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- Tasks: Join us as a Conservation Architect, working on diverse heritage projects and delivering high-quality designs.
- Company: Hall Black Douglas has 30 years of experience in conservation and contemporary architecture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible studio environment, mentorship opportunities, and celebrate project successes with the team.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on communities while developing your career in a supportive and creative atmosphere.
- Qualifications: ARB or RIAI Registered Architect with experience in conservation projects and strong design skills.
- Other info: Submit your CV and portfolio by 2.00pm on Friday 01 August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 Highlights
- 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.
We would encourage applications for this permanent role from those that meet the requirements below:
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:
admin@hallblackdouglas.co.ukby 2.00pm Friday 30 January 2026.
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Conservation Architect employer: Royal Society of Ulster Architects
Contact Detail:
Royal Society of Ulster Architects Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hall Black Douglas's past projects, especially their award-winning ones like Bank Buildings and St Comgalls. Understanding their design philosophy and the specific challenges they faced will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation architecture field, particularly those who have worked with Hall Black Douglas or similar firms. Attend industry events or seminars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous conservation projects in detail, focusing on your role, the techniques you employed, and the outcomes. Highlight any awards or recognitions your projects received, as this demonstrates your capability and commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of both heritage and contemporary architectural design in your discussions. Be ready to explain how you can bridge these two areas in your work, which is crucial for a firm that values both conservation and modern interventions.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in conservation architecture. Focus on relevant projects you've worked on, especially those that demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of conservation philosophy.
Create a Strong Portfolio: Prepare a sample portfolio that showcases 6-10 pages of your best work. Include detailed images and descriptions of conservation projects you've completed, emphasising your role and the impact of your contributions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for conservation architecture. Discuss why you want to work with Hall Black Douglas and how your values align with their ethos of creating considered spaces.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that all documents are well-formatted and free of errors. A polished presentation reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in architecture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Society of Ulster Architects
✨Showcase Your Conservation Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of conservation principles and practices during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to balance heritage with contemporary design.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Since the role requires a strong portfolio, ensure yours is well-organised and showcases a variety of relevant projects. Include detailed descriptions of your contributions and the outcomes of each project, especially any conservation work.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Hall Black Douglas values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a team environment and supported colleagues in achieving project goals.
✨Research the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with Hall Black Douglas's recent projects and their approach to conservation. Being able to reference specific projects during your interview will show your genuine interest in the company and its work.