Let’s meet: Daphne Nederstigt, Associate and member of dhk’s sustainability committee

13 August 2024

Shaping the built environment and advocating for sustainable practices

Project architect and dhk Associate Daphne Nederstigt straddles two roles at the practice. She works on various projects in island regions and spearheads dhk’s Sustainability Committee alongside one of the firm’s Partners, with the aim of establishing dhk as a leader in green building practices.

As an outdoor enthusiast and environmentally conscious individual, Daphne leads by example in both her personal and professional life. She’s involved in numerous architectural, interior design and construction projects of varying complexity and scale. At dhk, her scope spans from high-end residential to hospitality work. Daphne is responsible for a broad range of tasks across all project stages such as concept plans and construction packages, design, coordination and documentation.

Her experience includes working as a project manager in the Netherlands on large public buildings, where sustainable technologies were integral to all designs. She has a proven track record of successful green initiatives, including the Mont Choisy project in Mauritius, which incorporated passive design principles, and the Seafront Estate development in the Seychelles, currently undergoing EDGE certification. EDGE is a green building certification system focused on making buildings more resource efficient.

Daphne’s ideal work involves designing and building sustainable, self-sufficient social projects. With strong problem-solving skills and a drive to support others’ growth, she’s committed to leveraging her expertise to create a more resilient and sustainable built environment. 

“Architects have the privilege of shaping the built environment, and the ethical responsibility to create healthier spaces that minimise environmental harm,” says Daphne. “As women, we design and live with empathy and a rounded understanding of our role and connectedness to the whole of society. This means we should be advocating for sustainable practices and educating clients on why sustainable design is non-negotiable. It must be a given feature in everything we do.”

Daphne is part of dhk’s Sustainability Committee, which she leads in collaboration with dhk Partner Peter Stokes. The forum aims to raise awareness internally so environmentally friendly solutions become a part of people’s DNA. As a thought leader with a deeper understanding of green building principles and practice, she strives to lead by example and to influence others on the importance of sustainable design.

“My focus is to increase our team’s understanding of sustainable and green building practices. I want to scale our practice knowledge, inspire young designers, educate technologists, and urge clients to adopt more sustainable practices with credibility and confidence,” she explains.

Daphne, who is originally from the Netherlands, joined dhk in 2017. She was appointed as dhk Associate in late 2022. Her portfolio at dhk includes notable projects such as The Signature in Mauritius and Seafront Estate in Seychelles. She has also contributed to the design of Delaire Graff Estate’s Owner’s Villa and Superior Lodges, an accommodation offering in Stellenbosch that provides an unrivalled Winelands experience.