OUR PHILOSOPHY
"Architecture becomes meaningful when people use it"
– Unknown
We at XP Architects believe that architecture must serve the user’s needs in the most effortless and pleasing manner. We strive to achieve this through thoughtful design that combines the best architectural solutions, integrating with the surrounding environment through use of the latest and best sustainable techniques to create a building that will best meet the needs and desires of the client.
XP Architects brings together the vast experience of Vania de Freitas and the youthful enquiring minds of Tatenda Garikayi and James Hart to create architecture that is diverse in its programs, including Residential, Commercial and Retail, Leisure and Hospitality, Industrial and Mining and Educational, in a global context.
Vania de Freitas
Vania was born in Brazil and graduated from Universidade Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro with a degree in Architecture and Urbanism in 1983. She moved to Angola in 2001 where she worked on various government and private projects. Moving to South Africa in 2006 and obtaining her Professional Registration with SACAP as a Professional Architect. She has been working within various fields of architecture including, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and interior architecture, throughout her career. She joint in 2015 Phenix Architectural & Fitout as Director of Architecture and In 2021 Vania decided to start XP Architects with two of her young colleagues bringing with her vast experience to build a strong and dynamic architectural practice.
Tatenda Garikayi
Tatenda F Garikayi was born in Zimbabwe and lives in South Africa since 2009. She graduated in Baccalaureus Technologiae – Architectural Technology from Tshwane University of Technology in 2019. She was mentored by Vania throughout her studies and joint Vania in Phenix Architectural & Fitout after her graduation. She is an exciting young Architect who is enthusiastic and brings new architectural ideas. Tatenda not only has a passion for Architecture but also to giving a hand to the less privileged in the community she lives in.
James Hart
Born in South Africa and having completed his Bachelor of Architecture Studies from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2015. Joining Greenhouse Architects in 2016 as an architectural intern and then joining Vania de Freitas at Phenix Architecture and Fitout in 2018. Leaving with Vania in 2021 to start XP Architects. Having a passion in design and sustainability hopes to develop architecture that is both functional in its application and minimally impactful on the environment.
Vania de Freitas
Vania was born in Brazil and graduated from Universidade Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro with a degree in Architecture and Urbanism in 1983. She moved to Angola in 2001 where she worked on various government and private projects. Moving to South Africa in 2006 and obtaining her Professional Registration with SACAP as a Professional Architect. She has been working within various fields of architecture including, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and interior architecture, throughout her career. She joint in 2015 Phenix Architectural & Fitout as Director of Architecture and In 2021 Vania decided to start XP Architects with two of her young colleagues bringing with her vast experience to build a strong and dynamic architectural practice.
Tatenda Garikayi
Tatenda F Garikayi was born in Zimbabwe and lives in South Africa since 2009. She graduated in Baccalaureus Technologiae – Architectural Technology from Tshwane University of Technology in 2019. She was mentored by Vania throughout her studies and joint Vania in Phenix Architectural & Fitout after her graduation. She is an exciting young Architect who is enthusiastic and brings new architectural ideas. Tatenda not only has a passion for Architecture but also to giving a hand to the less privileged in the community she lives in.
James Hart
Born in South Africa and having completed his Bachelor of Architecture Studies from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2015. Joining Greenhouse Architects in 2016 as an architectural intern and then joining Vania de Freitas at Phenix Architecture and Fitout in 2018. Leaving with Vania in 2021 to start XP Architects. Having a passion in design and sustainability hopes to develop architecture that is both functional in its application and minimally impactful on the environment.