President’s Pen
80 Years and Beyond: A Legacy of Advocacy in Architecture
Eighty years ago, in 1945, Norman Eaton founded the Pretoria Architectural Society. Known for his quiet and introspective nature, Eaton mostly spoke through his architecture. Yet, he recognized that a stronger collective voice was essential to champion architectural excellence in Pretoria. And so, the Pretoria Architectural Society was born.
Through the Society, significant urban matters were addressed— the redesign of Church Square, the placement of the bronzes, the planting of trees, and the redrafting of municipal town-planning bylaws.
Fast forward 80 years, and the Pretoria Institute for Architecture proudly follows in Eaton’s footsteps—still engaging with the City Council, still debating town-planning bylaws, and still passionately promoting architecture in our city.
Over the decades, many dedicated volunteers have stepped up, united by a single purpose: to advocate for the transformative power of architecture in shaping society. Yet, despite its long history, little written documentation exists about the Pretoria Architectural Society’s work. Perhaps this is due to its voluntary nature—no fanfare, no rulers on thrones, just silent champions of a cause close to their hearts.
From Society to Institute: A New Chapter Begins
Jump ahead 50 years to 1995—the dawn of democracy in South Africa. As society changed, so did the Society. It evolved into the Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) as we know it today. Its founding members—Gerrit Jordaan, Neil Crafford, WP Bosch, John Mehl, Andre van der Merwe, Elisa van Gass, Adriaan Louw, and Louis Bouwer—are names still familiar to many of us. They continue to attend events, contribute to our community, and uphold the values of advocacy over authority.
Stepping Into the Legacy
As a mid-career architect, reflecting on this 80-year timeline, I realize I am just a new brick in this enduring structure. I wasn’t even in matric when the PIA was formed, yet here I am, tasked with recalling its history. At first, I felt inadequate for the role. But then, I understood—this is precisely why my generation must step up.
Eaton was younger than I am now when he took the lead. His legacy reminds me that we, too, must rise—not as rulers, but as advocates. May our generation be remembered not for claiming thrones but for continuing the advocacy that has shaped our profession.
A Missing Narrative
What strikes me most is the absence of a recorded history of our Institute. And yet, in my years at the PIA, I have come to know it as a vibrant community—rich in stories, wisdom, and professional camaraderie. It is a community that respects one another, cares deeply about society, and engages with issues that truly matter.
We find ourselves in an era flooded with artificial knowledge and freely available information. Yet, we all know that knowledge is only as valuable as our ability to interpret and apply it in practice. More than ever, we need to come together as a profession—amplifying our voice amid the noise of an evolving society. Architects remain uniquely positioned to reshape and heal communities, but we can only do so if we believe in our role as advocates.
Sustaining Our Legacy
This brings me to an important question: How will my generation of leaders ensure that our Institute remains sustainable? How do we carry this steady legacy into the future? How do we ensure that in 2025, advocacy remains our driving force?
The answer, I believe, lies in both our past and our future. We must actively connect our long and successful history with the dynamic, ever-changing future of architecture. It is in this deliberate, symbiotic relationship—between generations, between knowledge and passion, between experience and fresh vision—that our profession will thrive.
Curating Our Story
As our world becomes increasingly saturated with information, it is becoming harder to distinguish truth from fiction. This is why we must become the curators of our own narrative, preserving our authentic story to empower future generations with wisdom and truth. By doing so, we won’t just sustain our Institute—we will remain relevant in an ever-accelerating world.
80 Years and Beyond: Our Call to Action
How do we ensure that 1945 becomes our 2045?
We start by consciously and deliberately telling our stories—documenting our journey, celebrating our successes, and learning from our challenges.
And so, here is my call to you: Join us in our storytelling sessions, starting in March this year. Bring your memories, bring your visions for the future of our profession and our city. Whether you are an octogenarian or a first-year student—you are invited!
Together, let us weave our individual yet interconnected stories into a collective narrative—one that reflects our past, present, and future as architects in this city.
