Bio:

Kanyanta is a project architect with over 14 years’ experience. She currently works at BKK Architects and is completing a PhD in Management Engineering and Real Estate Economics at the University of Padova in Italy, with a research focus on alleviating the housing affordability (supply) crisis in Southern Africa through innovative construction technologies. She is involved at various stages of a construction project from early site analysis and conceptual design work through to construction.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

Architecture was not a customary choice for females in post-colonial Zambia but Dad never let that deter me. Dad, a mechanical engineer, oversaw construction of large projects & he fed my curious mind on various professions in & outside construction.

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What do you do?

Architecture is a game of many players, parts & problems & I am there to arrange the pieces just right. I’m a project architect, involved from early site analysis & conceptual design. I’m also studying for my PhD at the University of Padova, Italy.

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What excites you in the work you do?

All creativity starts with just a thought, & it’s my job to make that vision tangible. I am particularly excited about designing for vulnerable communities. Good architecture can give everyone a decent place to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

My parents. They taught me: a. I can do anything I put my mind to regardless of where I am from, what I look like or my gender. b. I am a world citizen & I should treat everybody & everything with the respect that I expect for myself & those I love.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I was the first Black African female architect registered in WA. I have a photo of Dad in his graduation gown & mortarboard from the University of Zambia & me in mine from Curtin Uni in 2008. That picture tells the story of a generation’s journey.

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Featured Project Name: 

I17 Union Street

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Featured Project Location: 

17 Union Street, Brunswick, VIC 3056

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

7th October 2021

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect – Design and Documentation Team

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Featured Project Description:

BKK, with Clare Cousins Architects and Neometro, designed and delivered this 8-storey Brunswick apartment building, a key element of our masterplan for the Jewell Station precinct. As a project architect, I took over construction documentation post novation. I coordinated subconsultants and worked with the contractor. I also had key responsibilities for quality assurance and design detailing. It was an immense team effort.

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Photography Credit:

Derek Swalwell