Preservation Architect + Director
WASHINGTON AIA, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
POSITION DESCRIPTION
InSite Consulting Architects seeks a Preservation Architect + Director to lead and grow the firm’s Washington, DC office, serving as both a technical authority in large-scale historic preservation and a strategic business development leader with deep federal-sector experience. This individual will manage and oversee complex federal, state, District, institutional, and cultural preservation projects—from studies and planning through construction administration—while navigating multi-agency federal approval processes and expanding the firm’s presence among federal owners, cultural institutions, and public-sector clients in the Washington, DC region.
The Preservation Architect + Director role requires a professional who brings demonstrated success working with federal and local governmental agencies as well as other institutional clients and is equally adept at project leadership, regulatory navigation, client development, and staff mentorship.
___________________________________________________________________________
POSITION OVERVIEW Office Leadership and Strategy
Serve as Director of the Washington, DC office with responsibility for strategic growth in federal and institutional markets.
Act as senior firm representative to federal agencies, review bodies, and institutional clients.
Collaborate with firm leadership on long-term positioning within the federal preservation sector.
Project Leadership and Technical Oversight
Lead and oversee historic preservation projects, including:
Historic Structure Reports (HSRs)
Conditions assessments and compliance documentation
Master planning and feasibility studies
Restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse design
Construction administration under federal delivery frameworks
Serve as Project Manager/Director for complex federal and institutional projects.
Address compliance with:
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
Federal preservation laws and regulations
Agency-specific design and review requirements
Client Management
Serve as a primary client point-of-contact.
Guide teams and clients through complex reviews, approval, and coordination processes.
Understand and navigate contracting environments, delivery methods, and stakeholder structures.
Federal, District, and Interagency Approvals
Lead and coordinate multi-layered approval processes.
Strategically manage overlapping federal and District requirements, particularly within the monumental core.
Business Development for Federal and Public Sectors
Maintain and expand relationships with federal agencies, cultural institutions, and public-sector clients.
Lead or support federal pursuits, including RFQs, RFPs, interviews, and teaming strategies.
Leverage existing agency relationships to identify repeat and on call opportunities.
Represent the firm at federal industry days, conferences, and professional forums.
Staff Mentorship and Team Development
Mentor staff in preservation project delivery, documentation standards, and agency coordination.
Develop internal capacity for federal and institutional work.
Support professional development, licensure, and leadership growth within the DC office.
MUST-HAVES TO APPLY Demonstrated Professional Experience
10+ years in historic preservation architecture
Leading federal historic preservation projects, from studies through construction administration
Serving as Senior Project Manager, Contract Director, or Client Manager for federal or institutional clients
Managing multi-agency, high-visibility projects in complex regulatory environments
Federal & Regulatory Expertise Experience working with these or similar federal agencies is desired:
Smithsonian Institution
S. Department of State – Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
General Services Administration (GSA)
S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
National Park Service (NPS)
Architect of the Capitol (AOC)
S. Navy / Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)
Experience navigating these or similar processes is desired:
Section 106 consultation
DC Historic Preservation Office (DC HPO)
National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)
Commission of Fine Arts (CFA)
Agency-specific review boards and committees
Business Development
Proven success pursuing and securing federal and public-sector work in the Washington, DC / DMV region.
Established relationships with federal owners, contracting entities, and institutional clients.
Experience supporting or leading RFQ/RFP responses and interviews.
Licensure and Credentials
Professional degree in Architecture
Licensed Architect (District of Columbia desired; multi-jurisdictional preferred)
Meet or exceed Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards
ADDITIONALSKILLSTHATWILLHELPYOUSTANDOUT
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members, clients, and contractors.
Passion for humane and sustainable design
Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work on concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/?orREVIT, and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong technical expertise related to design and construction.
Knowledge of preservation techniques and policies
Knowledge of historic construction techniques and styles
Knowledge of material repair and restoration techniques
Creative teaching and mentoring abilities and experience
__________________________________________________________________________________
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Consideration will be given to remote or hybrid fulfillment of the duties of this position.
This is a full-time exempt position (average: 2,080 hours per year) in accordance with employment laws within the District of Columbia.
Work hours and days generally are Monday through Friday.
Evening or weekend work to participate in meetings may be required periodically.
Travel expenditures are covered or reimbursed through ICA policy.
As noted previously, ICA has a generous benefits package for all employees.
Future ownership potential within the firm will be considered for the successful candidate.
Recruiting Compensation Range: Base salary is commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with an additional benefits package; a range of $160,000 to $200,000 is anticipated. An annual review process, tied to compensation, will be performed.
