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”Architectural design has introduced me to some of the most interesting
personalities in the Eastern Cape,” says professional senior architectural
technologist Tim Styles of Impendulo Design Architects. One of these
personalities is Kaiser Matanzima, the previous Chief of Transkei. Tim had the
privilege of having lunch at the dignitary’s home where the chief’s experiences
at Lovedale College and the University of Fort Hare were detailed at great
length. Meeting interesting figures like these has been a true highlight in
Tim’s working career.
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Tim developed a passion for design early. His distinction in technical drawing
in high school provided the impetus to pursue architectural design. An
opportunity at Smale and Partners in 1990 paved the way to mastering hand
drawing techniques. From here he progressed to Ngonyama Okpanum & Associates
(formerly Plan Architects) in 1994 where he was exposed to CAD.
“When I joined Ngonyama & Associates, I was given free reign to explore the
capabilities of AllyCAD. Back then the software was still in DOS version and I
found the initial learning curve to be quite difficult at first. Since the
program has become Windows based, it has only grown in strength and provides
excellent functionality. I have come to respect AllyCAD's capabilities and
prefer the program above any other CAD package,” says Tim with conviction.
At Ngonyama & Associates, Tim worked on exciting appointments in the Transkei
region. “The biggest highlight was my involvement at Qamata Great Place, just
outside Queenstown where I met the former Chief Kaiser Matanzima. Other
initiatives in the area included development projects at Mngqesha Great Place
and Ngcadu Great Place near Butterworth. Here I assisted with the design of the
village housing, a community centre with restaurants and various conference
facilities. Many of these projects are still in progress,” he says.
After building a successful track record at Ngonyama & Associates, Tim moved to
Impendulo Design Architects and is currently living his dream. The company
provides a complete service in architectural design that encompasses everything
from commercial, industrial, government and hospital developments. There is also
a large amount of consultation with local communities to ensure participation
and success in the projects being managed.
“At Impendulo Design, I get to combine my draughting skills with the technical
aspects of architecture. One of the projects currently in progress is the
concept and master plans for the Buffalo City Further Education and Training
College. There is a huge demand for schools in the area as many of the current
schools are dilapidated. The establishment of Further Education and Training
institutions is therefore an important initiative.”
Tim has a varied role at Impendulo Design Architects. As the professional senior
architectural technologist, he ensures that the freehand concept is input into
AllyCAD. Designs are also expected to conform to government building standards
as contained in the Department of Public works. Tim regularly checks quality
levels and is actively involved in the implementation of each project.
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“I manage the entire process from the preliminary design phase to the final
contract administration. I also submit the completed designs to the client and
ensure final sign off and approval. From here I liaise with the consultant team
and contractor to ensure that the designs are constructed according to
specification,” he notes.
Tim is passionate about architecture and believes it to be one of the most
exciting disciplines in engineering. The eco friendly Eskom Park Offices
estimated at around R39 million was an interesting application of architectural
design. “The project needed to be self-sufficient which meant that solar energy
would need to drive the entire operation. Heating and cooling systems to the
building would therefore need to be designed around non pollutant materials.
“The recent trend to go "green" is evidence that architecture is changing to
meet the needs of a changing environment. Architectural design is also becoming
more creative as society affords to live more modern lifestyles,” explains Tim.
Meeting dignitaries, travelling to remote destinations, experimenting with art
and form and being part of transformation in the Eastern Cape all capture the
excitement of the profession. To Tim, it is all about being part of creating
beautiful lasting monuments, and being an Architectural Technologist allows the
creative freedom to accomplish just that.
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