Coming to Cape Town truly changed my perspective in life. I work as an Interior Designer in Melbourne and this year, my sister and I took time off to travel and see the world. We were both seeking a unique experience and came across Connect-123’s programme – made a harmless enquiry and it snowballed from thereon.

Connect-123 found me a placement at an architecture firm, which specializes in sustainable development and environmental building techniques. I was given the opportunity to work on the interior of a public building appointed by the City of Cape Town. Located in the outskirts, their goals were to promote the preservation of the land’s heritage while alleviating poverty through community involvement.

As a designer, it was exciting to be exposed to new ways of design thinking and to engage with sustainable building techniques and eco-friendly materials and finishes. Never imagined that one day I would be involved in the process of constructing buildings with mud bricks and straw or plaster walls with a grandfather’s hand me down recipe of clay, lime and cow manure. The sight was simply amazing and definitely ‘breathtaking’ literally.

Being involved on the building site gave me opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of people, including with the city’s environmental & heritage departments, their contractors, builders and suppliers. This provided me a greater insight into the local design industry and also a platform for contacts. As the building was in its final construction stage, I was lucky enough to be able to see some of the designs I worked on being implemented.

Cape Town itself is visually stunning and the people are amazing- it exceeded expectations on all levels. The Connect-123 team are professional, down to earth and very supportive. Mary, my account manager and friend, was in constant touch throughout my time in the programme ensuring that all my goals were being achieved.

I had an amazing time in S.Africa and can’t wait to come back one day. For anyone planning to come, Cape Town will mesmerize you!

architecture, design, sustainable development

As a designer, it was exciting to be exposed to new ways of design thinking and to engage with sustainable building techniques and eco-friendly materials and finishes.