Principal Conservation Architect

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health coverage

Generous retirement fund

Training and conferences in heritage

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Conservation Architect to lead the heritage conservation division, overseeing restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings in the Eastern Cape region. The role emphasizes strategic guidance, client advisory, and international-standard heritage practices.

The ideal candidate has a strong track record in conservation architecture, remote leadership experience, and the ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams across projects with rigorous budgets and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Conservation Architecture.
• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience with at least 10 years in heritage conservation and restoration.
• Proven ability to identify historical styles, materials and construction techniques.
• Experience managing complex heritage projects from assessment to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead conservation and restoration efforts for historical buildings and sites.
• Develop conservation management plans, heritage impact assessments and restoration methodologies.
• Provide expert advice on materials, techniques and finishes for heritage interventions.
• Oversee restoration and adaptive reuse projects ensuring authenticity and integrity.
• Collaborate with heritage authorities, archaeologists, historians and other specialists.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for conservation projects.
• Conduct research into historical building techniques relevant to the region.
• Mentor junior architects and heritage consultants remotely with strong remote collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with national and international heritage charters and guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Heritage conservation

Research & analysis

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Architecture (Conservation)

Tools

CAD software

Documentation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading heritage consultancy with a strong presence in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , is seeking an esteemed Principal Conservation Architect to lead their specialized conservation architecture division. This pivotal role requires an individual with profound expertise in the preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historical buildings and sites. You will be responsible for developing conservation strategies, overseeing restoration projects, and advising clients and stakeholders on best practices in heritage management. The ideal candidate possesses a meticulous eye for detail, a deep appreciation for architectural history, and a proven ability to manage complex conservation projects while adhering to international heritage standards and local regulations. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding of valuable cultural heritage in the Eastern Cape and beyond, working in a remote capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural conservation and restoration efforts for historical buildings and sites.
• Develop comprehensive conservation management plans, heritage impact assessments, and restoration methodologies.
• Provide expert advice on the selection of appropriate materials, techniques, and finishes for heritage interventions.
• Oversee the design and execution of restoration and adaptive reuse projects, ensuring authenticity and integrity.
• Collaborate with heritage authorities, archaeologists, historians, and other specialists.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for conservation projects.
• Conduct thorough research into historical building techniques and materials relevant to the region.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and heritage consultants in the principles of conservation architecture remotely.
• Ensure compliance with national and international heritage charters and guidelines, applicable to South Africa and the Eastern Cape.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Conservation Architecture or equivalent.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in architectural practice, with at least 10 years dedicated to heritage conservation and restoration.
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying historical architectural styles, materials, and construction techniques.
• Proven experience in managing complex heritage projects from assessment to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of heritage legislation, policies, and conservation best practices.
• Proficiency in architectural drawing and documentation software.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong remote collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to manage distributed teams effectively.
• Membership in professional conservation bodies is highly regarded.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptionally competitive salary package, reflective of the specialized expertise required for this senior role, along with comprehensive benefits including private health coverage, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for specialized training and conferences in heritage conservation. This position allows for a fully remote work arrangement, offering flexibility and work-life balance, while enabling you to impact significant heritage projects across the region from your own location.