Principal Conservation Architect

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Medical aid

Pension plan

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Conservation Architect for a senior leadership role focused on heritage conservation and adaptive reuse. The position requires leading complex projects, directing a conservation team, and providing expert guidance on historic materials and preservation strategies in the Eastern Cape.

The successful candidate will possess a Master’s in Architecture with heritage specialization, 15+ years of experience (10+ in conservation), and SACAP registration, with proven

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with heritage conservation specialization.
• 15+ years of professional experience, with 10+ in conservation architecture and heritage management.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• Experience working on East London/Eastern Cape heritage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects.
• Conduct historical research and fabric analysis.
• Develop conservation strategies and design proposals for heritage structures.
• Ensure adherence to national and international conservation principles and guidelines.
• Liaise with heritage bodies, provincial authorities, local municipalities, and heritage organizations.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring quality and integrity.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations for regulatory approvals and client briefings.
• Provide expert advice on conservation of historic architecture and materials.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client communication

Research & analysis

Conservation knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Architecture with heritage specialization

Tools

Architectural documentation software

Visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected architectural practice with a specialized focus on heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, is seeking a Principal Conservation Architect for their East London office. This senior position is crucial for leading projects that involve the sensitive restoration, conservation, and revitalization of historic buildings and sites across the Eastern Cape. The Principal Architect will be responsible for technical expertise, strategic planning, client liaison, and mentorship of a dedicated conservation team. This is a distinguished opportunity to profoundly impact the region's built heritage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and planning for complex heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects.
• Conduct thorough historical research, building fabric analysis, and heritage impact assessments.
• Develop detailed conservation strategies, treatment plans, and design proposals for heritage structures.
• Ensure strict adherence to national and international conservation principles and guidelines.
• Liaise effectively with heritage bodies, provincial authorities, local municipalities, and heritage organizations.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring quality and integrity throughout the process.
• Prepare high-quality reports, documentation, and presentations for regulatory approvals and client briefings.
• Provide expert advice on the conservation of historical architecture and materials.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent, with a clear specialization and significant post-graduate study in Heritage Conservation or Historic Preservation.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 10 years dedicated to conservation architecture and heritage management.
• Demonstrated expertise in the conservation and adaptive reuse of significant historical buildings.
• Extensive knowledge of South African heritage legislation, policies, and heritage resources.
• Proficiency in architectural documentation software and visualization tools.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills related to historic structures.
• Strong leadership, project management, and client communication abilities.
• Registered Professional Architect with SACAP.
• Experience working with heritage sites and projects in East London and the Eastern Cape is essential.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with this senior role.
• The privilege of working on historically significant and culturally important projects in the Eastern Cape.
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth and leadership in the field of conservation.
• Comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and other employee benefits.
• A supportive and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Contribute directly to the preservation of East London's unique heritage.