Zakiyyah Vawda

My interest lies in the realm of sustainable architecture, a field I find pivotal as it aligns with the overarching goal of sustainable development that has emerged as an imperative for guiding future human endeavours. This conversation has transitioned from solely addressing environmental or green performance to embracing a broader perspective of sustainability, one that encompasses environmental, social, and economic considerations.

My diverse work experiences have fortified my capabilities. Over a decade of work across different roles, from starting my career at an internship at a community-based NGO to 6 years of employment at commercial architecture firms, and eventually my current role as Director at FYI Africa Architecture, with projects in the residential, commercial, health, and mining industries has honed my collaborative and management skills, all enabling effective cooperation with professionals, clients, and contractors alike. My experiences have granted me insights from various facets of the building industry.

I have demonstrated my commitment to sustainable architecture through my academic journey. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in architecture (BAS) from the University of Witwatersrand, I further pursued a BSc Hons and an MSc in Applied Science in Architecture from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. These achievements have solidified my resolve to advance my studies through a Ph.D. program in the future, intending to make a substantial impact in the arena of sustainable building.