Senior Heritage Consultant

An established, design-led architectural and heritage consultancy based in Bristol is seeking an experienced Senior Heritage Consultant to join its growing team. The practice works across the South West and nationally on projects involving historic buildings, sensitive sites, and complex heritage contexts - delivering thoughtful conservation, adaptive reuse, and contemporary interventions within historic environments.

The Senior Heritage Consultant will lead on heritage strategy and advice across a diverse portfolio of projects. Working closely with architects, planners, and clients, you will provide expert input from early feasibility through to planning and listed building consent stages, ensuring proposals are informed by a clear understanding of heritage significance and policy.

This is a senior position with responsibility for project leadership, client liaison, and mentoring junior team members.

• Lead the preparation of:

  • Heritage Statements

  • Statements of Significance

  • Heritage Impact Assessments

  • Conservation Management Plans

  • Listed Building Consent documentation

• Provide strategic heritage advice at feasibility and pre-application stages

• Advise on developments affecting listed buildings, conservation areas, and non-designated heritage assets

• Liaise with local planning authorities, conservation officers, and statutory consultees

• Attend client meetings, stakeholder consultations, and design reviews

• Contribute to fee proposals, tenders, and business development

• Support and mentor junior staff

• Ensure compliance with relevant UK heritage legislation and planning policy

• Degree in Heritage Conservation, Architectural History, Planning, or a related discipline

• Substantial experience in built heritage consultancy

• Strong knowledge of UK heritage legislation and national and local planning policy

• Demonstrable experience preparing robust, well-argued heritage assessments

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong project management and organisational abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

• Professional accreditation (e.g., IHBC, CIfA or similar)

• Experience acting as Expert Witness

• Established professional network within the South West

• Experience contributing to Conservation Area Appraisals or Local List reviews

• Senior role within a progressive and collaborative practice

• Opportunity to shape and influence heritage strategy

• Supportive studio culture in Bristol

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

• Flexible working arrangements