A fully qualifed Architect skilled in the principles and practice of the Conservation of old buildings and heritage sites.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
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Working Life
A Conservation Architect is a fully qualified Architect with additional Conservation Accreditation from the RIAI.
Works to be carried out on any building that is classified as a ‘Protected Structure’ or in an ‘Architectural Conservation Area’ requires the advice of an architect with skills in conservation.
Protected Structures are designated by the Planning Authority as a buildings of International, National, Regional or Local importance.
A Conservation Architect can advise on he general condition of the building, the nature and extent of the works to be undertaken or the category of the building. Some conservation architects have specialist expertise in particular building types - churches, for example or whether specialist conservation input is needed for a particular aspect of the work, such as the stonework.
The services of Conservation Architects are employed by the Planning Departments of Local Authorites or organisations such as The Heritage Council or the Irish Georgian Society.
Interests - Architect - Conservation
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Architect - Conservation
To become a Conservation Architect you must first get a degree from a recognised school of Architecture followed by two years of approved practical experience and an examination in professional practice. Once you have your degree, you will be eligible to become an Associate member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). RIAI accreditation is recognised by the Irish government and EU legislation. After a minimum of two years of approved experience, at least one of which must be in an EU country, you can take your examination in professional practice. You are then eligible to apply for registered membership of the RIAI.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre university, architecture, interior architecture, design.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: architectural design and technology, pre university, architecture, interior architecture, design.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: architecture, architectural technology, heritage studies, ancient history, archaeology, history of art and architecture, interior architecture design.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: building repair, conservation, retrofit conservation, sustainability, architectural practice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
- Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).
There are three grades of accreditation for Conservation Architects, Grade I being the highest and Grade III the basic entry level to the System. A RIAI Member or Practice can progress up through the grades by acquiring additional qualifications, experience and/or staff and applying for accreditation at the higher grade. Full details of the RIAI Conservation Accreditation System are available here.
It is the responsibility of any professional to ensure that his or her professional skills are kept up to date. Scientific knowledge, technology and the law, for example, keep changing. So you will be expected to have a continuing involvement in courses and personal study throughout your working life.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Architect - Conservation
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €90k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Brightwater/ Clark
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Architect - Conservation
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Architects, Quantity surveyors, Town planners, Chartered surveyors, Chartered architectural technologists.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
This occupation had a negative annual average employment growth rate over the five-year period, with employment declining annually since 2021; the numbers employed across the roles within this group are too small to determine which are particularly contributing to the decline. The number of job adverts were also relatively small (mainly for architects, town planners and quantity surveyors). Despite this, our other data sources point to issues with attracting suitably qualified persons for these roles.
Employment permits issued in 2023 were mainly for quantity surveyors and architectural technologists. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing quantity surveyors while the Skills for Growth data identified issues with sourcing experienced (2-5 years) façade designers, quantity surveyors and architects with knowledge of codes, regulations and fire safety, as well as experience with tender documents.
There were over 750 architecture related awards in 2022; of these, 155 awards were made to learners on RIAI accredited programmes (i.e. qualified architects), which fell slightly from nearly 170 awards in 2021, but was 44% higher than in 2018, There were 288 awards in quantity surveying at levels 8, considerably higher than the 144 awards in 2018. Demand for these skills is likely to continue with shortages persisting for quantity surveyors (albeit small in number given the small number employed).
Useful Contacts - Architect - Conservation
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The Institute of Conservation (ICON)
- 1.5 Lafone House The Leathermarket Weston Street London SE1 3ER
- +44 (0)20 3142 6799
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland
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The Heritage Council
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OPW - The Office of Public Works
- Head Office Jonathan Swift Street Trim Co. Meath C15 NX36
- (046) 942 6000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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National Monuments Service
- Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Custom House Dublin 1
- (01) 888 2178
- [email protected]
- Click Here
