Ilana Steenkamp URBAN DESIGN + PLANNING + ARCHITECTURE

As an urbanist, I am inspired by the vibrancy of cities and their potential to provide people with access to opportunities, infrastructure and meaningful everyday experiences. I see cities as spaces of engagement and social change, where human-centered design can help in creating healthier, inclusive and meaningful urban environments.

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I am currently working at Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers in Cape Town, where my energy is focused primarily on urban design strategies for a range of contexts, from tall buildings to historic farmsteads and social housing developments. I am currently the office project lead for the council submission and implementation a subsidized housing development.   

 

I previously worked as an architect at ZGF Architects in New York as an extension of my Fulbright Scholarship. Through the Fulbright Program, I completed my M.Arch at Parsons School of Design in New York. I earned a Bachelors in Architectural Studies (BAS) and a Masters in City Planning and Urban Design (MCPUD) from the University of Cape Town.

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My prior work experience has been focused on regeneration and social development in hostile urban environments. I have previously worked as an urban designer at VPUU and DHK Architects in Cape Town. At VPUU, I was involved in several projects, working towards urban improvements and social interventions to support the development of safe and integrated communities in Cape Town. Prior to my time at VPUU, I was involved in mixed-use development projects of various scales at DHK Architects and Urban Designers. I have completed internships at Jana Urban Space foundation (Bangalore), Slum Dwellers International, VPUU, SITELAB Urban Studio (San Francisco).

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