Anica joined Esse Architects as an Architectural Technician in the Hamilton office in September 2022, after working with the firm on a contract basis from South Africa since September 2021. Anica has 12 years experience, which includes 2 years of New Zealand experience. During her time in South Africa, and as owner of her own business, Anica was closely involved in all aspects of various projects, which included concept design, detail design, construction documentation, and the monitoring of projects on site.

Anica’s experience includes projects from the vehicle industry, office developments, educational master planning, retail development, and housing. She is currently working towards NZ registration after her South African degree was recognized and accepted by the NZQA board in July 2022.

“In architecture, I am in favour of contextual design. The physical aspects as well as the cultural values of an environment should always be well considered and should form the basic departure point. Nature is the base of life and, more specifically knowledge. Therefore, I believe in sustainable design and careful consideration of environmental impact. The honest usage of material is also important to me. Materials in its most basic form contribute, in my opinion, to an enhanced sensorial experience of space. The physicality and tangibility of such materials improve our memory of place.”