Junior Architectural Researcher

Cape Town Hybrid (Office / Work-from-home)

SAOTA-ARRCC is looking for a Junior Architectural Researcher to join our Resource Centre, a role for someone who genuinely loves architectural materials, systems, and emerging technologies, and who thrives on translating research into beautiful, buildable design decisions.

In this position, you'll support our Architectural Project Teams with project-based queries, contribute to the ongoing growth and curation of our physical and digital libraries, and help expand a trusted network of SAOTA-approved suppliers and manufacturers across key global regions.

Project & design-team research support

• Research current and emerging materials, technologies, and architectural systems in response to project enquiries and guidance from Resource Centre seniors.
• Develop inventive, suitable solutions by sourcing products and systems globally with initiative and strong judgment.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the SAOTA-ARRCC design aesthetic when proposing solutions.
• Provide measured guidance in your submissions, supported by technical insight and clear communication.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, responding efficiently to requests and shifting priorities.

Trend awareness & knowledge sharing

• Stay in touch with global architectural trends and surface relevant findings to project teams.
• Engage with leading international architectural publications and share informed recommendations.

Resource Centre library curation (physical & digital)

• Help curate and grow the SAOTA-ARRCC sample and information library through careful selection and refinement.
• Contribute to the continuous development of the physical library and improve the supporting information around products and systems.
• Apply excellent aesthetic judgment to ensure samples align with SAOTA-ARRCC standards and project needs.

Supplier & manufacturer network building

• Support the establishment of a SAOTA-approved network of suppliers/manufacturers in strategic world regions.
• Understand why region-specific specification matters (availability, performance, quality, and suitability).
• Meet with relevant specialists, manufacturers, and suppliers to obtain required information, acting as an ambassador for the Resource Centre and SAOTA-ARRCC.

• Architectural qualification (essential).
• Technical knowledge and experience specifying architectural materials.
• 3+ Years' experience
• Solid technical understanding of architectural elements/systems, limitations and possibilities.
• Strong ability to interpret instructions accurately and work within set criteria and document templates.
• Clear, ongoing communication with the Resource Centre Supervisor; impeccable spoken and written English.
• Able to work from home or in-office as required.
• Must have an uncapped minimum 20Mbps up/down internet line (required for all employees).

Advantageous

• Prior experience working with architectural libraries (advantageous).

• You bring a high degree of professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
• You're genuinely obsessed with materials, finishes, systems, and construction technologies and you can communicate your thinking clearly.
• You "work smart": you're efficient, resourceful, and can maintain a strong pace without sacrificing quality.
• You're outgoing and collaborative - architectural teams should feel heard, supported, and energized by interactions with you.
• You take ownership and can work unassisted when needed, reporting back with concise, focused updates.