Conservation Architect

Royal Society of Ulster Architects; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation architecture firm seeks a motivated Conservation Architect to enhance their conservation team. The ideal candidate has experience in delivering conservation projects to a high technical standard and aims to develop their career in a flexible studio environment. Applicants should ideally have Conservation Accreditation at RIBA SCA or CA level, but equivalent experience will also be considered. This is an opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of heritage projects while contributing to a supportive team atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Experience with Historic Building Condition Reports and Stone Surveys.
• Ability to produce Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Management Plans.
• Competency in delivering high-quality architectural/conservation projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and delivery of Conservation Portfolio.
• Contribute to projects at a senior level.
• Mentor or be mentored within the practice.

Skills

Conservation philosophy

Architectural presentation

Technical understanding

Communication skills

Education

ARB or RIAI Registered Architect

Job description

Hall Black Douglas are seeking an experienced Conservation Architect to assist in the development and delivery of our Conservation Portfolio.

Hall Black Douglas have developed a reputation over 30 years for both conservation and sensitive contemporary interventions within listed and heritage building settings. Building on the success of projects, such as Bank Buildings, St Comgalls and Tropical Ravine, we are currently delivering a diverse portfolio of projects including:

Portfolio Projects

• Palm House Botanic Gardens: Conservation Management Plan
• All Saint’s CoI Antrim: Stone Repairs to Grade A listed Tower (Stage 4)
• Dominican Church Drogheda: Conversion to Library (Stage 2)
• 5-7 Mount Charles: Conversion of 3 terrace houses into Mitchell Institute for QUB (Stage 3)
• Former Townsend Street Presbyterian: New home and rehearsal space for Ulster Orchestra (Stage 2)
• Re-imagining of Shankill Parish Lurgan: interior reconfiguration and external public space (Stage 4)
• Ballycastle Museum: Conservation and Extension (Stage 3)
• Ballycairn Presbyterian: New foyer/welcome space, accessible design (Stage 3)
• Strand Cinema and Arts Centre: refurbishment and reinvention (On site)
• St Clares Convent Newry: Reuse as social Housing (On site)
• Govanhill Baths Glasgow, Phase 2: Conservation and reuse as community hub. (Stage 4)

As a practice we have been transforming the spaces and communities in which we work for over thirty years. We seek to make a positive contribution designing considered spaces for living, working, wellbeing, learning, gathering and celebrating.

We value a considered approach to design and a desire to meet and exceed clients aspirations. This relies upon architects passionate about conservation working together and aligned with our ethos. As a byproduct of a job well done, many of our projects have received architectural awards. A highlight from last year was receiving RSUA/RIBA Regional Design Awards for two Conservation led projects, Bank Buildings and St Comgalls Community Hub, with our whole office in attendance at the RSUA Design Awards Gala evening. Earlier this year Monaghan Peace Campus a NZEB project was awarded RIAI Awards for Public Building and Universal Access. In June all staff enjoyed a Friday afternoon on a Taste of Belfast tour and in November a tour of three of our current buildings on site followed by Flout Pizza at Portview, both were welcome additions to our regular in house CPD.

Who we are looking for

The role is ideally suited to a motivated architect who wishes to develop both their career and the work of the practice in conservation, within a supportive flexible studio based environment. We are looking for an architect who has successfully delivered conservation projects to a high technical standard and looking to develop their career. We welcome applications from those at various stages of their career.

The architect should have ideally gained Conservation Accreditation at RIBA SCA or CA level and be able to contribute to projects at a senior level on day one. However we would welcome applications also from those who are able to demonstrate through their CV and portfolio that they have the equivalent experience.

An appreciation of both heritage value and contemporary architectural design would be of value due to the nature of our practices’ work, however the desire and ability to work as part of a wider architectural team is key.

You would be joining a team of twenty people, working on a wide variety of interesting projects across multiple sectors: including but not limited to: Community, Health, Culture, Leisure and Residential. We have successfully delivered NZEB and BREEAM Excellent projects and as part of our ongoing tailored CPD for all staff now have qualified Passive House designers within the practice. Dependant on experience we expect staff to both mentor or be mentored within the practice.

Essential Criteria

• ARB or RIAI Registered Architect
• Demonstration of architectural presentation, design and technical understanding
• Demonstration of conservation philosophy and technical understanding

Desirable Criteria

• RIBA Conservation Architect or Specialist Conservation Architect or RIAI Grade 1, 2 or 3.
• In depth Conservation Knowledge
• Demonstrated Communication Skills
• Experience of Historic Building Condition Reports, Stone Surveys and Measured Surveys
• Experience of producing Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Management Plans
• Proven competency in the delivery of high quality architectural/conservation projects
• Demonstration of professional conservation training/development post qualification
• Production of detailed Construction Drawing and Specification Packages
• Contract Administration of Completed Projects at Construction Stage (UK/Ireland)
• Experience of UK or Ireland Contracts
• Demonstrated architectural design skills
• UK/EU Driving Licence

Please submit a written CV and Sample Portfolio (6–10 pages) in PDF Format to:
[e-mail] 2.00pm Friday 30 January 2026.