Jobs
Architectural Historian 1
Richaven Architecture & Preservation is a small, inclusive firm focused exclusively on future-proofing existing and historic buildings. Our clients range from local, state, and federal agencies to contractors and private owners and a wide variety of building types. Our focus is on preservation planning and technical preservation issues ranging from planning and feasibility studies to eligibility and nominations, condition assessments to full architectural services, compliance reviews, and other services related to historic buildings. Working with Richaven is exciting, dynamic, nerdy and for the insatiably curious.
POSITION SUMMARY
An Architectural Historian 1 supports Richaven’s historic preservation practice with a broad range of activities focused on the management of historic built environments including significant buildings, structures, landscapes and view sheds, historic districts, monuments, and memorials. An Architectural Historian 1 will prepare historic resource surveys, inventories, evaluations and context statements; complete compliance submittals for historic built environment projects including SEPA, NEPA, landmarks nominations for local, state, and federal designations, certificates of appropriateness, GEO 21-02, Section 106, historic tax credits, HABS/HAER documentation, and GIS mapping. They will perform assignments under the direction of a Principal to complete projects with a broad range of sizes of complex. They make independent decisions on significant architectural problems and carry out complex assignments.
Candidates that are local to the Seattle Metropolitan Area and available to work in the office are strongly preferred.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts research involving historical documents, photographs, plans, drawings, and related items to develop knowledge of and data about specific structures, sites, technical issues, and code issues
- Complete project analyses and reports, and compliance documentation for projects
- Complete surveys, inventories, evaluations and context statements for eligible properties
- Provide regular updates on status, hours utilized and remaining, issues, or project challenges
- Other duties as assigned. Richaven is a small firm where all staff participate in a variety of activities in support of business operations
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Accredited professional Masters degree in Architectural History or Historic Preservation. Applicants with a Masters degree in Architecture with a Minor or Certificate in Historic Preservation will also be considered.
- 0-3 years of professional post-graduate work experience
- Meet the minimum requirements of the SOI Professional Credentials as an Architectural Historian
- Self-directed with a willingness to interact as a team player and take independent initiative
- Excellent writing, research, and attention to detail (writing samples will be required)
- Ability to clearly convey information and ideas verbally and graphically
- Apply appropriate research techniques to document the history of properties and their context
- Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and detailed technical knowledge
- Knowledge of theories, principles, practices, and techniques of architecture and historic preservation
- Working knowledge of both online and archival regional sources of cultural heritage information
- Assesses project effects on historic properties
- Ability and willingness to complete architectural historian tasks and administrative tasks
- Ability to travel outside of local (Seattle, WA) area to complete site visits and attend meetings
- Physical ability to conduct day-long site visits on varying terrain and weather conditions.
- A valid state driver’s license and the ability to pass a government background investigation.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated long term interest and passion in architectural history and cultural resources management
- Understanding of the Secretary of the Interior’s Treatments for Historic Properties, National Register Criteria for Designation and Integrity, and character defining features and preservation-related policies, guidelines, laws, and regulations
- Understanding of a structure’s character defining features and archaic construction materials
- Excellent time management skills and ability to work within time and budgets available
- Excellent notetaking, field sketching, mapping, and photography skills
- Preservation planning, research and report writing
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), ArcGIS, WISAARD, and Bluebeam
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations in a multi-disciplinary context with owners, consultants, architects, agencies, and the public in both individual and group settings
- Sound judgement and creative problem-solving capabilities to manage unforeseen circumstances
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates may submit cover letter, resume, writing samples and recommendations to admin@richaven.com with the subject line “Architectural Historian 1.” Phone calls and/or direct communications with Richaven may constitute grounds for disqualification.
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