99 years of EXCELLENCE
about SAIA
Vision
Reconstituted in 2015, the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) is a voluntary association mandated by its Constitution to organise and unite architects, strengthen their collective voice, and uphold the dignity of the profession in South Africa.
Our Purpose
SAIA advances architects and their practice: fostering ethical leadership, professional competence and continuous learning; creating space for connection, critical debate and thought leadership; and representing architects in key forums so their expertise shapes policy, cities and communities.
Mission
Working alongside our autonomous regional institutes, SAIA looks to the future – a confident, diverse community of architects whose strong, independent voice enables better decisions, more just environments and, ultimately, great architecture for all.
SAIA Board as of 1 July 2026
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Arch. Monique Gillespie (President & SAIA KZN) | Arch. Donette Werkman-Kruger (Vice-President) | Arch. Dal Venables (Treasurer & SAIA Eastern Cape) | Arch. Peta de Jager PhD (CEO, Ex Officio) | Arch. Janet Saaiman (Immediate Past President & Editorial Committee Chair)
BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES (elected): Arch. Zolani Gomba (SAIA Border-Kei) | Arch. John Wilson-Harris (CIfA) | Arch. Johan Snyman (SAIA FS/NC) | Arch. Monica Albonico (GIfA) | Arch. Hannelie Smit (SAIA Limpopo)Â Â | Â Â Â Arch. Nicholas Els (SAIA Mpumalanga) | Arch. Adriaan Louw (PIA/ SAIA NW) | Arch. Jako Nice PhD (Chair: Education) | Arch. Dries Verbeek (Deputy Treasurer) | Arch. Kumarsen Thamburan (Chair: Transformation) | Arch. Mike Boulle (Chair: Practice)
meet the SAIA SecretariatÂ
Michelle Dooki
Dr Peta de Jager
Arch. Hugh Fraser
Tshepiso Motsila
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
CEO
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Michelle Dooki is SAIA's Administrative Assistant, supporting membership, CPD, and finance functions. With experience in reception, logistics coordination, and examinations administration, she brings meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Michele is currently completing her studies in Business Administration at Richfield College.
Dr Peta de Jager (Pr Arch, PhD) is CEO and Information Officer of the South African Institute of Architects. A Wits PhD graduate researching demographic transformation in the architecture profession, she brings practice, research, academia and management experience to SAIA's leadership.
An architect and communicator, Hugh works to strengthen the visibility and value of architecture in society. His work bridges practice, advocacy, and public engagement, helping connect the profession with broader cultural, civic, and industry audiences. Hugh is a coprolalic, an intrepid adventurer and all round nice guy.
Tshepiso Motsila is SAIA's Administrative Assistant, seconded to the communications portfolio. A University of Johannesburg Interior Design graduate, she brings design software proficiency, attention to detail, and strong client-facing skills from retail and interior design internship experience before this role.