Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Heritage and Townscape Consultant to join our London Heritage Consultancy team.


With over sixty years' experience in the repair and renewal of listed buildings, Donald Insall Associates provides strategic advice on change and development within the historic environment. The practice has a dedicated Heritage and Townscape Consultancy team to support clients embarking on development projects at all scales, from individual houses to urban masterplans. The consultancy team primarily advises design teams on commercially focused projects in central London but also work with Insall's conservation architects on some of the country's most significant historic buildings.



The Heritage and Townscape Consultancy team comprises historians, former conservation officers, Historic England inspectors and architects who work alongside our clients' chosen architect to analyse what is special about a building or place, guide alterations, and support clients through the planning process. Our overarching aim is to use our understanding of the past to revitalise historic buildings and places and guide new interventions.



Some of our current projects include work on the Parliamentary Estate, the Crown Estate, the Grosvenor Estate, the Cadogan Estate, railway stations in London on behalf of Network Rail, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Historic Royal Palaces, as well as many sites in central London developed by property developers and private individuals.

Job Purpose:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Heritage and Townscape Consultant, with at least 4 years of relevant experience, to join our team in London, supporting projects across London and the Southeast. You would be required to oversee and write reports and to provide expert heritage advice to our clients and their design teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

To work successfully as part of the wider heritage consultancy team in a fast-paced commercial environment To write expert heritage impact assessments, including the historical background of the site (generally provided by our in-house researchers), description of the site and building, an assessment of heritage significance and an analysis and justification of the proposals for change. To provide expert heritage advice to clients and design teams in meetings (in-person or remote), workshops and by email. To develop a good understanding of the Practice, its philosophy, members, areas of expertise, clients, and competitors. Any other reasonable duties that arise from the nature and character of the post, as requested by the line manager or other designated team members.

Please note:



In order to undertake all aspects of the role, the post holder will sometimes be required to visit sites, which may require climbing ladders and surfaces and visiting construction sites.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

At least 4 years post-qualification heritage advisory experience gained either in the public or private sectors (please note this post is not suitable for recent graduates with no experience in the field). A demonstrable passion for the historic environment, and the ability to communicate this to non-experts in an inspiring and accessible manner. Sound knowledge and understanding of all periods of British architectural history, likely to be supported by an appropriate qualification (e.g. BA Architectural History, Art History or History or Post Graduate certificate/diploma in Building Conservation or Architectural History). Sound knowledge and understanding of the English planning system, the National Planning Policy Framework and the roles of the various stakeholders in the heritage sector, such as local authorities, Historic England, and national and local amenity groups. Excellent writing skills, and the ability to confidently draw together information gained from site visits and archival sources into succinct, accurate and engaging text. An eye for excellence in design and architecture, and the ability to communicate this effectively with design and non-design professionals alike. Demonstrable experience of taking a creative and constructive approach to heritage conservation, with some understanding of commercial development constraints. Strong negotiating and advocacy skills. The ability to successfully develop proposals with a design team by meeting the aspirations of the building's owners and users while satisfying the requirements of the statutory authorities and respecting the significance of historic places. High levels of self-sufficiency and motivation with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively as part of a team. A good level of IT literacy (Microsoft Office, Adobe).

Desirable:

Membership of appropriate bodies, e.g. IHBC.

Please email a CV and covering letter to recruitmenthc@insall-architects.co.uk


For the first 3 months our expectation is that you will be full time in the London office (or, as needed, on client site), so that your onboarding, learning and integration with the team and our work is optimised. After that there is the potential for some level of hybrid working, the default being 3 days per week in the office.


Donald Insall Associates is an Equal Opportunities employer. We believe the historic environment is for everyone and are committed to building a more diverse team that reflects the society we serve. We welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and will accommodate any access needs--just let us know when you apply.



August/September 2025


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Location:

Central London*
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Contract:

Full time 12 Months Maternity Cover (with the possibility of extension)
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Deadline for Applications:

September 5th
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Salary:

Competitive
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Benefits:

DIA offers a generous benefits package, including pension contribution, profit share, private health care, life insurance and income protection, and more besides
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How to apply:

Please email a CV and covering letter to recruitmenthc@insall-architects.co.uk