Our Team

Architect Ben Kotlowitz is the founder and director of KAA. He graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree and was awarded the David Haddon Prize for Professional Practice. Ben also attended Harvard Business School to complete the Leading Professional Services Firms program in 2015.⁣ ⁣

His 30 years of international experience in the design and architecture sector has equipped him to be a driving force for achieving excellence in his field, while playing a major role in generating new projects through his many years of successful practice.⁣ ⁣

For him, architecture is the ultimate synthesis of art and technology, form and function. The reward as an architect is to see the vision realised and having valued clients both appreciate and enjoy the resultant unique creation. ⁣

Marc is a professional architect with over 10 years design industry experience. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with an M.Arch (Prof) (cum laude) degree and is a registered Professional Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.

He is well versed in alternative construction methods and the detail requirements necessary to deliver high-end residential architecture.

Marc is a firm believer in the power of good design. Architecture should be meaningful, inspirational and functional, but most of all, should improve its surroundings and the way it contributes to the greater urban environment and enhance the quality of lifestyle for its users. Not only in the present but also for future generations. The pursuit of these ideals, forms part of every new project he takes on at KAA.

Barno is a professional architect, who graduated from the University of the Free State with an M.Arch (Prof) degree in 2015.

He is very passionate about innovative design solutions and specialises in complex design systems. His keen eye for detail allows him to bring every design detail together, even on large scale planning-intensive projects.

In his spare time, he enjoys running, being outdoors, acuascaping, leatherwork and DIY.

Darian is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession as a professional architectural draughtsman. Darian first worked with Ben Kotlowitz back in 2001, when he was still a student. They worked closely together on several residential, small industrial and hospitality projects.

Between 2008 and 2012 Darian spent time in the UK, working for a multi-disciplinary engineering firm, HPF Engineering and in private practice. He re-joined team KAA in 2013. Aside from his technical skills, Darian also has extensive knowledge of municipal planning by-laws, building regulations & approval procedures.

Darian has a keen interest in history and loves to read in his free time.

Reza is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession as a professional senior architectural technologist. He graduated from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology with a Bachelor of Architectural Technology (B.Tech) in 2017. 

He specialises in architectural detailing, using the latest technologies in the industry. Reza is passionate about turning spaces into meaningful places as well as the preservation of historical buildings in the city! 

His hobbies include playing soccer, surfing, and hiking and spends most of his free time on DIY projects or in hardware stores. 

Chris is an intern architect at KAA. He graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree in 2021. 

Chris has a keen interest in high-end residential architecture.

His hobbies include boxing, surging and rock-climbing.

Lien is a passionate, registered IBASA Business Advisor. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from HUBrussels and a Masters in Higher Education Studies from the University of the Free State.

She is responsible for building the KAA brand, which includes managing the KAA website content as well as the social media channels.

Parween started working for Ben Kotlowitz more than 20 years ago, as his personal assistant. Over the years, she grew together with Ben and the rest of team KAA. She now manages the firm’s accounts and is likewise involved in the general office administration.

Lingie is the friendly face that welcomes everyone who visits or calls the KAA office. She is also very organised and helps team KAA to be on top of their administrative game.⁣ ⁣

Bukelwa takes care of team KAA by making sure everyone is always supplied with coffee, tea and a neat working environment.