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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Heritage Designer

๐Ÿ’ฐ $75,000 - $120,000

ArchitectureDesignUrban PlanningConservationHistoric Preservation

๐ŸŽฏ Role Definition

A Heritage Designer is a specialized professional dedicated to the stewardship of our cultural and architectural history. This pivotal role involves the careful and creative management of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes. You will act as a guardian ๋””์ž์ธ of the past, applying deep knowledge of conservation principles, architectural design, and historical research to preserve, restore, and sensitively adapt heritage assets for contemporary use. Success in this position requires a unique blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a profound respect for a site's historical significance, ensuring its legacy is protected and celebrated for generations to come.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Architect / Architectural Assistant
  • Conservation Technician
  • Historic Preservation Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Heritage Designer / Lead Conservation Architect
  • Director of Historic Preservation
  • Principal / Partner (Heritage-focused firm)

Lateral Moves:

  • Urban Planner (with a heritage focus)
  • Museum Exhibit Designer or Curator
  • Heritage Policy Advisor for government or non-profit organizations

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct in-depth archival and historical research to understand the significance, evolution, and context of heritage sites and buildings.
  • Prepare and author comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) and Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) to guide development and conservation efforts.
  • Develop and execute detailed design proposals for the repair, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic structures, ensuring compliance with conservation best practices.
  • Produce high-quality architectural drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and construction details, using CAD and BIM software.
  • Undertake thorough on-site condition surveys and building fabric analysis to identify defects, decay mechanisms, and conservation priorities.
  • Specify appropriate traditional materials, repair techniques, and conservation methods for work on historic fabric.
  • Liaise and negotiate with statutory authorities, such as local planning departments, Historic England, or State Historic Preservation Offices, to secure necessary consents and approvals.
  • Provide expert advice to clients, project teams, and stakeholders on all matters็Žฐ้‡‘ relating to heritage significance and conservation policy.
  • Manage heritage-related aspects of projects from inception through to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
  • Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including structural engineers, archaeologists, surveyors, and landscape architects, to deliver integrated design solutions.
  • Prepare and submit complex planning applications, Listed Building Consent applications, and other statutory heritage submissions.
  • Author detailed, persuasive Design and Access Statements and Statements of Significance to justify design interventions.
  • Interpret and apply national and international conservation principles, charters, and guidelines (e.g., ICOMOS, The Burra Charter).
  • Develop innovative and commercially viable strategies for the adaptive reuse of redundant or at-risk historic buildings.
  • Lead and document stakeholder and community consultation events to ensure public engagement and buy-in for heritage projects.
    s- Prepare fee proposals, tender documentation, and bids for prospective heritage consultancy and design projects.
  • Utilize advanced documentation techniques, such as photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning, to accurately record existing conditions.
  • Analyze and diagnose building pathologies, including damp, structural movement, and material decay, and prescribe appropriate remedial actions.
    '- Review and critique third-party heritage reports and architectural proposals for ั—ั…ะฝั–ะน impact on heritage assets.
  • Provide on-site supervision and quality control during the construction phase to ensure works are carried out in accordance with approved conservation specifications.
  • Contribute to the development of conservation area appraisals and management plans for local authorities.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and train junior architects and conservation assistants, fostering a culture of excellence in heritage practice.
  • Contribute to the firm's research initiatives, publications, and thought leadership in the field of architectural conservation.
  • Assist in grant writing and funding applications for heritage-related projects.
  • Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and CPD events to stay at the forefront of conservation theory and practice.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Architectural Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in AutoCAD, Revit, and/or ArchiCAD for producing detailed drawings and models.
  • Conservation Principles: Deep understanding of international and national conservation charters, policies, and philosophies (e.g., Venice Charter, Burra Charter, PPS 5).
  • Historical Research: Proven ability to conduct rigorous archival and building-based research.
  • Report Writing: Exceptional ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive Heritage Impact Assessments, Conservation Management Plans, and design statements.
  • Building Pathology: Knowledge of a historic building's materials, decay mechanisms, and appropriate diagnostic techniques.
  • Traditional Materials & Techniques: Familiarity with historic construction methods and the specification of traditional materials like lime mortar, historic brickwork, and timber.
  • 3D Visualization: Proficiency in tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, or Rhino for conceptual design and visual impact assessment.
  • Graphics Software: Competency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for report production and presentation.
  • Legislation & Policy: Thorough knowledge of relevant planning law and heritage legislation.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and consultant teams effectively.

Soft Skills

  • Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with clients, authorities, and project teams.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building consensus and managing a diverse range of stakeholder interests.
  • Problem-Solving: A creative and analytical approach to resolving complex design and conservation challenges.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in survey, documentation, and design detailing.
  • Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to analyze complex historical and physical evidence to determine significance.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative spirit and the ability to work seamlessly in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Persuasion & Influence: Capable of articulating and defending conservation-led design proposals.
  • Time Management: Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects concurrently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) accredited by a relevant professional body (e.g., RIBA, ARB, NAAB).

Preferred Education:

  • A postgraduate Master's degree or diploma in Historic Preservation, Architectural Conservation, or a closely related heritage field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architecture
  • Historic Preservation / Conservation
  • Urban Planning / Urban Design
  • Archaeology
  • Art History

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of post-qualification experience in an architectural or heritage consultancy practice.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience working on a portfolio of projects involving listed or designated heritage buildings. Professional accreditation in conservation (e.g., AABC, RIBA SCA) is highly desirable.

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