Suzette Hammer is the executive director and co-founder of SBE Africa Architects, a
large architectural practice specialising in modern statement luxury homes.
What do you love about being a woman in your specific industry?
Being a mentor now in this industry has enabled me to influence the way architects think about the interior flow of a home. Most of my male colleagues will concentrate on aesthetics first, but I believe I have been highly successful, mostly because I understand how a family works. Male clients need their mancave and cars, and female clients are all about the cosy open-plan lifestyle, lovely spacious kitchens and dressing rooms for handbags and shoe displays. I love that clients are deciding to opt for the woman architect with this type of experience and who understands these finer concepts to help them create their dream homes.
What are some highlights you have experienced so far in your career?
One highlight was the day I realised I don’t have to just take notes, but can sketch the interior rooms of a client’s home right in front of them while they watch during a first meeting, even if that meeting was online with the client in an African country or the USA. I realised that this was a talent very few architects have; it has made us, as SBE Africa Architects, the powerful team we are currently. Another highlight was going to Milan, Paris, Dubai and China to purchase items for different clients. We have our own in-house interior décor section, which allows us to give our clients everything they need.
Contact:
076 309 2626
visionintoreality@sbearchitects.co.za
www.sbearchitects.co.za
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