Senior Project Director – Historic Preservation | Perspectus

AIA Ohio; Kentucky; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

AIA Ohio is seeking a Senior Project Director with 15–20 years of experience in historic preservation to provide leadership in planning, design, and execution of projects. This role involves guiding technical approaches and managing construction phase services.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in conservation techniques and a proven record of delivering high-quality results on time and within budget. Compensation ranges from $100,000 to $130,000, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of professional experience in historic preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse.
• Ability to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Expertise in conservation techniques for masonry, stone, wood, and metal.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall project leadership for historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.
• Lead proposal development efforts including scope definition and fee coordination.
• Prepare strategic plans for project financial performance including budgeting and scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Technical writing

Communication

Masonry conservation

Project management

Education

Registered Architect

Tools

Revit

Job description

Perspectus seeks a Senior Project Director with 15–20 years of professional experience to join a dynamic, design-focused practice specializing in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic and existing structures. This role unites design leadership and technical expertise, guiding projects that thoughtfully integrate contemporary interventions within historic fabric.

The position requires a strong command of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, material conservation, and translating regulatory and technical requirements into cohesive, design-driven solutions. Leading projects from early investigation through construction, the Senior Project Director ensures a high level of architectural clarity, performance, and long-term resilience.

• Provide overall project leadership for the planning, design, and execution of historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects
• Lead proposal development efforts, including scope definition and fee coordination
• Prepare strategic plans for project financial performance, including budgeting, scheduling, and profitability
• Guide technical approaches to masonry, stone, wood, and metal conservation, including cleaning methodologies, repair vs. replacement criteria, and compatibility of treatment systems
• Direct existing conditions assessments, including destructive and non-destructive testing, materials sampling, and forensic investigation of historic fabric
• Supervise archival, historical, and technical research to inform design and treatment decisions
• Prepare and/or direct Historic Structure Reports (HSRs), conditions assessments, and preservation treatment documentation
• Direct and oversee the preparation of design and construction documents across all project phases
• Coordinate with external consultants, regulatory agencies, clients, and internal interdisciplinary teams
• Manage construction phase services, including field observations, site visits, and inspections

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Architect with 15–20 years of professional experience in historic preservation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and building envelope projects
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and applicable local, state, and federal regulatory frameworks
• Expertise in masonry, stone, wood, and metal conservation techniques
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities, including the application of building science to historic buildings
• Consistent record of delivering high-quality projects on schedule and within budget
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills
• Proficient in the use and management of projects developed in Revit

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and sound professional judgment
• Strong communication, negotiation, and coordination skills
• Results-oriented approach with a high standard of technical excellence
• Demonstrated commitment to the stewardship and preservation of historic architecture

Compensation: $100,000 – $130,000 with competitive benefit package

Perspectus is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, disability or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state or federal law. In addition to compliance with federal EEO statutes, Perspectus complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination.