Far-sighted South African architects respond to the pressing need for building a sustainable environment.
What inspired you to become an architect?
Im fortunate enough to pursue a God-given passion for what I do, so I guess the inspiration came naturally.
What kind of projects do you specialise in?
Design projects vary. We therefore don’t like to be typecast. However, in recent years, we spent the bulk of our time on residential and commercial projects.
Name other architects you admire or who inspire you?
Rem Koolhaas; Sarah Calburn.
Do you incorporate green design?
Certainly, as much as possible, one of our upcoming projects is a satellite campus and research for a US university that will be extremely green, and we are quite excited about this one.
Which are your favourite buildings in SA?
It is difficult to isolate only two, but I would say in SA, a small generator room at the Miller post office junction in the Karoo. The setting and proportions are just right. Then, of course, the next project we are working on.
And internationally?
At the moment, the new K:fem department stores in Stockholm, Sweden.
What’s the medium you most enjoy working in (your favourite building material)?
Any cladding material to frame structures.
What is the biggest challenge facing architects in SA?
Bridging the social gap with meaningful spaces.
If you had to design your dream building, what would it be?
I like vibrant spaces. So anything public with a sense of community thrown in would be a pleasure.
