Careers
To view and apply for career opportunities at SAOTA,
please visit our careers portal.
Our Culture
At SAOTA, we attract and grow high-performing individuals who share our ethos of excellence, innovation, and curiosity. With over 300 team members, we operate in focused groups led by one of seven Principals and a dedicated management team. This structure fosters agility, collaboration, mentorship, and continuous skills development across the studio.
In Studio
Our Cape Town studio remains the heart of SAOTA. While we operate remotely, the studio offers flexible shared spaces, VR and Resource Centres, and a canteen that hosts monthly in-person socials. Hybrid training and workshops ensure inclusive access, and all staff receive IT equipment for seamless remote work. Global team members are integrated through virtual socials, regional meetups, and our annual CONNECT programme.
Career Development
SAOTA invests in talent through technical, leadership, and soft skills training. Our Training Curriculum and Competency Framework help guide career development and goal setting. Employees benefit from BUILD workshops, coaching, and leadership programmes. The BIM/CGI Department supports technical excellence, and staff are encouraged to present at internal forums and Toastmasters. Participation in EXCO units deepens operational insight and fosters leadership growth.
Mentorship
Mentorship is embedded in our culture. New staff are paired with buddies for support, while structured mentorship helps architectural staff on the path to registration. Our management team is committed to growth through on-the-job training, formal guidance, and regular feedback. This approach supports professional development at every career stage.
Exposure
With an international portfolio, SAOTA offers employees the chance to work globally and travel. Team members can extend work trips to explore regional architecture, with sponsored time from SAOTA. Administrative support ensures smooth travel. Our remote structure also allows for temporary work-from-abroad options, helping staff balance personal travel with professional responsibilities.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to increasing diversity within our teams, especially in leadership roles. While our staff reflect many cultures, languages, and regions, we are expanding representation through:
• Our Bursary Programme (87 awarded since 2012; 70% to PDIs)
• Mentorship for underrepresented high performers
• Fair, inclusive recruitment aligned with equity goals