Women in Architecture, Design and Engineering

This Women’s Month, Leading Architecture + Design celebrates a selection of women in architecture, design, engineering, construction and related fields.

By Leading Architecture + Design | August 2024

Photo by Joel Filipe on Unsplash

Sarah Stubbs-D’Ahl, Co-Founder and Director, ACOARCH Studio

Sarah Stubbs-D’Ahl co-founded ACOARCH Studio in 2021. As a director, she is responsible for overseeing the firm’s design vision and ensuring that each project resonates with emotional depth and human wellbeing, as well as ensuring that the day-to-day operations are carried out in an effective manner. Before launching ACOARCH Studio, she contributed significantly to BVA Architects in Durban, FWJK Architects and SAOTA in Cape Town, gaining experience in commercial and healthcare design, property development and luxury residential design. She spearheaded notable projects such as Mantuli Luxury Estate Villa, Fumba Gold, and Zanzibar Luxury Presidential Apartments. What Stubbs-D’Ahl loves most about architecture is its ability to shape human interactions and elevate daily living through thoughtful and inspired design. She loves the collaborative nature of architectural design and has been known to quote the following: “Architecture is the one thing that we all experience, therefore it is the one thing that we can all have an opinion on.” It is this collaborative nature that guides every design and project undertaken. "Emotion and vulnerability are often seen as having no place in the corporate business world,” she says. “In reality, emotional understanding can create spaces that enrich and foster a working environment where creativity can thrive."

**Sarah Stubbs-D’Ahl**

**Sarah Stubbs-D’Ahl**

Carolien Els, senior architect, Aecom

Carolien Els is a senior architect at Aecom’s Enterprise Capabilities Group. She graduated from the University of Pretoria and went on to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture at the University of Cambridge. Els has worked on a wide range of projects, from clean rooms to underground stations. Throughout her career, she has focused on designing inclusive public spaces and innovative structures that foster community interaction. “I have always been drawn to architecture’s power to connect people, particularly through its ability to remove barriers and generate crossing points,” she says. “Whether it is a building linking two communities or a public space encouraging social interaction, architecture has the unique ability to shape human connections and foster inclusivity.” Els says that working with individuals who offer diverse ways of thinking and whose cultural backgrounds and experiences differ, prompts us to consider a wider spectrum of possible approaches to challenges and tasks. “One of the biggest challenges faced today is groupthink,” she says. “Architects are able to shape the physical spaces of tomorrow. It is essential that a diverse range of voices are heard to better understand what exactly is needed by various user groups. Collaborative design by a diverse design team delivers much richer socially integrated projects.”

Shoroma Dindial, Architect, Aecom

After graduating as a professional architect, Shoroma Dindial worked in the private sector for 12 years, where she was exposed to the corporate field, and, more recently, in the public sector working on industrial, residential and commercial projects. She was drawn to architecture because it suited the fine balance of creativity and seriousness she hoped for in a career, especially, as she says, once she truly understood “the need and value of the built environment and how it links every aspect of life. It is deeply rewarding to influence and uplift people’s emotion through design experience,” she says. Her career highlights include working with very sensitive projects that require a specific need. “They always ask for in-depth research, immersive design and interrogation,” she says. Dindial believes that diversity is important for innovation and creativity. “Variety ensures a multitude of approaches, resolution and concepts. It helps with social equity, providing equal opportunities for all individuals.” She adds that an inclusive industry is more attractive to a broader range of talent, assisting with shortage of skills and creating a vibrant workforce. “When an industry reflects the diversity of society, it is more likely equipped to understand and address the needs of all its members.”

**Shoroma Dindial**

**Shoroma Dindial**

Doreen Noetzold, Technical Director - Architecture & Architectural Lead, South Africa

