Founded in 2007, VMA Architects is a Cape Town based design studio which works on a diverse range of projects on multiple scales. With a strong social focus, our designs seek innovative solutions, appropriate interventions that enhance the spatial and material experience of clients and the greater community at large.
VISION
To design, facilitate, manage and implement building types with a strong social focus.
To respect the environment and the community of life when implementing built environment projects.
MISSION
To establish a research and training component within the practice
To design and document quality environments and places for human habitation and experience
To utilize the guiding principle of sustainability in a holistic manner and scale
To respect the environment and the community of life when implementing built environment projects.
To utilize materials with the least embodied energy and impact on the environment
SERVICES
VMA undertakes projects of varying size, complexity, and nature namely commercial, retail, interior design, hospitality, government, industrial, heritage, single & multi-residential including new houses and renovations / extensions.
OUR PEOPLE
VERNON MATHEWS
DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
PR ARCH: SACAP REG 7782
BAS, BARCH UCT
35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
As Principal Architect of the practice, Vernon Mathews has an in depth knowledge and appreciation for sustainable design and demystifying architecture to create architectural works that is impactful in a positive manner. Possessing more than 35 years experience and as a former Head of Department at Pentech (now CPUT), his portfolio demonstrates a wide range of projects executed successfully across various sectors. He has a successfully acted as Principal Agent on numerous projects for the Western Cape Department of Public Works Department of Health and Department of Education to name a few.
JULIAN HOPELY
Design Director
Pr Arch: SACAP Reg 21482
BAS, B Arch
UCT
35 Years of Experience
An Associate Architect of the practice, Julian Hopley possesses experience in residential, commercial and survey. With a working career in architecture that commenced in 1978 his experience in Architectural Design, Architectural Course Development and Teaching, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge whilst appreciating an holistic approach to design. He is currently also involved in lecturing the B.Arch course at UCT.
SHIREEN HENDRICKS
CA(SA)
B.Acc (Hons)
(Stellenbosch)
13 Years of Experience
Shireen plays an integral role in the strategic management of the practice. After her articles at Deloitte she has held various positions within external audit, financial management academia and consulting. In her role as Director at VMA Architects, focus is on the strategic management of the practice as well as setting organisational goals and implementing sound governance practices.
LIYAAM ARIEFF
Director
Professional Snr Arch Technologist
SACAP Reg: PSAT 24740547
N.Dip ; B.Tech (Arch) – CPUT
15 Years of experience
Being one of the founding staff members of this practice when it was founded in 2007, Liyaam has worked on all major projects produced by this practice. He is currently serving as a director of VMA and with 13 years experience in the field, his input in the design and execution of projects is invaluable.
ROWAN RUITERS
Senior Architectural Technologist
B.Tech (Architecture) – CPUT
B.Tech (Project Management) – CPUT
20 Years of Experience
Rowan has over 20 years of experience as a senior technologist. He is also one of the founding staff members of the practice he remains involved in selected projects as a consultant. Rowen previously served on the Board of SACAP (South African Council of Architectural Professionals) for 2 terms (8 years ended March 2018) and has recently completed a 6-year term as a Council Member on the Board of Heritage Western Cape. His portfolio includes work on Fancourt Golf Estate in George and the City of Cape Town Chambers. Rowen also has project management experience on various housing projects.
EBRAHIM RYKLIEF
Professional Senior Technologist
SACAP Reg: ST 1506
Building Construction Course
(Pentech)
25 Years of experience
Ebrahim has over 20 years experience as a senior technologist, also one of the founding staff members of the practice he remains involved in selected projects as a consultant
ADEEB EBRAHIM
Operations Manager
15 Years of experience
With nearly 15 years of experience linking sales and administrative departments across various industries, including retail, insurance, risk management, investments, transport, logistics, and financial services, Adeeb is well-equipped to oversee the firm’s operations and communications while striving to maintain the company’s ethos and values.