SAIA KZN Practice Breakfast with Atu Msiska
Practice Breakfast
September 18, 2026
Start: 07:30:00
End: 09:00:00
Reclaiming the Drawing Board — Fee Discounting as a Structural Safety Risk
Infrastructure does not fail when the ground breaks. It fails on the drawing board. A statutory case for capping fee discounts, closing the municipal plan loophole, and protecting the professions from predatory pricing.
Speaker Bio:
Atu Msiska is a Professional Architect, Director and Principal Architect of TectArch Architects, and a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Johannesburg and leads a practice recognised for delivering bespoke contemporary architecture.
With a strong interest in the relationship between policy, professional practice, and public safety, Atu’s work extends beyond the design of buildings to interrogating the systems that shape the built environment. His recent policy proposal, Reclaiming the Drawing Board, argues that infrastructure failure begins in the planning phase and advocates for reforms that strengthen professional accountability, statutory regulation, and the protection of technical due diligence within South Africa’s construction industry.
In recognition of his contributions to the built environment, Atu was honoured with the prestigious SA 40 Under Forty Award in the Housing Projects category. This national accolade celebrates young entrepreneurs under 40 who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership in their respective industries.
As both practitioner and educator, Atu is passionate about strengthening the architectural profession, mentoring emerging practitioners, and promoting a built environment culture that prioritises design excellence, public safety, and long-term societal value. Through practice, research, and advocacy, he hopes to champion meaningful change in the way South Africa plans, designs, and delivers its infrastructure.
Members: Free
Non-Members Cost: Attendance is Free, R150 admin fee payable on request of CPD certificate
CPD Value: CAT 1- 0,2 credits
