Heritage Architect

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 482,000 - 964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Project-based contractor role

Eastern Cape office base

Heritage projects in historic settings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Heritage Architect for our client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will assess, conserve, and revitalise heritage structures, developing conservation plans and sensitive interventions that respect historical context and materials.

The role requires a Bachelor of Architecture with postgraduate specialization in Heritage Conservation and a minimum of 6 years in heritage architecture. Proficiency in AutoCAD and strong reporting skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Architecture with postgraduate specialization in Heritage Conservation.
• Minimum 6 years in heritage architecture and conservation.
• Deep knowledge of architectural history and conservation theory.
• Familiarity with SA heritage legislation (SAHRA).
• Proficiency in architectural drafting software (AutoCAD) and documentation tools.
• Excellent research and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct heritage assessments and site surveys of historic buildings and sites.
• Prepare detailed heritage reports, conservation management plans, and design proposals.
• Develop architectural drawings and specs for conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse.
• Liaise with heritage authorities and stakeholders for compliance.
• Research historical building techniques, materials, and styles.
• Provide expert advice on repair and maintenance of heritage fabric.
• Oversee site works to ensure adherence to conservation principles.
• Collaborate with archaeologists and material scientists.
• Contribute to the firm's heritage conservation expertise.
• Prepare submissions for heritage approvals and listings.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Site surveys

Conservation reports

AutoCAD

Documentation tools

Education

Bachelor of Architecture

Postgraduate Heritage Conservation

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist consultancy dedicated to the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, is seeking a highly qualified Heritage Architect. This crucial role involves assessing, conserving, and revitalizing heritage structures, ensuring their cultural significance is maintained while accommodating contemporary needs. You will be responsible for conducting heritage impact assessments, developing conservation plans, and designing interventions that are sensitive to historical context and materials. Based in the historically rich city of Port Elizabeth , you will work on a variety of projects, from significant public buildings to individual heritage homes, contributing to the cultural legacy of the Eastern Cape . We are looking for a meticulous and passionate architect with extensive knowledge of heritage conservation principles and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct heritage assessments and site surveys of historic buildings and sites.
• Prepare detailed heritage reports, conservation management plans, and design proposals for heritage projects.
• Develop architectural drawings and specifications for conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse projects.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, local councils, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with conservation guidelines and regulations.
• Research historical building techniques, materials, and architectural styles.
• Provide expert advice on the appropriate repair and maintenance of heritage fabric.
• Oversee site works to ensure adherence to conservation principles and specifications.
• Collaborate with other consultants, including archaeologists and material scientists.
• Contribute to the firm's expertise in heritage conservation and advocacy.
• Prepare submissions for heritage approvals and listings.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Architecture degree or equivalent, with postgraduate specialization in Heritage Conservation or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience specifically in heritage architecture and conservation.
• Deep knowledge of architectural history, building conservation theory, and practices.
• Familiarity with South African heritage legislation and the work of organizations like SAHRA.
• Proficiency in architectural drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD) and relevant documentation tools.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong understanding of traditional building materials and construction techniques.
• Experience in adaptive reuse and sensitive intervention design.
• Ability to work independently and manage project documentation effectively.
• Accreditation as a Heritage Professional by a recognized body is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a competitive hourly rate based on experience and expertise, paid on a regular basis.
• You will have the opportunity to work on unique and historically significant projects in and around Port Elizabeth .
• While this is a contractor role, it offers substantial project duration and professional engagement.
• The position is based in our Eastern Cape office, fostering collaboration with a team of conservation specialists.
• We value deep expertise and offer stimulating challenges for passionate heritage professionals.