Celebrating dhk’s support staff
26 August 2024
Every person at dhk plays a key role in our success as a leading architectural practice. Earlier this Women’s Month, we celebrated the women who form part of our management team. We now honour our administrative staff, the engine that supports the practice operations.
Cathy marked 17 years with dhk’s Cape Town studio in June 2024. As Studio Administrator, she’s responsible for a wide range of duties, including assisting the Office Manager, Natasha Geils, with various tasks, supporting studio operations, conducting research, managing all aspects of travel arrangements, coordinating and setting up meetings and organising network and staff functions. She also manages all incoming emails to the hello@dhk address, coordinates biannual staff reviews and organises the Cape Town leg of the annual job shadow programme. She particularly enjoys the dynamic work environment at dhk, which she describes as “where the culture emphasises working hard while also fostering a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere”.
Jane joined dhk’s Joburg studio in June 2024. She supports the senior management team in Johannesburg and ensures the studio runs efficiently. She also works closely with Cape Town’s Office Manager, Natasha Geils, and the Communications team on events and out-reach initiatives, including the Joburg studio’s annual job shadow programme. Jane has extensive experience in administration roles for architectural firms, although her background is in architectural studies and programming. She has a positive demeanour and makes people feel welcome and comfortable in the office. “I love seeing people thrive in the studio. It’s the interpersonal relationships and being noticed and acknowledged in the firm that make all the difference,” she says.
Priscilla has been with dhk since 2014. She runs the reception smoothly, welcoming visitors when they arrive, answering incoming phone calls, managing the office supplies, and processing plans between the office and site. She’s also a fire marshal and a first aider for the Joburg office. Priscilla notes that taking plans to site is one of her favourite aspects of the job because it allows her to see dhk work coming out the ground.
Sizakele is the receptionist at the Cape Town studio. She joined dhk in April 2024, bringing with her 17 years of experience in office administration. Before joining dhk, she held roles as receptionist in the health sector and Office Administrator and Finance Assistant in higher education. Sizo, as she’s affectionately known, is passionate about ensuring the office runs smoothly, fostering teamwork and creating a friendly and welcoming environment for colleagues, clients and guests.
On 5 July 2024, Rosie marked 19 years with dhk. She’s the team leader responsible for cleaning and housekeeping in the Cape Town office. Rosie started as a cleaner on a part-time basis and later progressed to overseeing the team and becoming dhk’s professionally trained in-house barista. She interacts with both staff and clients alike and takes pride in the strong relationships she has with her dhk colleagues, who know her well and trust her to remember their orders. She notes, “I appreciate the love and respect from everyone”.
Sylvia joined dhk in 2008 on a part-time basis and was made a permanent staff member in 2014. She performs cleaning duties and welcomes guests with tea and coffee as required. The mother of three is proud to say that she enjoys dhk’s culture. She feels like she has many other children at dhk and is happy to offer them a word of advice now and then.
Tessa is a member of our housekeeping team. She joined the Cape Town studio in January 2024 and is responsible for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for all. She previously worked as a cutter in the manufacturing sector for 16 years. She has settled well in her new role and is a team player who loves working with people.
Joyce Legodi celebrated her 7th anniversary in the Joburg studio on 1 August. She’s responsible for cleaning and making tea and coffee. She also helps at reception when needed. She loves that everything is a team effort and notes that she enjoys working with the dynamic team in Joburg, made up of individuals from various backgrounds.
Shehaam is an experienced Financial Clerk with 25 years’ experience in the architectural sector. She joined dhk in January 2016 and began working as a personal assistant to the firm’s Managing Director, Renske Haller, and dhk Partners Pierre Swanepoel and Steve Peters. In September 2021, she moved to the finance department, working under the leadership of Finance Director Shantal Ruiters. She handles invoicing, debtors’ control and assists with project accounts, as well as managing the administration requirements for bids and tenders. Before joining dhk, Shehaam was a receptionist at a smaller architectural studio before progressing to Office Manager. She notes: “Every day brings new tasks and opportunities for growth. It also gives me immense joy and pride to point out the impressive buildings that dhk has been involved in, even when I’m out with friends and family.”
Miliswa joined dhk as a Financial Administrator in October 2013 and remained in the role until October 2019. She rejoined our team in October 2020. She’s responsible for managing creditors, bookkeeping and aspects of salary administration. She also oversees the attendance register and leave applications, handles B-BBEE-related administrative tasks and maintains stationery. Before joining dhk, Miliswa spent five years working for an engineering firm as an Administration Assistant. She notes, “I enjoy being part of this amazing team and love the culture here”.
Gizelle works in the finance department under the team led by Finance Director Shantal Ruiters. She’s in charge of management accounts and assisting Shantal. She gained experience in manufacturing before completing her articles at a small firm in Somerset West. Prior to joining dhk in June 2024, she was at Sportsmans Warehouse. Gizelle is particularly skilled in financial reporting and enjoys seeing the financial outcomes of an organisation’s work. “If it has a graph and pivot tables to bring outcomes together, that’s my vibe,” she says.
