Architectural Historian & Preservation Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Heritage projects in Soweto

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian and Preservation Specialist to join the team in Soweto, Gauteng. You will research, document, and advise on preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings within Soweto and surrounding areas.

Collaborating with architects, heritage bodies, and community stakeholders, you will ensure responsible stewardship of South Africa's architectural legacy while contributing to cultural heritage projects and professional development

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Architectural History, Conservation Studies, Architecture, or related field with heritage specialization.
• Minimum 7 years experience in architectural history, heritage consulting, or building conservation.
• Strong knowledge of South African heritage legislation, policies, and practices.
• Experience in heritage impact assessments and conservation management plans.
• Knowledge of historical architectural styles, materials, and traditional construction methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong report writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct historical research and documentation of significant architectural assets and heritage sites.
• Prepare heritage impact assessments and conservation management plans.
• Advise design teams on conservation techniques, materials, and methodologies.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, regulatory bodies, and community groups.
• Develop proposals for adaptive reuse and restoration of historic buildings.
• Ensure compliance with heritage legislation and policies.
• Contribute to the firm's expertise in heritage conservation and architectural history.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and educational materials on heritage architecture.
• Oversee condition assessments of heritage structures.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Report writing

Research methodologies

Historical documentation

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Architectural History, Conservation Studies, Architecture, or a related field with a specialization in heritage

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent architectural firm with a dedication to preserving and revitalizing historical structures, is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian and Preservation Specialist to join their team in **Soweto, Gauteng**. This critical role will involve researching, documenting, and advising on the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and sites within **Soweto** and the surrounding areas. You will collaborate closely with architects, heritage bodies, and community stakeholders to ensure the sensitive and responsible stewardship of South Africa's architectural legacy. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the cultural and historical landscape of **Soweto**.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct historical research and documentation of significant architectural assets and heritage sites.
• Prepare heritage impact assessments and conservation management plans.
• Advise design teams on appropriate conservation techniques, materials, and methodologies.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, regulatory bodies, and community groups.
• Develop proposals for the adaptive reuse and restoration of historic buildings.
• Ensure compliance with heritage legislation and policies.
• Contribute to the firm's expertise in heritage conservation and architectural history.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and educational materials on heritage architecture.
• Oversee condition assessments of heritage structures.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in Architectural History, Conservation Studies, Architecture, or a related field with a specialization in heritage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in architectural history, heritage consulting, or building conservation.
• Strong understanding of South African heritage legislation, policies, and practices.
• Proven experience in conducting heritage impact assessments and preparing conservation management plans.
• Knowledge of historical architectural styles, building materials, and traditional construction methods.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and historical documentation techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong report-writing capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with **Soweto**'s architectural heritage is a significant advantage.
• Professional affiliation with heritage organizations is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on significant heritage projects in **Soweto**.
• Be part of a firm that values historical preservation and cultural heritage.
• Professional development and specialized training opportunities.
• Collaborative work environment focused on cultural stewardship.
• Contribution to safeguarding South Africa's built heritage.