Senior Heritage Conservation Architect

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Heritage Conservation Architect for our East London, Eastern Cape operations. The role focuses on the sensitive restoration, conservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, blending heritage respect with modern functionality.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams and liaise with heritage authorities. You will guide preservation strategies, document conservation works, mentor juniors and manage project timelines and budgets across significant heritage

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) with heritage conservation specialization.
• Professional registration with SAIA.
• Minimum 7 years of architectural practice with heritage conservation/restoration focus.
• Experience on significant heritage projects in East London or similar contexts.
• Knowledge of historical architectural styles, materials and traditional construction techniques in SA.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and conservation planning for heritage buildings and sites.
• Conduct condition assessments and historical research for heritage structures.
• Develop restoration strategies and adaptive reuse proposals respecting historical integrity.
• Liaise with heritage councils, regulatory bodies and stakeholders for approvals.
• Oversee conservation works documentation and execution per best practices.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Project leadership

Client management

Communication

Education

B.Arch or M.Arch in Architecture

SAIA registration

Heritage Conservation specialization

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

3D modelling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a renowned architectural consultancy specializing in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects. We are seeking a dedicated Senior Heritage Conservation Architect to join our team in East London, Eastern Cape . This crucial role involves the sensitive restoration, conservation, and sensitive redevelopment of historical buildings and sites. You will lead projects that require a deep understanding of historical architecture, conservation ethics, and appropriate building techniques. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for preserving cultural heritage, meticulous attention to detail, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with heritage authorities, clients, and craftspeople. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will balance site visits and in-office collaboration with focused design work. We are looking for an architect who can guide the preservation of significant structures while integrating modern needs, contributing to the rich architectural legacy of East London and the surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and conservation planning for heritage buildings and sites.
• Conduct thorough condition assessments and historical research for heritage structures.
• Develop sensitive restoration strategies and adaptive reuse proposals that respect historical integrity.
• Liaise with heritage councils, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to secure approvals for conservation projects in Eastern Cape .
• Oversee the documentation and execution of conservation works, ensuring adherence to best practices and ethical standards.
• Prepare detailed conservation reports, drawings, and specifications for heritage interventions.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for heritage conservation projects.
• Collaborate with specialist conservators, material scientists, and craftspeople.
• Mentor junior architects and designers in the principles and practices of heritage conservation.

Requirements

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) with a specialization or postgraduate qualification in Heritage Conservation.
• Professional registration with the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA).
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in architectural practice, with a significant focus on heritage conservation and restoration.
• Proven experience working on significant heritage projects in East London or similar historical contexts.
• In-depth knowledge of historical architectural styles, building materials, and traditional construction techniques relevant to South Africa.
• Proficiency in architectural design software and willingness to adapt to specific heritage documentation tools.
• Strong understanding of heritage legislation, policies, and guidelines (e.g., NHBRC heritage provisions).
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and client management skills.
• A portfolio showcasing successful heritage conservation and adaptive reuse projects is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and specialization.
• Opportunity to work on significant and culturally important heritage projects in East London .
• Professional development and training in advanced conservation techniques.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Contribution to a firm respected for its dedication to preserving architectural heritage.
• Potential for involvement in national heritage initiatives.