Senior Conservation Architect

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Projects in Durban

Professional development

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Conservation Architect in Durban to lead heritage-focused restoration and adaptive reuse projects. You will oversee studies, plans, drawings, and reports while coordinating with heritage authorities and clients.

The role requires strong project management, SACAP registration, and a postgraduate specialization in conservation. Office-based with site visits to heritage sites in Durban and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP is essential.
• Degree in Architecture with postgraduate specialization in Conservation Architecture or Heritage Management.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in architectural practice focusing on heritage conservation.
• Proven experience in heritage restoration and adaptive reuse projects.
• In-depth knowledge of historical building typologies, materials, and traditional construction techniques relevant to South Africa.
• Familiarity with heritage legislation, policies, and assessment procedures.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit and documentation tools.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong project management and contract administration abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement.
• A deep passion for architectural heritage and its preservation.

Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed condition assessments and historical research for heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation plans, strategies, and proposals for the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage structures.
• Prepare high-quality architectural drawings, specifications, and reports for conservation projects.
• Liaise effectively with clients, heritage authorities (e.g., Amafa, SAHRA), and other stakeholders.
• Manage conservation projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to conservation principles, budgets, and timelines.
• Supervise and guide junior architects and technicians on conservation-related tasks.
• Provide expert advice on the selection of appropriate materials and methods for conservation and repair work.
• Ensure compliance with relevant heritage legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Conduct site inspections and provide contract administration for conservation projects.
• Contribute to the firm's expertise in heritage architecture and conservation.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Contract administration

Report writing

Communication

Conservation expertise

Heritage awareness

Education

Architecture degree

Postgraduate specialization in Conservation Architecture/Heritage Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role Our client, a respected architectural practice specializing in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, is looking for a dedicated Senior Conservation Architect to join their team in Durban . This role is crucial for safeguarding and revitalizing historical buildings and precincts, ensuring their longevity and cultural significance. You will lead projects focused on the sensitive restoration, conservation, and documentation of significant heritage structures. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of historical architectural styles, traditional building materials, and conservation techniques, combined with strong project management capabilities. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a passion for preserving architectural heritage for future generations. You will work closely with heritage councils, local authorities, and specialist consultants to achieve conservation goals. This role is primarily office-based with necessary site visits to heritage sites within the Durban and surrounding regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake detailed condition assessments and historical research for heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation plans, strategies, and proposals for the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage structures.
• Prepare high-quality architectural drawings, specifications, and reports for conservation projects.
• Liaise effectively with clients, heritage authorities (e.g., Amafa, SAHRA), and other stakeholders.
• Manage conservation projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to conservation principles, budgets, and timelines.
• Supervise and guide junior architects and technicians on conservation-related tasks.
• Provide expert advice on the selection of appropriate materials and methods for conservation and repair work.
• Ensure compliance with relevant heritage legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Conduct site inspections and provide contract administration for conservation projects.
• Contribute to the firm's expertise in heritage architecture and conservation.

Requirements

• Professional Architect registration with SACAP is essential.
• A degree in Architecture with postgraduate specialization in Conservation Architecture or Heritage Management.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on heritage conservation projects.
• Proven experience in the design and management of heritage restoration and adaptive reuse projects.
• In-depth knowledge of historical building typologies, materials, and traditional construction techniques relevant to South Africa.
• Familiarity with heritage legislation, policies, and assessment procedures.
• Proficiency in architectural drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and documentation tools.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong project management and contract administration abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement.
• A deep passion for architectural heritage and its preservation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with expertise and experience.
• The opportunity to work on culturally significant and historically rich projects in Durban .
• Be part of a dedicated team committed to architectural heritage preservation.
• Professional development opportunities in heritage conservation.
• Contribution towards medical aid and pension fund.
• Annual performance bonuses based on individual and company success.