The Agency's Leadership Series: Sarah Patterson

A Senior Associate at Cape Town-based Architectural firm, dhk, Sarah Patterson has an impressive resume. Having worked on a number of large projects, both in the private and public sector, over the course of her 15-year career, she is also a vocal advocate for transformation in the industry.

The latest in The Agency's Leadership series, we spoke to Sarah about her career to date, her mentorship of other female architects, and what trends in urban design thinking may emerge Post-Covid 19.  

Tell us a little bit more about your career to date. What got you to this point in your career?

After graduating from university in 2005, I began my career at Vivid Architects, where I gained valuable experience in all stages of the architectural process. My time in that office was spent predominantly on private sector projects and really provided me with a solid foundation for learning the ropes of commercial practice. Then after about five years, I started looking at the larger picture of South African cities and wanted to get more involved in public sector work. I took up an urban design role at Jakupa, a smaller practice at the time, who were doing a lot of local government and social development projects. I was very fortunate to have been given management responsibilities and learnt the rigour of running a business alongside developing my skills as an urban designer. I was involved in a mileu of very interesting social development projects, seminars and workshops which gave me rich insight into the ways in which we might tackle larger problems of inequality in the built environment. Those two five-year stints in private, and then public sector work really did set me up perfectly for where I am now. I was lucky to rise very quickly through the ranks after joining dhk and have a fair amount of responsibility but enjoy a lot of free reign to lead projects that I am passionate about.

You are an advocate for transformation in the sector, with dhk facilitating a strong mentorship programme, while at a personal level you have been involved with projects such as the Ignite Collective. How important is it to transform the industry and have you seen real change?

There certainly are changes afoot, but I think we underestimate to what degree we all need to actively drive the education and empowerment of all young architects. Particularly those who have not been afforded exposure to the profession - whether it be through personal connections, travel, a superior education or whatever - which ultimately builds insight, a significant advantage. I think we, collectively, have to be awake to opportunities to bring young women architects, into spaces that give them a chance to develop their skills and foster connections.

dhk has spearheaded this kind of thinking with internal programmes.

dhk is involved in a number of initiatives, starting with a  job shadow programme, which tries to give youngsters a full sense of the spectrum of activities architects get involved in. Over the course of a few days, we try to give them as much insight into what they are going to be doing, what it takes and what sort of avenue or role they could explore within the profession. We also partake in the Go For Gold programme which sees us sponsoring and educating young students every year from Grade 11 through to a graduation in architecture. Our students are actively involved in project teams and have the support of the practice throughout their studies.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has shifted the landscape in a number of ways, none more so in terms of working spaces. Will we see more co-working spaces in the future? Or perhaps more thought given to a work-space at home?

It depends on who you're speaking to, some people prefer to leave their home and go to an office environment to focus, whilst others find being at home is least distracting and affords more lifestyle flexibility. Do I think the co-working space will gain traction? Yes, because we are seeing a desire for spaces to become more adaptable to a multitude of functions. In a co-working space you might find a suite of general office components that can be used as you need them. For offices that are quite well established, like ourselves, I don't think that would work.  I think it will suit the small businesses or the tech industry for instance, but I reckon some businesses will still want a home base; although a lot smaller and with more hot desking or agile timetabling.

Do you feel the after-effects of the pandemic will shift the thinking around urban design?

I don't know if there will be any significant shift in the thinking around urban design. I think the tenets of good urban design won't change but will simply have been reinforced by this period we're going through. We may well see more support for decentralization models but even then, the success factors are similar - integrated mobility systems that favour the pedestrian, density, sensitive environmental design and a multiplicity of uses.   

I think many people got a taste of how good a pedestrian-dominated environment feels, and how we can rely on our local amenities to serve us - whether that be in provisions or services or in leisure activities. Oh, and I have been amazed to see the increased appreciation for the simple natural environment activities - we've become regular tourists in our own city! We've also seen the traffic problem wane with our alternative timetables and I think this helps build or reinforces the argument for pedestrian orientated cities and better public transport systems. If we don't rely on private vehicles to move around so much, we might see bigger sidewalks, cycle tracks, and more greenery!

dhk is based in De Waterkant, which has really managed to mix work and lifestyle spaces in a very elegant and functional way. Is that something dhk gave thought to when setting up their base in the area.

As a practice that advocates pedestrian-friendly, mixed use precincts, it's no surprise we would choose a location which exhibits those attributes. De Waterkant is amazing, it really is a village, on the doorstep of the city, with the seaside a stone's throw away. You can really feel that sort of tightness and scale of a village whilst enjoying a large sophisticated office a five-minute walk from the CBD. Whether it's a lunchtime stroll through the streets or the local parks or a run on the promenade after work, there are ample opportunities to make your workday a very pleasant one.   

Final thoughts on living and working in Cape Town?         

Cape Town really is one of those cities where you really can have that 'rus in urbe' concept- the illusion of country in the city - and I am very aware that this privilege is something that is not afforded to every citizen. Certainly, Cape Town cannot be described as a singular place; it has a whole lot of different characters with different attributes or disadvantages within its extents. However, what I enjoy about being based in the city bowl is that hybrid lifestyle of wilderness and metropolis so closely juxtaposed.

Sarah has been a vocal advocate for transformation in the industry and has been involved with a number of initiatives aimed at showcasing women and their influence. One such initiative, 'Her Perspective', is striving to build a database of womxn who have made a positive impact on the built environment, with a focus on the Global South. To read more about this initiative, visit their website here or follow them on Instagram.

The Agency Property Group will feature a number of local and international thought leaders in the coming months, keep an eye out for the next instalment, and find out everything you need to know about The Agency here.