On 4 October 2025, World Architecture Day, we will proudly launch our very own documentary:
“80 Years and Beyond: 1945 to 2045 – A Story of Architecture in the Capital.”
This will be our story of collaboration, evolution, and sustainability. A story built on the shoulders of past, present, and future passionate volunteers. A story of continued advocacy, respect, and belief—belief that, as architectural professionals, we are changemakers, builders of society, and shapers of the future.
Let’s tell this story together.
Donette Werkman
PIA President
Office News
Dear Members,
It is really hard to believe that it is March already. We have presented 8 workshops/events and have a lot more coming soon. We have also met with Council at the 2 PDF and 1 Task team meeting and be assured that you were represented and our members’ concerns were addressed.
Our Architectural Salary Survey is included in this newsletter. We appeal to you to please participate and share it far and wide. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete, but the benefit is to each of you if we have sufficient participation.
It is a busy and exciting year – YES … it is AWARDS and IDEA Design Conference year! How absolutely amazing is that?
We also have several other exciting new benefits and activities to ensure that each of you, our members, have the best year ever! There will be something which will appeal to each of you.
Before proceeding with further news about that …
herewith some very important office matters to draw your attention to:
MEMBERSHIP FEES:
First and foremost, THANK YOU TO THE 88% of our members who paid their membership fees. To the remaining 12% of our members, we appeal that you please pay your outstanding membership fees urgently. All fees need to be received before the end of March, unless you have made arrangements with Ishara. (012 346 1051 or finance@pia.org.za)
Please remember that we need your financial support in order to do what we do.
PIA WEBSITE LOGIN
Please note that our login process has been updated. When login in, you will receive an OTP via e-mail to verify your login in order to protect your information and our website’s security.
EVENTS
When booking for events and selecting the EFT option, please send your proof of payment to cpd@pia.org.za
Also, please note that SACAP requires from us to forward the evaluation forms, we also need it to evaluate the quality of the events we present to you and to ensure we always do better. Please complete and send it to us.
ARCHITECTURAL PUBLICATIONS
If you know of any architectural publications available and would like us to keep it in stock … make sure to let us know in order for us to source it. Please also have a look on our website to see which publications we have in stock.
We wish you all a wonderful March and please keep reading – there is a wealth of information below.
Kind Regards
Mauneen van
PIA Executive Officer.
Architectural Salary Survey 2025
Dear Architectural Professional,
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this salary survey.
It will only take a few minutes.
In order to obtain and provide you with accurate and useful information, we need the participation from as many individuals working as architectural professionals as possible. Please do share with any colleagues and friends we may have missed.
We thank you again for participating.
Complete the Survey now!
Please note that this survey closes at the end of April and the results will be available in June 2025.
Kind Regards
Mauneen van Wyk
PIA Executive Officer
Coming Soon! Call for Entries – PIA Awards for Architecture
IDEAS Design Conference + PADEL architecture tournament
YES!!! It is IDEA Desing Conference time again – please save the date: 22 MAY 2025 at FUTURE AFRICA CONFERENCE CENTRE, LC de Villiers Campus, Pretoria!!!! Ensure that you are available to attend. More information on the presenters to follow soon.
Also important to note that that week will be filled with various activities:
Monday: 19 May – Sketching/Drawing Masterclass
Tuesday: 20 May – Septo/Octogenarian Breakfast
Wednesday: 21 May – Architectural Masterclass
Thursday: 22 May – IDEA Design Workshop
Friday: 23 May – Capital City Walking Tour
The PIA will introduce and invite you to participate in the PADEL architecture tournament soon.
We would like to encourage all practices to get their team together. This is going to be a lot of fun.
PIA PADEL – architecture tournament
Get PRACTICING!!!
WIN!!! A prize & floating trophee
Watch this space!!!!
Invitation to enter the International Brick Awards
Architects, seize the opportunity to showcase your groundbreaking work!
The Prestigious Brick Award 26 is now open for submissions, celebrating outstanding Architecture that reshapes our build environment and highlights the innovative potential of brick.
Make your mark and gain international recognition.
ENTER NOW