Lead Conservation Architect

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 101,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Competitive package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Conservation Architect to join the Kimberley team, focusing on restoration, conservation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings in the heritage sector. The role demands expertise in traditional materials, conservation techniques, and heritage legislation to safeguard cultural assets.

The position is hybrid, enabling collaboration between the Kimberley office and remote work.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP.
• Minimum of 9 years in architectural practice with significant conservation/heritage experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
• In-depth knowledge of traditional materials, construction methods, and conservation techniques.
• Strong understanding of heritage legislation, policies, and assessment processes in South Africa.
• Proficiency in architectural design software and documentation.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with heritage bodies and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and office tasks.
• A portfolio showcasing significant heritage conservation projects is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and project management of heritage conservation and restoration projects.
• Conduct detailed surveys, condition assessments, and historical research on heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation strategies, treatment proposals, and detailed restoration plans.
• Specify appropriate materials and techniques for heritage conservation work.
• Ensure compliance with national and international heritage guidelines and South African heritage legislation (e.g., NHRA).
• Collaborate with heritage authorities, specialists, engineers, and contractors on conservation projects.
• Prepare heritage impact assessments and design statements for heritage proposals.
• Mentor junior architects and technicians involved in heritage projects.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations for conservation initiatives.
• Stay abreast of best practices, research, and innovations in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Project management

Historical research

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Professional Architect (SACAP registered)

Tools

Architectural design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected firm specializing in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, is seeking an accomplished Lead Conservation Architect to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This pivotal role involves leading projects focused on the restoration, conservation, and sensitive adaptation of historic buildings and cultural heritage sites. The Lead Conservation Architect will be responsible for applying specialized knowledge of materials, historical construction techniques, and heritage legislation to ensure the long-term preservation of valuable structures. This is a hybrid role, allowing for collaboration within the Kimberley office and flexible remote work. We are looking for an architect with a deep passion for heritage and a rigorous approach to conservation principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and project management of heritage conservation and restoration projects.
• Conduct detailed surveys, condition assessments, and historical research on heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation strategies, treatment proposals, and detailed restoration plans.
• Specify appropriate materials and techniques for heritage conservation work.
• Ensure compliance with national and international heritage guidelines and South African heritage legislation (e.g., NHRA).
• Collaborate with heritage authorities, specialists, engineers, and contractors on conservation projects.
• Prepare heritage impact assessments and design statements for heritage proposals.
• Mentor junior architects and technicians involved in heritage projects.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations for conservation initiatives.
• Stay abreast of best practices, research, and innovations in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse.

Requirements

• Professional Architect qualification registered with SACAP.
• A minimum of 9 years of architectural experience, with a significant portion dedicated to conservation architecture or heritage projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in the conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
• In-depth knowledge of traditional building materials, construction methods, and conservation techniques.
• Strong understanding of heritage legislation, policies, and assessment processes in South Africa.
• Proficiency in architectural design software and documentation.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience liaising with heritage bodies and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and office-based tasks.
• A portfolio showcasing significant heritage conservation projects is essential.
• Must be able to attend the Kimberley office as required by the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package reflecting expertise in heritage architecture.
• Opportunities to work on significant and culturally important projects.
• Hybrid work flexibility.
• Professional development and training in conservation techniques.