What made you decide to step into this field?
· Initially wanted to study medicine, but being the time that it was in the late 60’s there were difficulties in getting into university-had to compete against 5 students out of the whole country!, THE UNI ONLY ALLOWED A LIMITED AMOUNT OF ‘BLACK’ STUDENTS. So my next option was to do architecture, was always artistically inclined, my grandfather was a contractor and my brother was studying in the same field so it was a well-rounded decision to enter the field.
What difficulties did you face?
· Had to get a permit through the coloured affairs to be able to study at a tertiary institution, as I said earlier there was limited space so I had to compete to be able to be 1-out –of -5 with a total of 50 students (Politics of that time) and then there was fees and travelling costs that was an issue, but one just has to make it work and you will eventually get through.
How long did it take to get your qualification?
· 3years of study -2yrs of internship- another 2yrs of study-and a year internship, with a completion of 8years!
How do you come about with your design process?
· Scope it out in my head, while the client describes what they want, what type of accommodation be it a flat/house/factory etc.
· Start off with 3D scribbles and sketches.
· Understand the brief; know what limitations you face etc.
· Do a bubble diagram
· Create the spatial relationship, and then add 15% for circulation.
· Precedent, precedent, precedent-gives you direction of the design with which you discuss with the client.
· Cost consideration ( area, perimeter x market rate- surveyor=budget )
· Once the client approves, budget and precedent- you then go to the LINE DRAWING.
If you could tell the 20-something yr. old something, what advice would you give?
· Go work /intern for a few months in the respective fields like; the hardware store, building site, quantity surveyor, landscape architect then enter the ARCHITECTS office-you will understand and appreciate the overall responsibility of architecture.
