Architecture Pretoria - Charl de Villiers

Interview with Charl

Question: What is your design philosophy?
Charl: My designs are characterised by clean lines, bright spaciousness and simplicity. A "simple" design is deceiving. It is the result of a complex design process as opposed to a convoluted design that could hide flaws. I dislike all forms of waste. I have a preference for economic designs that avoid the use of applied decoration. I do not however, use this principle too strictly. I enjoy adding a few dramatic elements in a considered, tongue-in-cheek way. I think this quirkiness comes from my Gemini starsign.
Another aspect of design that I pay great attention to is the progression of space: the way in which one approaches, enters and moves through a building and its surroundings.
In architecture, there are roughly two basic design approaches. One is to design the facades first, and then adapt the floor plans to fit the facades. This design approach carries the risk of focusing on pretty two dimensional facades only and neglecting the three dimensional spaces in the building. The second approach is to finalise the floor plans first, and to then design the facades as an expression of the functionality of the building. This is the way I prefer to work.
Question: What are your sources of inspiration?
Charl: I was raised in a design conscious environment. My father, Mitch, is also an architect and my mother, Dalene, practises Ikebana and collects ceramics. My parents' plain white German crockery has to be one of my earliest sources of inspiration!
Other sources of inspiration include Modern(ist) architecture and the vibrant colours and tactile qualities of Africa, specifically the Namibian desert. I think my love of desert landscapes influences my use of materials in buildings. South African architects often do not appreciate the play of light and shadow the way that for example some Spanish architects do. I like the way in which simple materials, when used correctly, become beautiful in their own right. It has a raw beauty.
I also have a penchant for small town architecture and ruins. Whenever I travel I often stop at the roadside to photograph old farmsteads or barns.
Question: What are your main strengths as an architect?
Charl: It can be summed up in two words: communication and design. Communication is necessary to accurately define a client's needs. Design is necessary to solve it. The relationship between the architect and client is an intimate one. The architect has to be sensitive to the client's needs, fears, expectations and the project's financial and other realities. This is where good communication is absolutely essential. Often, while we continue to discuss the project, my client and I become aware of new challenges and opportunities. This leads to a richer understanding of what we are dealing with and a better end result. I am not a design prima donna, I always strive to be mindful of the client's tastes and preferences, while voicing my professional opinion.
When designing alterations and additions, I am always sensitive to the style of the existing building. Sometimes one consciously works in an almost copy-cat style, while in other cases contrasting designs work better. I have the ability to maximise the potential of an existing building.
Question: Describe your ideal clients.
Charl: They would not necessarily be those with the largest budgets. I find it more important that clients should have an appreciation for my talents, allowing me the opportunity to help them to the best of my abilities. When designing I pay great attention to small details. I prefer having the time to fidget with details and mull over problems until I come up with an inspired solution. In a nutshell: I appreciate clients who are interested in well crafted jewels.
Question: Are you only an architect, or are you also involved in other areas of design?
Charl: I see myself as both an architect and a designer. For me the distinction between the two terms is that I use my talents wider than merely the design of the building. I also look at interior architecture and landscape design, and I love furniture design as well. One should approach a building holistically. The same design principles apply to a bed and to the house in which it is put to use.
Question: Any other interests?
Charl: Travel, photography (my own and other photographers), yoga and broad cultural activities such as cinema and theatre. Whatever is stimulating and adds to my knowledge.