Architecture is an often misunderstood profession, seen as an elitist industry for whom only the wealthy can afford. The truth is, Architecture is something in which everyone participates daily. It is the manifestation of peoples' values made physical, translated into space. Each incremental change to one's environment leads to a bigger change over time, ultimately changing the face of the built environment as a whole.
My name is Maxine Levy.
I am a Professional Architect who understands the power of incremental change & the value of the human approach in design.
My work serves to demonstrate the success of this approach.
Notable Awards
Scape Magazine
SCAPE Faces of the Future
University of Pretoria
Neill Powell Award
Holm Jordaan Award
PIA Award
Prof. A Osman Award
Whether an in-store activation or a grand urban transformation, each project is engineered with a keen focus on the human experience. Meticulous material choices and strategic ecological integration are employed to craft spaces that are not only visually breathtaking but also powerfully enriching.
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Background
A Short History.
Humble Beginnings
My architectural journey officially started at Boukunde (UP), where I quickly learned that architecture is about more than just erecting buildings—it's about crafting spaces where life truly unfolds, ideally with a touch of flair and plenty of greenery. During my final undergraduate year, I joined Paragon Architects, where thinking creatively was passionately encouraged. At Gottsmann Architects, my innovative ideas met the gritty realities of the South African construction industry, teaching me to align my architectural vision with the practical needs of clients and society.
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Finding My Way
In my postgraduate studies, I thrived, earning numerous awards for my human-centered and sustainable approach. Projects like the "Vista Centre" challenged the notion that we must choose between people, nature, and urbanity, while the "Urban Typologies" project celebrated unique spatial designs that defied the conventional modernist narratives at the University of Pretoria. My Master’s Thesis delved into "Urban Generativity," advocating for the appreciation of informal architecture as a valuable and nuanced component of the urban environment.
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Building Forward
Joining TwentyEightZeroTwo marked a significant milestone—what began as a six-month contract quickly turned into a permanent role. As the company grew, so did my responsibilities, balancing high-end design work whilst volunteering as an Urban Strategist and LEAN Building design specialist. Projects like "The Fynbos" represented a collective dream of integrating sustainability and biophilic design on a grand scale, refining my skills along the way. At the same time, a few friends and I had the opportunity to work on projects not otherwise available to us in traditional settings. We started BLK-SpecBoom as an egalitarian collective, using our growing skill sets to provide conceptual services tailor-made to specific client needs. Projects like the "Desert Villa" taught us what it means to operate with very few resources and very high expectations.
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As I continue to grow in this field, I remain committed to creating spaces that inspire and connect people with their environment.
