Senior Heritage Architect

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave allowances

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Heritage Architect for our Stellenbosch practice. You will lead heritage conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse projects, coordinating with specialists and authorities.

Ideal candidate has 8+ years of SA heritage experience, SACAP registration, and strong skills in research, documentation, and stakeholder management. Work from our Stellenbosch office with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in Conservation Architecture or Heritage Management.
• 8+ years in architectural practice with significant heritage experience.
• Experience in conservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings in SA.
• Knowledge of SA heritage legislation and NHRA.
• Proficient in Revit/AutoCAD and digital documentation techniques.
• Strong research, analysis and report-writing abilities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation with heritage bodies.
• Portfolio of heritage conservation/adaptive reuse projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead heritage conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse projects.
• Conduct detailed condition assessments, historical research, and surveys of heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation philosophy, management plans, and technical documentation for interventions.
• Prepare heritage impact assessments and applications to authorities (e.g., SAHRA).
• Coordinate with heritage consultants, archaeologists, engineers, and craftspeople.
• Oversee construction phases ensuring conservation principles are followed.
• Advise on appropriate traditional materials and techniques.
• Mentor junior architects and technologists in heritage practices.
• Stay updated with SA legislation and international best practices.

Skills

Research

Analytical skills

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Education

Master's degree in Architecture (Conservation/Heritage)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded architectural firm with a specialization in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, is seeking an experienced Senior Heritage Architect to join their practice in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is ideal for an architect with a deep appreciation for historical structures and a proven ability to sensitively restore, conserve, and repurpose significant buildings. You will lead projects that require a nuanced understanding of historical building techniques, materials, and regulatory frameworks governing heritage sites. The successful candidate will possess excellent research, documentation, and stakeholder management skills, working closely with heritage authorities, clients, and conservation specialists. This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the preservation of South Africa's built heritage while integrating modern functional requirements, working within a collaborative and expert team in the heart of the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects focused on heritage conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse.
• Conduct detailed condition assessments, historical research, and photographic surveys of heritage buildings.
• Develop conservation philosophy, management plans, and detailed technical documentation for interventions.
• Prepare and submit heritage impact assessments and applications to relevant authorities (e.g., SAHRA, Provincial Heritage Resources Agencies).
• Liaise effectively with heritage consultants, archaeologists, structural engineers, and specialist craftspeople.
• Oversee construction phases of heritage projects, ensuring adherence to conservation principles and approved designs.
• Provide expert advice on the selection of appropriate materials and traditional construction techniques.
• Mentor junior architects and technologists in the principles and practices of heritage architecture.
• Stay current with international best practices and South African legislation pertaining to heritage conservation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field, with a specialization in Conservation Architecture or Heritage Management.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in architectural practice, with a significant portion dedicated to heritage projects.
• Demonstrated experience in the conservation and adaptive reuse of historical buildings, preferably within South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of South African heritage legislation and the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA).
• Proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, AutoCAD) and digital documentation techniques.
• Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation abilities, particularly with heritage bodies.
• A portfolio showcasing successful heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects is essential.
• Professional registration with SACAP is required; SAHRA accreditation is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development in the specialized field of heritage architecture.
• This role provides the unique opportunity to work on historically significant projects in and around Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• The firm fosters a collegial work environment that values expertise and dedication to preserving our built heritage.
• Generous leave allowances and support for further training and conference attendance are provided.
• Performance-based bonuses are also part of the remuneration package.