Lead Heritage Architect

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to heritage projects

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Heritage Architect for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role encompasses leadership of conservation and restoration projects, guiding design teams and ensuring heritage values are preserved while integrating modern requirements.

The ideal candidate will have formal heritage training, SAIA registration, and extensive experience in historical buildings, materials, and conservation ethics. Hybrid work with on-site collaboration is offered.

Qualifications

• Masters in Architecture with heritage conservation specialization.
• Professional Architect registration (SAIA).
• Minimum 7 years in heritage architecture, conservation and restoration.
• Excellent research, reporting and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead assessment, planning and design for heritage projects.
• Conduct historical research and analysis of heritage buildings/sites.
• Develop conservation strategies, treatments and detailed drawings.
• Ensure compliance with national heritage legislation and guidelines.
• Manage project teams, consultants and contractors through project lifecycle.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, specifications and documentation for approvals.
• Advise on materials, repair techniques and adaptive reuse.
• Mentor junior architects and conservation specialists.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Heritage conservation

Education

Master's degree in Architecture with Heritage Conservation

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected architectural firm with a specialization in conservation and heritage architecture, is looking for a Lead Heritage Architect to join their dedicated team in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is crucial for projects involving the restoration, conservation, and adaptive reuse of historical buildings and sites. You will be responsible for leading architectural teams in the meticulous planning and execution of heritage projects, ensuring the preservation of cultural significance while incorporating modern functional requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of historical architectural styles, conservation techniques, and relevant legislation. Working in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the region's rich cultural heritage. This role demands a unique blend of historical sensitivity, technical expertise, and strong project management skills. We are seeking a passionate individual who can advocate for the value of heritage structures and deliver exceptional conservation outcomes. This position involves a hybrid work model, offering flexibility while ensuring essential on‑site collaboration and site visits are effectively managed. Join us in safeguarding and revitalizing historical assets for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment, planning, and design for heritage conservation and restoration projects.
• Conduct detailed historical research and analysis of heritage buildings and sites.
• Develop conservation strategies, treatment proposals, and detailed technical drawings.
• Ensure projects comply with national heritage legislation, guidelines, and best practices.
• Manage project teams, consultants, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Liaise with heritage authorities, clients, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, specifications, and documentation for heritage assessments and project approvals.
• Provide expert advice on material selection, repair techniques, and the adaptive reuse of heritage structures.
• Mentor junior architects and conservation specialists.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Heritage Conservation or a related field.
• Professional Architect registration with SAIA.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in heritage architecture, conservation, and restoration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historical building materials, construction techniques, and conservation ethics.
• Experience in working with heritage impact assessments and conservation management plans.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and documentation.
• Strong understanding of relevant South African heritage legislation and policies.
• Excellent research, analytical, and reporting skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• A passion for preserving architectural heritage and its cultural significance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on expertise and experience.
• Health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional development in heritage conservation.
• Exposure to unique and historically significant projects.
• A supportive team environment dedicated to heritage preservation.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**.