Inspirational woman architect interior designer

Inspirational woman architect

& interior designer

Engela de Beer is the owner of EVA architects, a Gauteng-based boutique design firm, founded in 2012. TO BUILD is proud to feature her work on our cover.

Engela de Beer

De Beer (Architect Pr.Arch 21568), is a professional architect and inspiring interior designer who specialises in high-end residential projects.

“Whether you are looking for someone to work with on a new house design, alterations or interior design, EVA offers exceptional design talent, from choosing authentic objects, furniture, assisting with colours and material, to layout design, practical application as well as managing the whole process,” she advises.

There is more, however, to De Beer than meets the eye. She tells us that she is also an artist who enjoys painting, sculpting and has been commissioned to do large format murals. In this vein, she also designs and prints her own soft furnishings for clients that are looking for authentic and timeless pieces to complement their personal style.

“I cherish the relationships formed with clients. They ultimately become friends. There are also contractors that phone me back, as well as subcontractors with great after sales service. These form enduring relationships which are so important.”

Before Before

I cherish the relationships formed with clients. They ultimately become friends ...

Engela de Beer’s top tips on what to do before starting a design project

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4 Make sure that the professional is SACAP registered and qualified for the specific task

South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) is the controlling body for the profession. (www.sacapsa.com)

Decide what you already love (and really hate) about your current home?

What colours do you love and which colours do you hate? What style or styles are you drawn to? You might like to prepare a list of things that currently work well and things that frustrate you. Or start and share Pinterest or Houzz folders.

Consider how you use each space in your home and list any special needs?

Walk around each room and think about how you use the rooms and any possible changes that would improve the function of the room for you and your family. Do any of the people who live in the home or visit regularly have special needs? This might be wheelchair access, elderly people with special needs and children.

What is your budget and decide if there are any time frames to consider?

Being realistic about a budget will help you work out what can be achieved now and what might need to be saved for a later stage.

Remember your budget has a direct impact on what is possible in terms of extravagant and expensive ideas and furniture. In essence, clients need to be more realistic about what they can achieve with the budget they have. It's also important to keep in mind that there can be lead times for certain work that should be factored in. Manufacturing of built-in joinery or certain window furnishings can take time to arrange and have installed.

Consider working in stages if your budget is tight. Having the architect or designer conceptualise an overall design at the start, then working out the stages will help keep the overall design cohesive and could save you money by avoiding mistakes along the way.

One of the most important things to achieve together with your architectural professional is having open and honest communication. It's easier to make changes as soon as you are uncomfortable, rather than letting things continue and becoming resentful at the end.

5 Do you have any existing objects, furniture or collections that need to be factored in?

It's best to make your designer aware of any of these needs prior to a concept being developed.

Engela de Beer

EVA Architects 082 721 9518 www.eva-architects.co.za

Passionately curious – timeless style & lasting quality

EVA architects was founded in March 2012. We are a woman-owned, full service architectural firm. We specialise in high-end projects, house designs, alterations and interior design. In addition to architectural design, owner and founder at EVA, Engela de Beer, is also an artist who produces large format wall murials.

We are dedicated to the concept that architecture is an environmentally respectful & socially responsible pursuit. We listen to what our clients require and follow through with passion and enthusiasm.

At EVA we endeavour to approach each project, together with the client & professionals in a collaboration of knowledge, needs and efforts, realising solutions to explore creative opportunities and results.

We strive to create spaces for people to live in, design homes which are environmentally and economically sustainable while keeping both practicality & beauty in mind.