Architect (Historic Preservation)

Delaware Nation Industries•Arlington, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Cultural Heritage (OBO/ACDC/CH) is responsible for the Department of State's historically, culturally, or architecturally significant properties overseas. This role serves as a staff Architect providing architectural analysis, technical guidance, and preservation support for these properties. The work involves stewardship, conservation, programming, design, construction, repair, and maintenance of U.S. Government-owned and operated culturally significant properties abroad. These properties vary in size and complexity, requiring rehabilitation and restoration efforts. The incumbent will apply professional knowledge of architecture, historic preservation, building systems, and cultural resource management to support complex preservation and rehabilitation projects worldwide. This includes providing expert analysis and recommendations, developing technical documentation, and ensuring alignment with Department priorities, preservation standards, and host-nation requirements. The role demands independent judgment, technical expertise, interdisciplinary coordination, and the ability to develop solutions for complex project conditions.

Requirements

Demonstrated advanced knowledge of architectural concepts, principles, and practices, including extensive experience with historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and cultural resource stewardship.
Demonstrated knowledge of preservation standards and regulatory frameworks, including the National Historic Preservation Act, Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, International Existing Building Code, Architectural Barriers Act, and applicable international preservation regulations.
Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing Historic Structures Reports, Cultural Significance Studies, Cultural Landscape Reports, preservation treatment plans, and related technical documentation.
Strong knowledge of building systems and related engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, particularly as they relate to historic structures.
Ability to apply standard architectural and preservation methodologies to support a range of projects, including complex or variable conditions.
Ability to independently conduct research, analysis, and develop technical documentation and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex architectural and preservation issues and develop technically sound recommendations and solutions.
Ability to support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and prioritization for complex preservation and rehabilitation initiatives.
Strong written and oral communication skills to support coordination, documentation, and reporting.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, consultants, government officials, and host-country representatives.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in challenging or rapidly changing environments.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including to locations with challenging environmental and logistical conditions.
Ability to meet medical clearance requirements and comply with necessary health and safety precautions for overseas travel.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Architecture or a related field.
Minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience, including at least five (5) years working with historic structures or preservation projects.
Must be a US Citizen.
Must be able to obtain a Security clearance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on architectural stewardship, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of culturally significant diplomatic properties overseas.
Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, security personnel, contractors, and preservation specialists to support conservation and restoration initiatives.
Provide technical analysis and recommendations regarding the treatment of historic properties, including preservation approaches, rehabilitation strategies, and mitigation measures for proposed interventions.
Coordinate with Real Estate and Planning Offices within OBO to gather information and provide input on purchase, sale, and master planning considerations related to historic properties.
Provide analysis and recommendations to support the integration of cultural resource considerations into planning, design, and construction processes.
Assist in developing project schedules, priorities, and milestones, and support monitoring of work progress for alignment with program objectives.
Provide technical analysis and recommendations related to code compliance, including the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and other applicable U.S. and international requirements.
Support the review of design documents, scopes of work, and project deliverables to ensure alignment with applicable guidelines and project requirements.
Assist in preparing draft responses or background materials related to inquiries from stakeholders, as requested by government personnel.
Review historical research document scopes of work and provide technical input as part of team-based review processes.
Prepare historical research documentation such as history booklets, cultural significance studies, and historic structure reports.
Review and evaluate documentation related to nominations for the Secretary of State’s Register of Culturally Significant Property and provide recommendations for consideration.