KANYANTA CHIPANTA
BKK Architects
SAY IT LOUD - Naarm Melbourne Exhibitor
MELBOURNE/AUSTRALIA Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents. They taught me: a. I can do anything I put my mind to regardless of where I am from, what I look like or my gender. b. I am a world citizen & I should treat everybody & everything with the respect that I expect for myself & those I love.
KANYANTA CHIPANTA
Bio:
Kanyanta is a project architect with over 14 years’ experience. She currently works at BKK Architects and is completing a PhD in Management Engineering and Real Estate Economics at the University of Padova in Italy, with a research focus on alleviating the housing affordability (supply) crisis in Southern Africa through innovative construction technologies. She is involved at various stages of a construction project from early site analysis and conceptual design work through to construction.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Architecture was not a customary choice for females in post-colonial Zambia but Dad never let that deter me. Dad, a mechanical engineer, oversaw construction of large projects & he fed my curious mind on various professions in & outside construction.
What do you do?
Architecture is a game of many players, parts & problems & I am there to arrange the pieces just right. I’m a project architect, involved from early site analysis & conceptual design. I’m also studying for my PhD at the University of Padova, Italy.
What excites you in the work you do?
All creativity starts with just a thought, & it’s my job to make that vision tangible. I am particularly excited about designing for vulnerable communities. Good architecture can give everyone a decent place to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents. They taught me: a. I can do anything I put my mind to regardless of where I am from, what I look like or my gender. b. I am a world citizen & I should treat everybody & everything with the respect that I expect for myself & those I love.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I was the first Black African female architect registered in WA. I have a photo of Dad in his graduation gown & mortarboard from the University of Zambia & me in mine from Curtin Uni in 2008. That picture tells the story of a generation’s journey.
Featured Project Name:
I17 Union Street
Featured Project Location:
17 Union Street, Brunswick, VIC 3056
Featured Project Completion Date:
7th October 2021
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect – Design and Documentation Team
Featured Project Description:
BKK, with Clare Cousins Architects and Neometro, designed and delivered this 8-storey Brunswick apartment building, a key element of our masterplan for the Jewell Station precinct. As a project architect, I took over construction documentation post novation. I coordinated subconsultants and worked with the contractor. I also had key responsibilities for quality assurance and design detailing. It was an immense team effort.
