Gillian Holl | Veld Architects
An artist, an architect...
© Gillian Holl, Veld Architects
Although her exterior is calm and collected, Gillian Holl’s presence is undeniable strong. When she catches your eye, you can tell there are a thousand ideas running through her mind all at once. Working with her is easy as she has a deep understanding and admiration for the process artists and craftsmen follow. She allows for further exploration of concepts independently.
Gillian came to us with an idea and essentially let us figure out the rest! We collaborated in the development of our stylish Lene Tile and developed a Copper Clad Lene tile which now sits comfortably in our newly launched Adorn Range.
Veld Architect’s design style is true to the environment it finds itself in. An ethos rooted in the ‘place’ of a project. The houses Veld Architects build always feel as if they have been there all along and simply needed to be unveiled. Every detail and manufactured element have been considered and selected. Gillian is a true master of bespoke residential design.
We spoke to Gillian and asked her a few telling questions about who she is as a woman today.
What three words best describe you?
Creative, Kind, Committed
What is success to you?
Balance, pay it forward, having integrity.
What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment? Looking back, what would you have done differently? What would you do again?
Having Noah, he is 10 this year. To guard my heart. Own a horse named Integrity (Tigger)
What would you say to the younger you and other younger females out there about life?
Don’t take life so seriously, be uniquely you. Believe in yourself and trust your gut feel.
What does it mean to you, to be a woman in the part of the world and society you live in?
Being a women in the building industry is a tough call even in this day and age but never let it get you down because once you connect the passion you feel towards your dream the sky is the limit. Respect is earned.
What role or impact would you like to play in relation to women's rights, today?
I would like to empower young females in the Architecture profession to reach their full potential through mentoring.
© Gillian Holl, Veld Architects
Whose work do you currently admire most in relation to design/fabrication?
David Thale, Marianne Fassler, Zaha Hadid, Wolkberg, David Krynauw, myfineheartworks
What challenges do you see impacting the industry?
The understanding and appreciation of Art, be it architecture or artisanal. It is undervalued not only in terms of monetary value but in terms of respect for the Artists and the Arts.
What do you do for encouragement or to stay motivated?
Ride my horse in nature, visit places that inspire like Nirox.
Any cool podcasts/books/series/movies you’re currently inspired by?
I literally can’t sit still for more than a minute, but inspired by Li Edelkoort and influencers on Instagram as well as motivation clips of Trent Shelton. Podcasts of Marnus Broodryk are of interest for SME. Attending Design Indaba.
What meet ups, local entrepreneur events, and accelerators do you recommend that have helped you grow?
Social media platforms, blogging. Publishing our work in magazines and taking part in Loeries and other design awards.
What is the best advice you have ever been given in business, and who gave it to you?
My dad, just keep on pursuing your dreams.
Gillian's current favourite artwork:
Mandy Johnston (Ouroborus iii & iv)
