Edward Brooks BAS, BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 6123
CFO and Principle Architect: Edward study architecture at the Wits University graduating in 1997 with a distinction in design. Before starting up Activate Architecture in 1998, he worked at architectural practices in in Johannesburg and Lisbon, Portugal, as well as for the City Planning Department of The Hague, Netherlands. Edward was a second year design, and a design external examiner at Wits from 2002 to 2008.

Edward is a GBCSA Accredited Professional since 2009. Edward also participated in GIBS Nexus programme in 2005.

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 keep fit and to blow off some steam, Edward enjoys running (a lot!) and squash.

Reon van der Wiel BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 7176
COO and Principle Architect: 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.

Reon is a GBCSA accredited professional since 2010. 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 sons Ethan and Jethro.

Nhlamulo Ngobeni
NDip Arch (DUT), BTech Arch, (DUT) MTech (UJ) SACAP reg. no. 3259 7864
Senior Architect: Nhlamulo obtained a National Diploma from Durban University of Technology, graduating in 2010. In 20011 he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Durban University of Technology, and in 2013 he obtained a Masters in Architecture from the University of Johannesburg.

Nhlamulo has worked for two well-known commercial architectural practices in Johannesburg before joining Activate Architecture in 2016. Nhlamulo has an analytical approach to architecture and with that said he has keen interest in how the context can strongly influence buildings from a design point of view. His leadership potential saw him elected by his colleagues as a non-Exec Director of Activate Architecture (Pty) Ltd in 2017.

Nhlamulo has developed an interest in finance and investment and combining this with his passion for architecture, he is focused on building his own property portfolio. Out of the office and balancing of books he enjoys the designing and hand making once-off furniture items.

Michael Magner BAS, BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 6127
Founding Shareholder: Michael studied architecture at Wits University, 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 as an intern for OMA architectural practice in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Michael contributes to the Activate team with design leadership and is an active trustee, chairperson and mentor in the Activate Architecture Employee Share Incentive Scheme Trust to oversee shareholder transformation and to nurture the next generation of the firm’s leaders. Michael also chairs the board of the Activate Holding Company.

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

Associate Architect: Brian 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 has also completed the PDMA. At the Wits Business school in 2014.

Brian joined activate in 2008 and became an associate in 2010. Brian is our Activate Jozi enthusiast and has a keen interest in the city, urban regeneration and heritage architecture. Brian is Chairman of the GIFA heritage committee. Also sits on the Anstey’s Building Preservation Trust which was set up to conserve one of the city’s landmark heritage buildings.

Leane Fernandes
BBArts, BArch, BTech Int (NMMU) PrArch SACAP reg. no. 21024
Associate Architect: Leane obtained a Bachelor of Building Arts in 2002 at the University of Port Elizabeth. In 2003 she also 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 joined activate in 2008. She then became a founding member of Indigenous Studio and become an associate in 2010. Leane’s passion for green building design has lead her being a GBCSA Accredited Professional in 2010 and a GBCSA Projects Assessor since 2012.

Leane has put her enthusiasm for motorbikes (and leather jacket) aside now that she is married to Ryan and very proud and happy mother to her daughter Ava.

Vivien Yun
BAS, BArch (Wits) PrArch SACAP reg.no. 21124
Associate Architect: Vivien grew up in Malawi and came to South Africa in 1996 to further her studies. She graduated from Wits University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and in 2004 with a Bachelor of Architecture.

Vivien has extensive experience in medium and larger scale projects working in the commercial office and retail sectors. Her portfolio of work includes award winning corporate office buildings, call centres, shopping malls and mixed use developments.

Vivien is an Autodesk Certified Professional and has a particular interest in Revit and BIM work flow processes, having been a revit user since 2002. She has been a frequent guest speaker at BIM conferences and Autodesk user group forums, both in South Africa and internationally.

Vivien is married to Matthys Wessels and in her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, gardening and horse riding.

Binayka Rama
Currently enrolled BAS (Wits)
Architect: Binayka obtained a Undergraduate degree at Wits University in 2012. She joined Activate as an Intern in 2013 working for the firm for a number of years before completing her Masters in Architecture at the University of Johannesburg in 2019. Binayka has continued to work for Activate in Johannesburg and completing professional registration as Candidate Architect.

Besides her obvious interest in architecture, Binayka loves cars, travel and football. She is also a die-hard Man United FC supporter, and when she is not watching the footie she can be found playing the in door version of the game!

Funeka Nelani
Office Receptionist: Funeka started life at activate as the cleaning, tea lady. Her work ethic and positive attitude to life has meant that she has been able to develop her skills in the office and now employed full time in reception. Before living in Gauteng and working at activate she worked as a waitress in Paarl in the Western Cape.

Funeka is a proud mother of 3 children, often known to sing as she works, her pleasant presence is an asset to activate.

Ruth Ndlovu
Office Manager & Administrator: Ruth, with matric certificate in hand, started at activate in 2006 as office assistant. Her abilities, attention to detail and reliability soon saw her promoted to reception and administration, and now employed as activate Office Manager.

Ruth has gone on to do a number of office administration diplomas and is currently studying a B Com Accounting degree through UNISA. Ruth is a valuable contribution to our team, keeping our support paperwork and accounts in perfect order.

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