Name: George Elphick

Company: Elphick Proome Architects

Position within company: Director

Website: www.eparch.co.za

. Tell us a little about your background

George Elphick was born in 1958 in Harrismith, South Africa. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture (1982) at the University of Natal and is also Emma Smith Art Scholar and Le Sueur Scholar (travelling scholarships for design excellence). He established a private practice in 1987 and became one of the founding partners of Elphick Proome Architects in 1989. He has served as design critic for five national universities over a 20 year period. Completed projects over a 25 year career have included the design and implementation of large corporate offices, mixed use developments, and high rise apartments, as well as numerous private residential and interior design commissions spread across seven African countries

. How would you describe your own personal style?

I am a modernist with a keen sense of genus locci

. Where does your inspiration come from?

Nature, context and climate

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Design globally appears to be driven primarily on the visual impact of form often ignoring context, natural and social conditions. Fundamentals often appear dominated by image

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching property development in 2014 and beyond

Reinforcing urban context, considering people and place, crafting innovation, exceeding conventional response, deliver meaningful outcomes

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to development projects, what would it be?

Deliver a meaningful outcome architecturally and socially

. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The International Design and Architecture Awards provide a wonderful commendation opportunity offering creative people the opportunity for endorsement and broad exposure to the market place

. What projects are you currently working on?

Corporate Head Offices, private residences, hotels and a luxury bush lodge

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To spend more time researching and travelling to places I have not visited in the past

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?

My Porsche Ragtop

Your favourite holiday destination?

California, USA

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Hotel Americano, New York

Restaurant: Roco, London

Bar: Asia de Cuba, London

Your favourite book / film / song?

Book: I Used To Know That – Caroline Taggart

Film: 360

Song: Aja, Steely/Dan

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Sushi

Drink: Rock Shandy

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Reading magazines on my studio deck

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

A musician

Anything else interesting?

I love trekking in mountains in extreme conditions