OUR APPROACH TO
SVA International is committed to sustainable design and construction, through an integrated approach involving the full project team. We aim to design low-impact buildings and spaces which provide efficient and comfortable surrounds, reduced energy costs and increased health and ecological benefits.
Our staff includes several Green Building Accredited Professionals, who lead the design and construction process. We aim to achieve tangible environmental outcomes appropriate to the context that earn Green Star ratings while also appreciating the values of property and income.
SVA International is a majority black-owned company with a qualified B-BBEE rating. The company aspires to take a leadership role in the transformation of what has been a predominantly male and white dominated industry in South Africa. This means ensuring that the company is a true reflection of the national (and regional) demographic regarding race, gender and cultural diversity.
Transformation also entails positioning the company strategically so that if legislative, demographic or policy changes occur, these will not affect company performance. SVA has an internship and bursary programme administered in partnership with the SA Institute of Black Property Practitioners.
It also has a particular focus on identifying promising talent from previously disadvantaged groups. This is coupled with strong mentorship to provide support for development into leadership positions. Junior managers from these groups can also participate in a special share scheme, adding further motivation to become future leaders of the company, and the industry.
SVA International has been delivering specialist urban design services to both the public and private sector since 2004. This includes development frameworks, master plans, detailed precinct plans, design codes and development guidelines. Each project is packaged into a specific set of work stages, deliverables and processes to achieve the client’s vision.
Our urban design approach aims to create people places that enrich the city. We focus on facilitating good flow and connectivity for the hierarchy of urban transit modes. To strengthen the sense of place, we integrate designs with the historic and natural landscape, while promoting mixed-use and form. With an understanding of appropriate ecological urbanism, we design adaptable, resilient environments that accommodate future change.
Using various techniques, ranging from hand-drawn vision sketches to accurate technical 3D computer models, we engage in the appropriate massing of buildings to achieve streets, squares, boulevards and parks of suitable size and proportion, resulting in enjoyable human cityscapes.
Design and control of pedestrian and vehicular flows in relation to building mass is integral. We do this considering the sensory experience of people who will be moving through planned public and semi-public urban spaces, while including the ambitions and requirements of the private end-user. Throughout the process, adding value to the public domain in the city, while meeting time and budget requirements of our private and public clients, are essential.