Architect (Historic Preservation)

The Office of Cultural Heritage, Directorate of Artistic and Cultural Diplomatic Commodities, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO/ACDC/CH) is responsible for the Department of State's (DOS) historically, culturally, or architecturally significant properties. OBO/ACDC/CH’s stewardship involves education, and proper maintenance and conservation. This policy pertains to movable and immovable heritage properties and assets of historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological, and ethno-anthropological interest. This includes archaeological sites, landscapes, buildings, structures, fine arts, decorative arts, works on paper, and other cultural heritage items.

The incumbent serves as a staff Architect providing architectural analysis, technical guidance and preservation support related to the stewardship, conservation, programming, design, construction, repair, and maintenance of U.S. Government-owned and operated culturally significant properties overseas that are included in the OBO Working List of Significant Properties. These properties range from small residential units to large diplomatic compounds, with rehabilitation and restoration efforts varying significantly in scope, complexity, visibility, and cost.

As an Architect assigned to the Office of Cultural Heritage of OBO/ACDC/CH, the incumbent applies professional knowledge of architecture, historic preservation, building systems, and cultural resource management to support complex preservations and rehabilitation project worldwide. The incumbent provides expert-level analysis and recommendations, develops technical documentation to support decision-making by government officials, while ensuring alignment with Department priorities, preservation standards, and host-nation requirements. Work requires independent judgment, technical expertise, interdisciplinary coordination, and the ability to develop solutions for complex or variable project conditions. In furtherance of these responsibilities, duties include:

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on architectural stewardship, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of culturally significant diplomatic properties overseas.
• Leads and coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, security personnel, contractors, and preservation specialists to support conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Provides technical analysis and recommendations regarding the treatment of historic properties, including preservation approaches rehabilitation strategies, and mitigation measures for proposed interventions.
• Coordinates 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.
• Provides analysis and recommendations to support the integration of cultural resource considerations into planning, design, and construction processes.
• Assists in developing project schedules, priorities, and milestones, and supports monitoring of work progress for alignment with program objectives.
• Provides 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
• Supports the review of design documents, scopes of work, and project deliverables to ensure alignment with applicable guidelines and project requirements.
• Assists in preparing draft responses or background materials related to inquiries from stakeholders, as requested by government personnel.
• Reviews historical research document scopes of work and provides technical input as part of team-based review processes.
• Prepares historical research documentation such as history booklets, cultural significance studies, and historic structure reports.
• Reviews and evaluates documentation related to nominations for the Secretary of State’s Register of Culturally Significant Property and provides recommendations for consideration.

Requirements

• Demonstrated advance 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 technical 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