Architectural Designer at SAOTA

We are looking for a talented Architectural Designer with a strong design sensibility, excellent visual communication skills and a portfolio that demonstrates real conceptual ability. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about architecture, design development and translating ideas into beautifully resolved work across multiple project stages.

We are open to candidates with any relevant architectural qualification other than a Masters in Architecture, provided they can demonstrate strong design talent, sound architectural thinking and the ability to contribute meaningfully to project design and delivery.

This is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, highly creative and collaborative studio environment, contributing to high-quality projects while continuing to grow your technical, design and professional capability.

About the Role

As an Architectural Designer, you will contribute to the development and progression of project design through strong conceptual thinking, design resolution, presentation material and project documentation. The current role profile for both junior/mid and more experienced levels includes developing design solutions, producing drawings, 3D models, renders and presentations, and liaising with consultants, contractors and clients as part of a multidisciplinary environment.

You will work closely with project leaders and the broader team to help shape architectural solutions that are creative, considered and well executed. You should be comfortable engaging with design briefs, interpreting requirements, developing ideas and using a range of software and media to communicate and document your work.

What We’re Looking For

We are specifically looking for someone who is:

• Design-led and conceptually strong, with a portfolio that shows clear design thinking, spatial sensitivity and visual storytelling
• Able to develop and communicate ideas through drawings, models, renders, presentations and other design material
• Confident in contributing to design development, not just technical production
• Comfortable working across multiple stages of a project in a dynamic studio setting
• A strong communicator who works well with team leaders, colleagues, consultants and clients
• Methodical, proactive and able to work accurately under pressure while maintaining high standards; both profiles list attention to detail, accountability, professionalism and the ability to work in pressurised environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of architectural projects under the guidance of the project lead or team leader
• Interpret and understand the design brief and translate it into thoughtful architectural responses
• Produce high-quality drawings, 3D models, renders, presentations and related design documentation
• Participate in the preparation of material covering both presentation and contractual output, as reflected in both role profiles.
• Contribute ideas to the thinking and conceptual direction of projects
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and assist with coordination involving consultants, contractors and other stakeholders
• Stay current with architecture, design trends and technology
• Work within studio systems, standards and project documentation processes to support strong project delivery

Requirements

• Any relevant architectural qualification
• A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates design ability, conceptual thinking and visual communication
• Ability to use a variety of media and software in the development and documentation of design projects
• Ability to understand and formulate design decisions and present them for discussion
• Strong creative problem-solving ability; both profiles explicitly refer to creative problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational skills, accountability and attention to detail
• A professional, flexible and collaborative approach to working within a team environment

Advantageous

• Experience working on multi-disciplinary projects
• Ability to mentor or guide more junior team members, (for more experienced applicants)

What to Submit

• Your CV
• A portfolio that clearly shows your role in each project
• Examples of work that demonstrate your conceptual thinking, design development, visual communication and architectural judgement

We are particularly interested in applicants whose portfolios show more than technical execution, we want to see how you think, how you develop ideas and how you translate design intent into compelling architectural work.

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly creative studio where design quality, collaboration and professional growth are valued.