BY DESIGN

Cape Town-based architect Luis Mira always designs buildings with longevity in mind. No wonder, then, that his work is much sought-after, and that his creations have been regularly featured in the pages of VISI.

Renowned for a clean-lined aesthetic, architect Luis Mira’s projects combine timeless design with a sensitive approach to location. His work has appeared in VISI several times – most recently, we featured the holiday home that Luis created to facilitate dreamy family vacations on the edge of the Keurbooms Lagoon in Plettenberg

Bay (VISI 114). Luis has been practising for 20 years in Chile and South Africa, and counts the Hout Bay and Blouberg International Schools among his projects, as well as a number of beautiful private homes. We chatted to him about the ideas and ideals that guide his work. Can you tell us a bit about the design principles that have been most influential in terms of your work, or that you have found most valuable in your practice?

I design with longevity in mind. I have been fortunate to have built schools, sports infrastructure, houses and commercial projects. And when I drive around and look back at my completed work, all these buildings are still standing without having been modified, and are totally current to their use today.

What three words or phrases best describe your design aesthetic? I believe that good design is timeless, elegant and appropriate to the environment.

What is the most important aspect of the clientarchitect relationship? A common vision, and mutual respect. On the whole, I’ve been extremely lucky with all my projects since I started my Cape Town studio.

In your practice, what is the importance of location in terms of influence on your design for a building?

I believe it’s extremely important. Good architectural training ensures that the architect sees the value in understanding what exists in every location and the people who live in it. Ultimately, architecture is about creating relationships between people and places. What is the most challenging element of being an architect? Architecture has tremendous impact over life, and is profoundly rooted in developing society, people and our planet. So the pressure to get it right is enormous. Every design deserves to be an original, which is a challenge that we embrace.

What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? The fact that no project is the same as another, and that it offers opportunities to constantly learn and grow. You get to see a building from its early conceptual stage to a solid, built structure in use. mira-architects.com