Edward Brooks BAS, BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 6123
Edward matriculated at St John’s College in Johannesburg in 1988 and went on to study architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand(Wits) graduating in 1997 with a distinction in design.

Before starting up Activate Architecture in 1998, he worked for architectural practices in Lisbon, Portugal, and for the City Planning Department of The Hague, Netherlands as well as for Heinrich Kammeyer in Johannesburg. Edward was a second year design tutor between 2002-2005, and a second year design external examiner from 2006-2008 at Wits.

Edward is married to Lisa and they are the proud parents of Isabella and Maya. He has a keen interest in travel and property and is an avid wine and coffee connoisseur. To wind down, Edward enjoys a game of squash and reading.

Michael Magner BAS, BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 6127
Michael matriculated at the Pretoria Technical High School in 1990. He then studied architecture at Wits, graduating in 1997 with a distinction in design and winning the prestigious National Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award.

Before starting up Activate Architecture in 1998, he worked for OMA architectural practice in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Michael has also been external examiner for 3rd year design at the University of Pretoria in 2001. In 2002 he joined Wits as a design tutor for 3rd year and in 2004-2005 he was a design tutor for thesis year.

Michael is married to Colleen and they are two very committed parents to their children, Harry and Alice. When Michael isn’t in the office, his recreational activities include mountain biking, golf, water skiing and sailing.

Reon van der Wiel BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 7176
Reon matriculated at Potchefstroom Boys High School in 1994. He went on to study architecture at Wits, graduating in 2002. He worked for Activate Architecture as a student, and joined the firm in 2002 as a qualified architect. Reon has proven to be an invaluable asset to the firm and became a partner in 2006.

Reon assisted the CIDA University set up its MACC course and presented the Architecture and Construction component of the course. He also lectured at Wits in the Architectural Representation Elective in 2006-2007.

Outside of the office Reon has a love of sculpting and mountaineering, and in his spare time, when needed, he is a DIY boffin. He is married to Melissa and they have a young son Ethan with whom they are besotted.

Rob Serman studied architecture at Wits, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Rob obtained a distinction for his Architectural Dissertation and was awarded the Frank Gordon McIntosh Prize, the GIFA Award, and the Stephen Mark Hemp Memorial Prize. Rob is our Activate writer whose book reviews feature regularly in Designing Ways. Context and clarity are Rob’s driving influences, architecture fulfilling his need to make.

Given Mvumbi was the first Activate employee and has been employed as an Architectural Technologist since 2005. In 2004 he obtained his National Diploma in Architectural Technology from Tshwane University of Technology. In 2008 completed his B Tech at the University of Johannesburg. When he is not producing electronic drawings in Sketch-up, Given is dreaming of music, and is most definitely our Activate maestro of note!

Leane Fernandes obtained a Bachelor of Building Arts in 2002 at the University of Port Elizabeth. In 2003 she obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Interior Design, and in 2005 she obtained a Masters in Architecture (Professional) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. She won the Otis Award for innovative use of circulation within building design and The Construction Award for best thesis building and design. Leane is our Activate daredevil who enjoys the thrills of adventure sports and biking!

Brian McKechnie obtained a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Wits, graduating in 2002. In 2004 he obtained a B Arch Honours from the University of Pretoria, and in 2005 he obtained a Masters in Architecture, also from the University of Pretoria. Brian is our Activate Jozi enthusiast and has a keen interest in the city and urban regeneration. Brian sits on the Ansteys Building Preservation Trust which was set up to conserve one of the city’s landmark heritage buildings.

Mamisa Sokhela has been employed as an Architectural Technologist since 2007. He has completed part of his National Diploma in Architectural Technology at the University of Johannesburg. Mamisa is our Activate cool cat and you’ll never see him stressed out or looking shabby!

Lisa Younger obtained a BA (Honours) in Dramatic Art from the Wits in 1994, majoring in scenography/set design. Since then she has worked extensively as art director and designer in the media of theatre, film, television and interiors. She has won numerous awards for her work. Most recently she scooped the coveted Naledi Theatre Award for Set Design. Lisa draws from her theatrical training to design interiors that are emotive, have personality and tell a specific story. Lisa is the founder of Activate Space.

Riana Leversage obtained her National Diploma in Interior Design in 2008 from the Tshwane University of Technology, obtaining a distinction in interior design. In 2007 she did a 3D rendering course in Revit. Riana’s passions include colour and textures and bringing together design elements, and her interest lies in visual communications.

Jacob Tsotetsi matriculated from Seroali High School in 2005. He met Lisa at a mosaic workshop in 2007, and joined Activate Space full time in August 2008. He is in training to head up the installation department at Activate Space, where he will be in charge of the practical and logistical realisation of some of our crazy concepts and designs. Currently he builds models, and makes samples, as well as climbs, measures, cuts, drills, screws, breaks, glues, paints and colours just about anything and everything.

Lynn Horak has spent many years as an executive PA and brought her experience to Activate to help manage their offices. Lynn has helped get our offices organized, and administrates both the finances and manages the general office and admin support staff. In her spare time Lynn enjoys reading and is busy writing her first book. She dreams of picking grapes in the South of France and finishing her book in the future.

Funeka Nelani has been our cleaning lady since 2007. Before living in Gauteng she worked as a waitress in Paarl in the Western Cape. Funeka is often known to sing as she works, providing pleasant background music for us all when MTV gets too hectic!

Ruth Ndlovu started with activate a few years ago as our tea lady her abilities, attention to detail and reliability soon saw her promoted to receptionist. Now Ruth fulfills the role of office administrator, keeping our support paperwork in perfect order.

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