Adaptive Reuse and Conservation Architect
Hall Black Douglas, recipients of the RSUA Liam McCormick Prize for Ulster’s Building of the Year for the Monaghan Peace Campus, are seeking architects who are passionate about architectural design, intervention and conservation.
The practice has developed a reputation for both conservation and sensitive contemporary interventions within listed and heritage building settings and seek to take the same crafted approach to both new works and adaptive reuse. We seek to make a positive contribution designing considered spaces for living, working, wellbeing, learning, gathering and celebrating.
Building on the success of projects, such as Bank Buildings, St Comgalls Community Hub and The Tropical Ravine Botanic Gardens, we are currently delivering a diverse portfolio of projects including:
Examples of ongoing projects:
- Conversion of former Dominican Church and Priory to Drogheda Library, utilising triple height space with mezzanine interventions. NZEB RIBA Stage 2
- QUB Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, Conversion of three listed terrace properties to Passive House EnerPHit Standard/ BREEAM. RIBA Stage 4
- Townsend Street Church Belfast development as Rehearsal and Performance space for Ulster Orchestra RIBA Stage 3
- Strand Cinema, reinvention of Belfast’s last Art Deco Cinema as an Arts Hub and Cinema. RIBA Stage 5
- Re-imagining of Shankill Parish Lurgan as a vibrant church and community space with new meeting and gathering space within the original volume. RIBA Stage 3
- Portlaw Waterford Ireland’s first Planned Village: Adaptive reuse of derelict Courthouse and Schoolhouse as a community and performance space within a new urban quarter masterplan. NZEB RIBA Stage 2
- Ulster Folk Park, new welcome and exhibition spaces within the context of the wider museum. RIBA Stage 2
We value a considered approach to design and a desire to meet and exceed clients aspirations. This integrates architect’s skills in sustainable design, conservation and adaptive reuse, working together and aligned with our ethos.
As a by product of a job well done, many of our projects have received architectural awards including 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. Monaghan Peace Campus a NZEB project was awarded RIAI Awards 2025 for Public Building and Universal Access as well all RSUA Public Building; RSUA Awards 2026 Architects Choice, Regional Public Building + and Accessible and Inclusive Design Award
We provide Health Insurance, Mental Health Support, Cycle to Work Scheme, Continual Professional Development, including targeted training for NEC, Conservation, Passive House, etc. Staff have enjoyed a Friday afternoon on a Taste of Belfast tour and tours of building completed and onsite Flout Pizza at Portview, which were welcome additions to our regular in house CPD, along with the whole office being taken to the RSUA Niall McLaughlin lecture.
Who we are looking for:
The role is ideally suited to an architect who wishes to continue to develop both their career and the work of the practice in conservation and adaptive reuse. We are looking for an architect who has successfully delivered projects to a high technical standard. We welcome applications from those at various stages of their career.
The architect should have ideally gained Conservation Accreditation at RIBA CA or SCA level and be able to contribute their understanding to projects. However we would welcome applications also from those who are able to demonstrate through their CV and portfolio that they have the experience and interest to work towards these accreditations within a supportive environment.
You would be joining a team of twenty people, working on a wide variety of interesting projects across multiple sectors in N Ireland and Ireland: 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.
We would encourage applications for this permanent role from those that meet the requirements below:
- ARB or RIAI Registered Architect
- Demonstration of architectural presentation, design and technical understanding
- Demonstration of understanding conservation philosophy and methodologies
- 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)
- RIBA Conservation Registrant, Conservation Architect or Specialist Conservation Architect or RIAI Grade 1, 2 or 3.
- Experience of UK or Ireland Contracts
- Demonstrated architectural design skills
- UK/EU Driving Licence
Job Type: Adaptive Reuse and Conservation Architect
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Adaptive Reuse and Conservation Architect employer: RSUA
The Education Authority is an excellent employer for Project Managers, offering a permanent public-sector role that allows you to make a meaningful impact on schools and communities across Northern Ireland. With a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career growth, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering significant improvements in the education estate. Join us to contribute to projects that truly matter while enjoying a balanced Monday-Friday working pattern.
