Position: Preservation Designer

The award-winning firm Historic Building Architects, LLC is seeking to employ a recent graduate holding a professional degree in Architecture with a focus on Historic Preservation, ideally also with a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation. For a preservation designer pursuing professional architectural licensure, HBA offers an exciting opportunity to work full time with a team of talented and highly experienced preservation architects. As a small firm, HBA provides opportunities to meet AXP requirements by working on projects from Investigation/Schematic Design through Construction Administration.

Historic Building Architects LLC (HBA)

Historic Building Architects, LLC (HBA) has one central mission: the high-quality restoration and adaptive use of important historic buildings in the public realm. Over the past 25 years, HBA has earned a national reputation for completing significant restoration projects and garnered both National and State Preservation Awards. Key to our success is state-of-the-art historic and scientific research, and innovative yet practical design solutions that respect our environment, cultural heritage, and community. We have built a team of employees and consultants who care about and enjoy preservation work, including our in-house technical staff of preservation architects, designers, and conservators. HBA is committed to creating designs and making repairs that aim to last 100 years, using carefully planned, technically savvy, forward-looking approaches Our projects, which are primarily located in the Northeast, yield cultural, environmental, practical, and economic benefits for the community, and our focus on material science and technology includes a Material Conservation Laboratory and a sUAS used for condition assessment work. HBA is looking for a like-minded professional, eager to learn and be part of this expanding team. HBA cares about its employees and recognizes the need for work-life balance; we ask our staff to work a regular 40-hour week and rarely request longer hours.

Required Qualifications

  • Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and project authorization applications through State Historic Preservation Offices.
  • Professional degree in Architecture. Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation is preferred or demonstrated experience in working in historic preservation.
  • Recent graduate up to 1 year of professional experience.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and Adobe Suite. Familiarity with Bluebeam a plus.
  • Strong communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the principal and management team on projects including facade restoration, exterior rehabilitation, forensic investigation, and interior alterations.
  • Document production, including contract document drawings in AutoCAD and project specifications.
  • Observe Construction Administration and learn how to develop meeting minutes, field reports, review applications for payment, and change orders.
  • Assist with consultant communication on projects; proactively initiate potential design solutions that advance the practice of architecture and HBA’s Mission, Vision and Values.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Provide and receive constructive feedback to facilitate continuous improvement in our work.
  • Engage in preservation industry groups to develop specialized knowledge.
  • Work with HBA’s Material Conservation Laboratory for material analysis investigation.

Work Location

  • This opportunity is a full-time position based in Trenton, NJ; all applicants should be located within reasonable commuting distance from Trenton or willing to relocate. This position requires some travel to and from project sites utilizing employee’s personal vehicle, with most projects located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Mileage reimbursement will be provided for any site visits.
  • Workplace type: After 1st year hybrid may be an option, with the number of days at each location to be mutually agreed upon.

Equal Opportunity Employer

  • HBA is an equal opportunity employer and as a practice embraces equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We offer a competitive salary and benefits structure commensurate with experience. HBA can consider only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States and do not require sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salaried compensation range $50,000 – $60,000; compensation commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development support
  • Available medical & vision care insurance
  • Retirement plan (401K)

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and work samples demonstrating relevant job experience, self-motivation, excellent graphic skills, and strong communication skills.  Email info@hba-llc.com with the position title as the subject, and include two reference contacts; attach your resume, and work samples from your portfolio.  Please do not call, we will respond to you. We encourage you to visit our website at www.hba-llc.com.