Principal Heritage Architect

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 101,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Retirement fund

Executive level package

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prestigious firm seeking a Principal Heritage Architect to lead heritag e conservation efforts in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role requires exceptional expertise in preservation, restoration, and integrating historic buildings into modern contexts.

You will guide major projects, mentor junior conservationists, and ensure compliance with applicable heritage legislation. A PrArch registered with SACAP and a minimum 15 years in architecture (10+ in heritage) are

Qualifications

• 15+ years of architecture experience
• 10+ years focused on heritage conservation/restoration
• Registered as PrArch with SACAP or equivalent
• National or international recognition in heritage architecture
• Knowledge of heritage legislation, conservation theory, and restoration techniques

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for heritage projects.
• Develop and implement conservation management plans for significant sites.
• Conduct historical research, assessments, and feasibility studies for restorations.
• Oversee design and documentation of interventions with minimal impact on heritage fabric.
• Manage large projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Engage with heritage authorities, stakeholders, and clients for regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior architects and conservation specialists.
• Advise on best practices in heritage conservation, materials, and technologies.
• Represent the firm in professional forums and contribute to the field.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Heritage conservation

Education

PrArch SACAP registration

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected firm dedicated to the preservation and adaptive reuse of historical structures, is seeking an eminent Principal Heritage Architect to lead their practice in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This senior role demands exceptional expertise in the conservation, restoration, and sensitive integration of heritage buildings into contemporary contexts. You will be responsible for leading major heritage projects, providing expert strategic advice, mentoring junior conservationists, and upholding the highest standards of heritage practice. The ideal candidate will be a recognized authority in heritage architecture, possess a deep understanding of conservation philosophy, materials science, and relevant legislation, and have a proven ability to manage complex, high-profile projects. This is a premier opportunity to make a significant contribution to heritage preservation in the Northern Cape and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expert technical direction for all heritage architectural projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive conservation management plans for significant heritage sites.
• Conduct detailed historical research, condition assessments, and feasibility studies for complex restoration projects.
• Oversee the design and documentation of sensitive interventions, ensuring minimal impact on heritage fabric.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and timelines for large-scale heritage conservation initiatives.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, stakeholders, and clients to ensure regulatory compliance and project success.
• Mentor and develop the skills of junior architects and conservation specialists within the practice.
• Advise on best practices in heritage conservation, materials, and technologies.
• Represent the firm in professional forums and contribute to the advancement of heritage conservation knowledge.

Requirements

• Professional Architect qualification (e.g., PrArch) registered with SACAP.
• A minimum of 15 years of extensive experience in architecture, with a minimum of 10 years dedicated exclusively to heritage conservation and restoration.
• Demonstrated national or international recognition as a leader in heritage architecture.
• In-depth knowledge of heritage legislation (national and international), conservation theory, and advanced restoration techniques.
• Expertise in diagnosing building pathologies and specifying appropriate conservation treatments.
• Proven experience in managing large, complex heritage projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with significant heritage projects in Kimberley or the Northern Cape is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant architectural and conservation software.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level remuneration package, including a substantial salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive private medical aid, and a generous retirement fund. You will be based in our well-appointed Kimberley office, working on projects of significant cultural importance to the Northern Cape region. The firm provides opportunities for continuous learning, research, and engagement with leading heritage organizations. This role offers unparalleled professional fulfillment for an architect passionate about safeguarding our architectural heritage.