Mutago Nanus, a postgraduate student in the University of Pretoria (UP)’s interior architecture programme, is currently pursuing her honours degree. Although she finds the programme challenging, she is excited to learn about the intricacies and human-centred approach to design, which form an important part of her studies.

She is looking forward to applying this knowledge to real-world design projects when she enters the world of work. She considers the value of a degree in architecture from UP to lie in the fact that many companies are confident about what the Department’s students are taught.

Mutago decided to specialise in interior architecture because she wanted to obtain a better understanding of how architecture can affect a user’s day-to-day life on a smaller scale. “It is interesting to see the level of human psychology that comes with understanding how to make spaces better for the user,” she explains. “We are taught to be more conscious of the materials we use in our design, as well as the effect the life cycle of the design has on the environment in the long term, particularly in the context of smart cities. I am learning to make sure that my design practices add to the wellbeing of the people who inhabit those spaces.”

As the Department’s undergraduate programme focuses on general architecture, Mutago had to make a paradigm shift when she started to specialise in interior architecture in the honours programme. “I had to move away from the overall picture to really put myself in the shoes of the person or company I am designing for. It is almost like removing the ego and truly listening to what the user needs, rather than what we, as professionals, would like to impose on a user. It is important to deliver a design that adds value to the user. This makes it a truly human-centred discipline.”

Mutago considers interior architecture to be a career with good prospects in the job market. “As long as there is a need for people to improve their spaces, there will be a need for interior architects.” As part of the construction team, interior architects can make a contribution with their understanding of materiality and the human scale.

Looking back at her studies thus far, she expresses the view that both the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, and the Department of Architecture show compassion for their students. “They care about helping me define my voice and my place as a designer in this world.”

She observes that it is so easy to compare oneself with others, and to feel that one’s designs are not good enough. “Yet, with time, you learn that your own way of expressing yourself through design is very valid and necessary. Things will always work out and, in due time, you will find your rhythm.”

Mutago would recommend the Department’s programmes to anyone interested in a career in architectural design. However, she cautions that architecture is not a career one should approach without really understanding the amount of work that is required. “If you enjoy late nights with lots of coffee, you will find satisfaction in this challenging, yet rewarding degree.”