Conservation Architect

Oxford

We are recruiting for a conservation architect to join our Oxford studio. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a top AJ100 practice renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy. The successful candidate will evidence keen attention to detail and high-quality examples of work submitted with their applications. You will need to be able to display a can-do attitude, willingness to learn and understanding of Purcell’s projects and culture.

Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 280 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Winners of Architect Employer of the Year 2022.

Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.

It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.

Our benefits package includes agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH) annual leave increasing with long service, life assurance, study sponsorship with paid study leave, sabbaticals, employee assistance programme, season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, virtual GP service, subscription fees, company day out, a volunteering scheme and enhanced learning & development opportunities.

We are looking for an experienced conservation architect to run a number of exciting conservation lead projects in Oxford and the southwest region. Depending on level of experience, the successful candidate will take on the following responsibilities -

  • Lead/run conservation projects, of various scales, predominantly in the cultural, education, and places of worship sectors.
  • Support senior project leads on the day-to-day running of projects at all RIBA stages.
  • Delegate tasks and manage the workload of architectural assistants.
  • Manage teams of sub-consultants as required.
  • Work closely with clients to support them through all stages of a project and foster long lasting client relationships.
  • Run projects during construction, acting as contract administrator if required, working collaboratively with contractors.
  • Participation in business development through networking and contributing to tenders.  
  • Manage project finances and invoicing, (training will be provided as required).
  • Augment the technical conservation expertise within the Oxford team, pursue their own continued professional development and support the development of junior colleagues.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Buildings Conservation experience is essential, with proven technical competence undertaking condition surveys and specifying repair works
  • Part 3 qualified with 3+ years post qualification experience for a UK based practice
  • AABC / RIBA SCA accreditation or equivalent experience with willingness to apply for accreditation in near future is essential
  • Philosophical understanding of building conservation and an interest in building history
  • Excellent design and drawing skills, competent in technical detailing
  • Proven project running experience, with good client-facing communication skills
  • Proven experience working on at RIBA stage 4 & 5
  • Strong understanding of UK Building and Planning regulations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficient using AutoCAD and NBS
  • BIM Conservation experience would be desirable but is not essential

This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.

As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.

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