Senior Conservation Architect – Conservation & Retrofit

John Gilbert Architects is seeking an experienced Conservation Architect to lead our growing Conservation & Retrofit team. This is a senior position with the opportunity to progress to Associate or Director for the right candidate.

As one of Scotland's leading design studios specialising in sustainable architecture, conservation, retrofit and regeneration, we are passionate about creating places for people and the planet. Our work ranges from the repair and adaptation of nationally significant heritage assets to innovative low-carbon retrofit projects, housing, community buildings and strategic regeneration initiatives. We believe that conserving existing buildings is fundamental to creating a more sustainable future.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Conservation Architect to take on a senior leadership role within the practice, leading complex conservation and retrofit commissions while helping to shape the future direction of our conservation portfolio. We are currently delivering over £40 million of conservation projects, ranging from iconic Category A listed buildings in city centres to supporting rural communities across Scotland in conserving and celebrating their local heritage.

The Role

The successful candidate will lead the delivery of a diverse range of conservation and retrofit projects across Scotland, working with clients including local authorities, housing associations, charities, community organisations and private clients.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading conservation, repair, adaptation and retrofit projects from feasibility through to completion.
• Providing technical leadership in conservation philosophy, traditional construction, specification writing and contract administration.
• Working with the team to develop innovative retrofit solutions that improve building performance while respecting historic fabric and significance.
• Preparing conservation management plans, heritage statements, and condition reports.
• Leading multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating specialist consultants.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, statutory authorities and funding bodies.
• Supporting business development through fee proposals, bids and the strategic growth of the practice.
• Mentoring architects and architectural assistants, fostering technical excellence and professional development across the team.
• Contributing to the practice's wider expertise in conservation, retrofit and building performance.

Essential Requirements

• We would expect this level of expertise to come with 10 years' post-qualification experience, with substantial experience leading conservation and heritage projects.
• Demonstrable expertise in the repair and adaptation of listed buildings and traditional construction.
• Strong understanding of Scottish planning policy, listed building consent procedures and heritage legislation.
• Excellent project management, leadership and communication skills.
• Registration as an Architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
• Membership of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) or eligibility to practise in Scotland.
• Accredited conservation qualification, including one of the following:
• RIAS Conservation Accredited Architect (accreditation or advanced accreditation)
• RIBA Conservation Architect (Specialist Conservation Architect or Conservation Architect)
• AABC Architect Accredited in Building Conservation
• Right to live and work in the UK

Desirable Experience

• Retrofit of traditional buildings and energy efficiency upgrades.
• Qualifications such as PAS2035 (Conservation), AECB Carbonlite, Passivhaus or similar
• Housing, community and regeneration projects.
• Working with Historic Environment Scotland, local authority conservation officers and funding bodies.
• Management, fee management, business development and managing client relationships.
• Leading multidisciplinary teams and contributing to practice management.

What We Offer

At John Gilbert Architects, you will join an award-winning practice recognised for design excellence in conservation and retrofit. We offer:

• A senior leadership position with genuine opportunity to shape the future of the practice.
• The opportunity to lead nationally significant conservation and retrofit projects.
• A collaborative, supportive and creative studio environment.
• Continued professional development and support for further accreditation
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• The opportunity to work alongside specialists in sustainability, retrofit and building performance as part of our integrated design approach.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel valued, respected, and supported. We actively encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within architecture and the built environment professions.

How To Apply

Please submit your CV, portfolio and a covering letter by the 28th of August 2026, to , explaining why you would like to join John Gilbert Architects and how your experience would contribute to the continued growth of our Conservation & Retrofit team.

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