Affirmative Action: InSite Consulting Architects is anEqual Employment Opportunity/?Affirmative Action Employer. ICA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Other: Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
__________________________________________________________________________________
InSite Consulting Architects has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this leadership search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e‑mail at helene@theplumstudio.com. No phone calls, please. All candidates will be notified via e‑mail as to the status of their application.
To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae (detailing measurable success in the key qualifications for the position) to Ms. Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 pm EDT on March 31, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Preservation Architect + Director role requires a professional who brings demonstrated success working with federal and local governmental agencies as well as other institutional clients and is equally adept at project leadership, regulatory navigation, client development, and staff mentorship.
___________________________________________________________________________
POSITION OVERVIEW Office Leadership and Strategy
Serve as Director of the Washington, DC office with responsibility for strategic growth in federal and institutional markets.
Act as senior firm representative to federal agencies, review bodies, and institutional clients.
Collaborate with firm leadership on long-term positioning within the federal preservation sector.
Project Leadership and Technical Oversight
Lead and oversee historic preservation projects, including:
Historic Structure Reports (HSRs)
Conditions assessments and compliance documentation
Master planning and feasibility studies
Restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse design
Construction administration under federal delivery frameworks
Serve as Project Manager/Director for complex federal and institutional projects.
Address compliance with:
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
Federal preservation laws and regulations
Agency-specific design and review requirements
Client Management
Serve as a primary client point-of-contact.
Guide teams and clients through complex reviews, approval, and coordination processes.
Understand and navigate contracting environments, delivery methods, and stakeholder structures.
Federal, District, and Interagency Approvals
Lead and coordinate multi-layered approval processes.
Strategically manage overlapping federal and District requirements, particularly within the monumental core.
Business Development for Federal and Public Sectors
Maintain and expand relationships with federal agencies, cultural institutions, and public-sector clients.
Lead or support federal pursuits, including RFQs, RFPs, interviews, and teaming strategies.
Leverage existing agency relationships to identify repeat and on call opportunities.
Represent the firm at federal industry days, conferences, and professional forums.
Staff Mentorship and Team Development
Mentor staff in preservation project delivery, documentation standards, and agency coordination.
Develop internal capacity for federal and institutional work.
Support professional development, licensure, and leadership growth within the DC office.
MUST-HAVES TO APPLY Demonstrated Professional Experience
10+ years in historic preservation architecture
Leading federal historic preservation projects, from studies through construction administration
Serving as Senior Project Manager, Contract Director, or Client Manager for federal or institutional clients
Managing multi-agency, high-visibility projects in complex regulatory environments
Federal & Regulatory Expertise Experience working with these or similar federal agencies is desired:
Smithsonian Institution
S. Department of State – Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
General Services Administration (GSA)
S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
National Park Service (NPS)
Architect of the Capitol (AOC)
S. Navy / Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)
Experience navigating these or similar processes is desired:
Section 106 consultation
DC Historic Preservation Office (DC HPO)
National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)
Commission of Fine Arts (CFA)
Agency-specific review boards and committees
Business Development
Proven success pursuing and securing federal and public-sector work in the Washington, DC / DMV region.
Established relationships with federal owners, contracting entities, and institutional clients.
Experience supporting or leading RFQ/RFP responses and interviews.
Licensure and Credentials
Professional degree in Architecture
Licensed Architect (District of Columbia desired; multi-jurisdictional preferred)
Meet or exceed Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards
ADDITIONALSKILLSTHATWILLHELPYOUSTANDOUT
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members, clients, and contractors.
Passion for humane and sustainable design
Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work on concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/?orREVIT, and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong technical expertise related to design and construction.
Knowledge of preservation techniques and policies
Knowledge of historic construction techniques and styles
Knowledge of material repair and restoration techniques
Creative teaching and mentoring abilities and experience
__________________________________________________________________________________
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Consideration will be given to remote or hybrid fulfillment of the duties of this position.
This is a full-time exempt position (average: 2,080 hours per year) in accordance with employment laws within the District of Columbia.
Work hours and days generally are Monday through Friday.
Evening or weekend work to participate in meetings may be required periodically.
Travel expenditures are covered or reimbursed through ICA policy.
As noted previously, ICA has a generous benefits package for all employees.
Future ownership potential within the firm will be considered for the successful candidate.
Recruiting Compensation Range: Base salary is commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with an additional benefits package; a range of $160,000 to $200,000 is anticipated. An annual review process, tied to compensation, will be performed.
Affirmative Action: InSite Consulting Architects is anEqual Employment Opportunity/?Affirmative Action Employer. ICA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Other: Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
__________________________________________________________________________________
InSite Consulting Architects has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this leadership search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e‑mail at helene@theplumstudio.com. No phone calls, please. All candidates will be notified via e‑mail as to the status of their application.
To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae (detailing measurable success in the key qualifications for the position) to Ms. Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 pm EDT on March 31, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr