Q & A BPAS ARCHITECTS
Mixed-use development came later, around 2010. We were working on an educational space inside a sports centre and realised the challenge was about‘ activation’. We wanted to break down hierarchies and create a safe, vibrant environment where people of different types could coexist. That really sparked my fascination with how different occupants interact in the same spatial environment.
If you treat every function as a vital part of the journey from day one, the outcome is naturally cohesive.
How do you combine architecture, interior design, landscaping, and technology to create a cohesive project?
I don’ t think they’ re as disparate as people make them out to be. We see them all as one continuous process. If you treat every function as a vital part of the journey from day one, the outcome is naturally cohesive. I like to say,‘ No man is an island, and even he needs an ocean’. Every discipline needs the others to truly work.
Can you describe a project that best reflects BPAS Architects’ s approach and values?
Right now, it’ s definitely Stadio University in Durbanville. It’ s right across from Curro Durbanville High School. We’ re treating the whole area as a unified educational precinct. It’ s where we’ ve really leaned into our” Third and Fourth Teacher” innovation – this idea that the building itself and the technology within it act as additional educators for the students.
How have your financial and project management qualifications influenced your work as an architect and business leader?
My time at Nedcor and SLC Development Services was the ' secret sauce’ for building BPAS. It gave me a fundamental understanding of how a project is actually facilitated. Because I understand the financial implications and the structural models, I can design something that isn’ t just beautiful, but also makes perfect sense for the client’ s bottom line.
How do you approach sustainability and innovation while meeting client expectations and functional requirements?
It’ s always a bit of a balancing act when you’ re working within a strict budget. The key for us is choosing the right partners for materials and specifications. We make sure that sustainability is a planned intention rather than an afterthought. As architects, the design is our responsibility, so we bake those core principles in from the start to ensure the building performs well throughout its entire life cycle.
What has been the biggest challenge in growing BPAS Architects, and how did you address it?
If you ask most architects, they’ ll tell you it’ s about finding the right project or managing cash flow. And sure, those are real challenges. But I’ ve learned that everything starts and ends with your team. If you don ' t have the right people – the right talent and the right mindset – nothing else works. Our employees are the core of our business; they’ re the real heroes behind every project we take on.
How do you see architecture evolving over the next decade, and what direction do you envision for BPAS Architects?
Everyone is talking about AI and new tech right now. But honestly, AI is just the tip of the iceberg until the whole industry moves with it. My focus is on evolving our team. I want our people to be AI- and tech-savvy so we can find new, smarter ways to deliver great architecture. It’ s about being ready for whatever comes next. ■
About Landseer Collen
Landseer Collen is the principal architect, director, and founder of BPAS Architects, established in 2005 in Cape Town, which offers architecture, interior design, landscaping architecture and advanced technological solutions. The firm specialises in innovative educational spaces, dynamic sports facilities, and mixed-use developments, both nationally and internationally.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Landseer was Managing Director at SLC Development Services( Pty) Ltd. and was involved with project finance for Nedcor, which forms part of Nedbank.
He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of the Free State, as well as qualifications in financial management and project management, bringing a unique blend of business insight to every project.
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