SAIA Pulse 04/2026
Updated: Sep 10
President's Corner — Arch. Janet Saaiman
Behind the scenes, significant work has been underway to align SAIA's policies and protocols with best governance practice, in accordance with the Companies Act and the King V Code of Corporate Governance. The Terms of Reference for the Ethics Committee are being finalised, ahead of a call for nominations, and the ToR for the core Education Committee is being completed to continue forum discussions already under way — including aligning the former BArch and current MArch qualifications within the NQF framework.
The re-established Transformation Committee is preparing for a long-overdue in-person workshop, and SAIA has refined its sponsorship and industry-partnership protocols. An upcoming lecture series is planned in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects and Osmond Lange. Internationally, SAIA has re-established its presence within the African Union of Architects, the International Union of Architects, and Docomomo International.
New Identification of Work (IDoW) Policy
SACAP has officially published the updated Identification of Work (IDoW) Policy under Board Notice 901 of 2026, replacing the 2021 framework. The policy clarifies the scope of work permitted for each category of registered professional, moving beyond simplified measures of project scale to a more nuanced approach based on project complexity, technical requirements and the level of professional expertise required. It also recognises different pathways into practice, including work-based experience and Recognition of Prior Learning.
In Memoriam: Pieter Charles Bakker
25 August 1947 – 21 March 2026. Piet Bakker made a lasting contribution to architecture in South Africa and across Africa. After graduating from the University of Pretoria in 1971, he practised in Durban before incorporating his practice into Stauch Vorster Architects in 1985, becoming managing partner in Cape Town and later National Group Chairman of SVA International. A SAIA member from 1974, he served on the CIA's Practice and Professional Development Committee for decades and represented the profession on SACAP committees.
Architect Spotlight: Michael Sutton
This edition highlights the work of Michael Sutton, whose quiet, deliberate architectural language prioritises spatial clarity, light, and the relationship between structure and environment — seen in the Smithers House (House Bryan) in Sandton and a residence at 11 9th Road, Hyde Park, visited as part of a SAIA heritage experience. SAIA will be coordinating a tour of the Hyde Park residence in early May, with details to follow.
Council and Governance
Thank you to all members who submitted nominations for SAIA office bearers. Nominations were well received for Vice President and Deputy Treasurer — both roles become vacant on 1 July 2026.
Architects in Barcelona
Barcelona has been crowned World Capital of Architecture for 2026. The city hosts the 2026 UIA World Congress of Architects from 28 June to 2 July, under the theme "Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition," with around 10,000 people expected. Pope Leo XIV has confirmed his presence at the central event marking the hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death at the Sagrada Família, whose scaffolding has finally come down after extensive renovation. Dr Solam Mkhabela will present at the Congress, and SAIA has secured a stand at the event.
PIA President Donette Werkman is organising a semi-guided tour, 25 June – 4 July 2026, including the Congress, Sagrada Família, Montserrat, and the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion — R51,200 per person, 20 pax, through The Travel Planner.
Docomomo and JBCC Representation
SAIA and Docomomo South Africa welcome Arch. Elwyn Harlech-Jones as SAIA's appointed point person for engagement with Docomomo South Africa for the 2026–2028 term.
Dr Judith Ojo-Aromokudu has accepted appointment as a director representing SAIA on the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC), bringing a dual practice-and-academia perspective from her registration with SACAP and her teaching at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Corobrik SAIA Awards of Excellence
The biennial Corobrik SAIA Awards of Excellence feature 54 entries progressed from the 2025 Regional Awards. Adjudicators have been travelling extensively across the country — starting in the Eastern Cape and continuing through the Western Cape — engaging directly with the built work submitted. The Coverland SAIA Awards of Merit, recognising excellence in roof tile application, are open and free to all SAIA members.
Education and Mentorship
Architect Olivier Galingue, Director of OLIGATI GROUP Architects, reflects on the work-integrated learning programme he introduced to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice, mentoring University of Johannesburg students including John Ezissi, Nobuhle S Mahoko, Kleopatra Bobić and Kgwerano Choshi.
The Wits School of Architecture and Planning is running a short industry survey on the software and digital tools used in architectural practice, and the RESIDE Conference and Expo takes place 20–21 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, with a discount available to SAIA members.
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