I live by the powerful words of Steve Jobs:

 

"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works."

 

All Design inspires me. Following high school, I commenced my studies in architecture, which proved to be an ideal means for me to explore my passion for design. It also provided me with an opportunity to explore the relationship between architecture and media and I graduated in the top 5 of my class with a thesis entitled ‘Archimedia’. Following graduation I was head-hunted by Arup, an international design and engineering company. I was selected to assist my London director in setting up the Interchange Design architecture division in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2008. This division grew to around 20 people by 2010 and thrived during the FIFA World Cup as urban design, city beautification and regeneration emerged as strategic focal points.

After 4 years of running projects and collaborating with government and multidisciplinary teams, I was asked to assist the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) with marketing and media. I felt that this career move would fulfil my career ambition to become active in both design and media disciplines. I took up the position of Marketing Manager for the Institute and my responsibilities include managing social media, graphic design for promotional material, creation of communications and assisting in organization of architecture events. I also manage and coordinate two architecture award programs.

In order to grow and develop my skills in media and design I completed a course in Art Direction at the AAA Advertising School in South Africa. Another passion of mine is teaching and tutoring. I currently assist the 1st year lecturer at Wits University School of Architecture with the Design Development. I also assist the 2nd year design studio session at the University of Johannesburg. I have written and designed for two publications in order to develop my skills in creative direction. I have extensive knowledge of Adobe Suite and have been working with Photoshop, InDesign and AutoCAD since 2003.

 

In 2013 I started studying psychology through the Wits Plus program at the University of the Witwatersrand. This allows me to explore another passion of mine, which is helping and working with people and communities. I am hoping to complete my Psychology Major by 2015.