Senior Conservation Architect - Heritage Projects

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Heritage conservation projects

Stellenbosch office location

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Conservation Architect for its Stellenbosch office. The role focuses on restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings within the Western Cape, requiring deep knowledge of NHRA and heritage policies.

You will lead complex conservation projects, coordinate with authorities and clients, and mentor junior staff while ensuring material authenticity and adherence to best practices on site.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with Conservation/Heritage specialization.
• SACAP registration and active practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead heritage conservation and restoration projects on-site and in design phases.
• Conduct assessments of historic buildings to identify significance and decay.
• Develop conservation plans, technical reports, and restoration specifications.
• Liaise with Heritage Western Cape and other authorities for approvals.
• Mentor junior staff and conservation specialists on best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder negotiation

Report writing

Mentoring

Project coordination

Education

Master's degree in Architecture (Conservation/Heritage)

SACAP registration

Tools

CAD

Documentation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected architectural practice with a strong specialization in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, is seeking a seasoned Senior Conservation Architect for their office in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on the sensitive restoration, preservation, and revitalization of historical buildings and sites. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional understanding of historical architecture, conservation principles, material science, and heritage legislation in South Africa. You will lead complex conservation projects, working closely with heritage authorities, specialist consultants, and clients to ensure the integrity and longevity of significant structures. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, a deep respect for history, and the ability to balance preservation with contemporary functional requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and project management for heritage conservation and restoration projects.
• Conduct thorough assessments of historic buildings, identifying significance, decay mechanisms, and appropriate conservation strategies.
• Develop detailed conservation plans, technical reports, and specifications for restoration works.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, including Heritage Western Cape and national heritage resources agencies, to obtain approvals.
• Oversee on-site conservation works, ensuring adherence to best practices and material authenticity.
• Advise clients on heritage implications, potential risks, and opportunities for adaptive reuse.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for complex heritage interventions.
• Mentor junior architects and conservation specialists in the field of heritage architecture.
• Research and document historical building techniques, materials, and architectural styles relevant to the Western Cape region.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field with a specialization in Conservation/Heritage.
• Professional registration with SACAP.
• A minimum of 8 years of dedicated experience in architectural conservation and heritage management.
• Demonstrated portfolio of successfully completed heritage projects (restoration, adaptive reuse).
• In-depth knowledge of conservation theory, historical building materials, and traditional construction techniques.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including CAD and potentially specialized documentation tools.
• Strong understanding of South African heritage legislation (NHRA) and provincial/municipal heritage policies.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead project teams on site in Stellenbosch .
• Experience with archaeological site liaison and traditional craftspeople is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to work on historically significant and culturally important projects.
• Gain unparalleled experience in heritage conservation within the rich context of the Western Cape .
• Work with a team dedicated to the preservation of South Africa's architectural heritage.
• Potential for extension based on project needs and performance.
• Contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of the region.