SPECIAL
Women in Architecture This Women’s Month, Leading Architecture & Design is celebrating the inspirational women leaders in the field with profiles of six of South Africa’s top women architects. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED 1
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1. Concept design for a marina, Riette Kotze Boogertman + Partners 2. Singita Boulders Lodge, Sally Tsilliyiannis, GAPP Architects & Urban Designers 3. Sasol Place, Claire D’Adorante, Paragon Interface 4. Norval Foundation, Renske Haller, dhk Architects 5. Tatu City Education Village for Crawford, Lila Gouws, Boogertman + Partners
SALLY TSILLIYIANNIS GAPP ARCHITECTS & URBAN DESIGNERS
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO WOMEN ARCHITECTS FACE? In the past, it was a battle to be taken seriously in the historically maledominated profession, but I always found my small size more of a problem than being a woman. My renowned assertiveness is probably the outcome of having had to work so hard to prove myself in the past. Today, all architects, regardless of gender, are required to pull rabbits out of hats on a regular basis. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WOMEN BRING TO THE PROFESSION? Mainly stoicism – the ability to hang in no matter what – to see all parts of the problem and work at it until all things are resolved to a successful and happy conclusion. I think women tend to “read the room” more effectively than men.
After many years of experience (34 to be exact) working as lead designer on large-scale, highly complex buildings in urban areas, I have more recently discovered the joy of working on sustainable projects in remote, ecologically sensitive areas throughout Africa. Hot off the press is the new Singita Lodge in Rwanda. I guess I could say nature drew me to the profession. Although I couldn’t define it at the time, even as a small child, playing in our exotic garden in Malawi, I had an awareness of the architecture formed by trees and all other elements of the landscape. WHO INSPIRES YOU? As a student, Eileen Gray (designer of the iconic E.1027 House), a notable non-conformist, modernist and pioneer whose work was largely disregarded in a time when fields of design and architecture were totally dominated by male architects. I continue to refer to her radical approach in transforming traditional crafts in everyday practice.
12 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES ARE FOR THE PROFESSION IN TERMS OF GENDER TRANSFORMATION? Since I started out as a young graduate, there have been remarkable changes in how women are perceived in the industry. While challenges remain around work/life balance and raising a family in a highly demanding profession, I expect this will change as traditional male/female roles evolve and men take over more responsibilities in the home. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG WOMEN STARTING OUT IN THE PROFESSION? Knowledge is empowering. Make it your business to learn as much about everything as possible, as people show respect when you know more than they do. Behave with confidence – even when you feel out of your depth. Real confidence only comes with having knowledge. Be prepared to start early, to work late, and to meet unrealistic deadlines. Repeat. A sense of humour will always see you through tough times.
