Senior Conservation Architect — Lead Heritage Restorations

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development

On-site position

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a heritage conservation consultancy in Nelspruit, seeks a Senior Conservation Architect to lead restoration, preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. You will guide projects, advise on materials and techniques, ensure compliance with heritage legislation and ICOMOS standards, mentor junior staff, and oversee field work across Nelspruit and Mpumalanga.

This on-site role offers a competitive salary package and opportunities to preserve culturally

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with specialization in Conservation/Heritage Studies.
• Minimum 8 years’ architectural practice focusing on heritage conservation and restoration.
• Proven portfolio of conservation projects.
• Deep knowledge of architectural history, materials, and traditional methods.
• Familiarity with heritage legislation, listing processes, and conservation planning.
• Proficiency in drawing and documentation software.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead conservation projects, including assessments, surveys and investigations.
• Develop conservation strategies, restoration plans and detailed specs.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards (ICOMOS).
• Liaise with heritage authorities, clients and contractors for project outcomes.
• Oversee conservation works, ensuring quality control and plans approval.
• Research and specify materials and traditional construction methods.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies and grant applications.
• Mentor junior architects and conservation specialists.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Research & analysis

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Conservation or Heritage Studies

Tools

CAD software

Documentation software

Job description

Placements24, on behalf of a heritage conservation consultancy in Nelspruit, seeks a Senior Conservation Architect to lead restoration, preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. You will guide projects, advise on materials and techniques, ensure compliance with heritage legislation and ICOMOS standards, mentor junior staff, and oversee field work across Nelspruit and Mpumalanga.

This on-site role offers a competitive salary package and opportunities to preserve culturally