in these later stages is valuable so that concepts can be developed further by the appointed project team.

We intend to begin with one paid trial house concept, followed by agreed batches of work for successful team members.

Individual designers, architectural technologists and small architectural teams are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Please submit:

• Your CV or company profile.
• A relevant portfolio, including floor plans and matching exterior views from the same project.
• Relevant qualifications and professional registration status.
• Software used and editable file formats supplied.
• Your availability and potential start date.
• Your capacity to deliver concepts each month.
• Estimated turnaround time per concept.
• Proposed fees per concept or agreed batch.
• The number of revision rounds included.