**Doreen Noetzold**

**Doreen Noetzold**

Doreen Noetzold studied architecture at the University of Technology in Dresden, Germany and gained her early professional experience at local architectural practices, ANSwerk as well as M-Architekten. “Architecture plays a vital role in creating a sense of identity and place,” she says when asked what drew her to the field. “Buildings and public spaces can represent the culture, values, and history of a community.” She first worked in SA when she consulted on projects for the key Dube Tradeport developments, including Durban’s airport development, built in readiness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. She subsequently joined Stauch Vorster Architecture (SVA) Johannesburg studio, working on projects within South Africa as well as West Africa, mainly in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Mozambique. Noetzold later joined AECOM’s Buildings & Places Team in Durban, with focus on local projects for Mercedes Benz in East London, and international brewery developments for Heineken, as well as Shell’s new headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Since February 2022, Noetzold has held the architectural lead position in Africa, which requires her to oversee the vision of the architectural business line in context of the overall business strategy and driving its development. A recent key multi-disciplinary project to note would be the Bahrain data centre, where she acted as lead architect. She notes that one of AECOM’s key objectives is to empower women and support their growth to ensure female representation in leadership positions. “One needs to understand how space affects the people it serves, and in my opinion, woman bring a greater level of understanding through their inherent intuition to this part the process,” she says. “I would also humbly say that women are more detail orientated.”

Carien Kymdell, Building Controller at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate

Carien Kymdell is the Building Control Manager at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Kymdell plays a crucial role in regulating construction and infrastructure within this premium estate. She ensures that contractors adhere to all estate rules, maintaining both the aesthetics and functionality of Zululami. Kymdell’s meticulous and detail-oriented approach is evident in her creation of processes and systems, which help her manage her responsibilities effectively. She is committed to protecting homeowners' investments by upholding the highest standards for construction and design. Kymdell believes that women bring a unique perspective to the industry, often being more detail-oriented and focused on long-term goals. Her passion for her work, strong character, and creativity drives her to excel in her field. With her technical expertise and people skills, Kymdell efficiently navigates the complexities of her role. 

Tlalane Ntuli and Tumi Matsau, Space Fanatics

Tlalane Ntuli and Tumi Matsau recently established property turnkey project management firm Space Fanatics, a one-stop solution for all space creation needs, whether that includes building from scratch, renovating, remodelling or just redecorating. Space Fanatics focuses on fusing the elements of construction and space design into a cohesive, greater whole for their clients. By managing and coordinating teams of specialist partners, including architects, engineers, builders and interior decorators, Space Fanatics ensures that all aspects of every project are impeccably executed. Tlalane Ntuli, the interior design-obsessed exec, has a corporate marketing background. She ensures that the company runs like a well-oiled machine. Tumi Matsau, the designer extraordinaire, has a rich history in architecture and branding, complemented by years of hands-on experience in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, making her the creative powerhouse behind Space Fanatics. Her philosophy is “architecture is a language, and design a dialect”. Ntuli and Matsau were both born in Maseru, Lesotho, on the same day and only 12 hours apart. They eventually met at age 11 and became inseparable throughout their high school and tertiary years.

Lulama Wolf, visual artist

Bang & Olufsen, the prestigious Danish audio and home entertainment brand, recently unveiled its collaboration with acclaimed South African visual artist Lulama Wolf. This culturally significant occasion marks the first time a South African artist has been invited to create a unique, customised design for the iconic Beosound A9 speaker. The ‘Art of A9’ initiative series sees the distinctive circular canvas reinterpreted via a series of limited-edition artworks. Internationally, notable collaborations have included works by David Lynch, Stine Goya, Vincent Van Duysen, John Legend, and MonoNeon. Lulama Wolf, known for her modern neo-expressionist art, brings a unique perspective to the Beosound A9. Her work, which often merges traditional African aesthetics with modern techniques, has been showcased in various local and international prestigious exhibitions. Her design for the limited edition customised Beosound A9 is deeply rooted in the classical themes of art and music, encapsulating the lyrical joy found in jazz and the graceful movements of women in dance. “I was looking for simple things that bring you joy in so many ways,” says Wolf. “The femininity in jazz and dance, and the improvisation of its heartbeat, all come together in this piece.” Lulama Wolf's recent works continue to push the boundaries of contemporary African art. Blending traditional influences with modern techniques, they create powerful and evocative pieces that resonate with a global audience.

Mosha Senyolo, President of the ASAQS

Earlier this year, Mosha Senyolo made history as the first black female president of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). “Becoming the first black woman president of such a globally respected organisation was never something I aimed for personally,” Senyolo notes. “However, I am tremendously honoured and filled with gratitude. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication, unwavering commitment, and deep passion I have for our profession.” In 2021, she was appointed as junior vice president at ASAQS, and says that role provided her with invaluable insights and preparation for the presidency. As president, she hopes to build on the ASAQS legacy while also making some necessary changes. “Beyond traditional cost estimation and management roles, Quantity Surveyors are increasingly recognised for our ability to provide strategic insights and mitigate risks on behalf of clients, thereby maximising returns on investment for diverse stakeholders,” she says. Senyolo is not the first member of her family to break boundaries in the profession. Her father, Thabo Senyolo, has been noted by the School of Construction, Economics and Management at Wits University to be the first black qualified Quantity Surveyor. “Ultimately, my goal is to foster a culture of continuous improvement, where every initiative contributes to our collective success and the advancement of our profession,” she says.

**Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog**

**Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog**

Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog
of Hesse Kleinloog Studio and Anatomy Design

Named earlier in 2024 as the ‘Women Shaping the Future of Sustainable Hotel Design’ by Condé Nast Traveller, Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of Hesse Kleinloog Studio and Anatomy Design demonstrated their industry brilliance at 100% Hospitality by Belgotex, an exclusive exhibition showcasing the future of luxury hospitality design held at 100% Design Africa with Decorex Joburg. Kleinloog also gave an honest and insightful talk on the experiences of working in Africa as both a designer and a woman, providing invaluable insights for aspiring designers preparing to navigate this dynamic and diverse environment. Established in Johannesburg in 2010, Anatomy Design quickly made its mark on the design world with The Lab Light, which was honoured as the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at the 2010 Design Indaba. Over the years, Anatomy Design has grown into a multi-award-winning product design store, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the South African design industry. Initially, Anatomy Design housed both the retail store and the interior design studio. However, due to the welcome growth of both wings, Hesse Kleinloog was established in 2016 as a dedicated interior design wing that continues to push the boundaries of interior design excellence.

Louise van der Walt, Louise O Architects

Louise van der Walt (previously Osborne, which is where the O comes from) is the founder and principal of Louise O Architects, which recently won four out of six awards for one of their designs in Helderfontein Estate at the recent Century Home Show Expo in Midrand, including ‘Best Build’ and ‘Best Architectural Design’.

Louise van der Walt

Louise van der Walt

Louise O Architects has been specialising in high-end residential architecture since its inception in 2006. Having established a reputation for quality design of beautifully detailed homes that live well, they have recently ventured into new territory with a concept called Openhouse, which was showcased in the award-winning home in Helderfontein Estate.

Openhouse is a collaboration between Louise O and construction group W3O, and is a platform offering pre-designed architectural solutions that go far beyond what a packaged home has traditionally come to represent. Van der Walt’s inspiration for all her homes is that “good design significantly enhances the quality of everyday life”. Through Openhouse, her wish is that good design can be made accessible beyond the usual reaches of the high-end residential market.

Van der Walt’s influences are varied – from her early enthusiasm for her grandmother’s glossy interior-design publications to her father’s insights as a lifelong business-owner in the construction industry, and her own early career experience in healthcare design and a passion for designing healing spaces.

A deep understanding of the impact that one’s environment has on one’s everyday life is what Van der Walt believes helps her and her architectural team create homes that are meaningful architecturally and socially.

Buhle Mathole, Kabu Design Architects

Buhle Mathole was born in KwaZulu-Natal, raised in the Free State, graduated with an undergraduate degree from the Universality of Cape Town (UCT), and a professional master’s degree from the University of Pretoria. She is a PhD candidate at UCT, where she also currently lectures.

“As a woman, I love this field and have practiced for almost two decades,” she says. “There are still challenges and door keepers who ensure the circle remains small, but the difficulties pose a creative opportunity to find ways to excel.”

For the past 17 years, Kabu Design Architects has been a thriving concern. The firm works on residential as well as commercial projects, and has several schools on the drawing board and on site. “I have run it alone as a woman with no partner, and have survived through tough economic periods,” says Mathole. “I still get called Mr Mathole and some potential clients are disappointed when they meet a woman.”

She says she finds balancing teaching, research and practice exciting. “I have found ways to streamline projects as it’s all in support of what we do,” she says. “My research interest hinges on the fact that architecture is an apprentice type of teaching. It’s a skill that is acquired over time. The talent of an individual cannot be disputed, but integrity in design – developing strong leaders and financial managers who can run strong practices in this economy – is something that is learnt and not taught.

“My intention is to see how that learning process can be entrenched in the architecture schools during the years of learning,” she says. How, for instance, do you develop strong social values? “We can’t save the world, but architects have a significant role to play in designing a world and in transforming public spaces – environments that are conducive to a thriving global environment.

“Women in general are homemakers – in the home there are many facets that create love and warmth. This, I believe, is the role of architects in our society, and we can start today!”