For Kreolin Lyle Naicker, (24), he knew from Grade 9 that his fascination with planning, designing, and constructing of buildings is what he wanted to do in his pathway to becoming an architect.
“I’ve always been a creative person and enjoyed drawing when I was younger. Once I reached high school, we did EGD as a subject, which I found interesting, so the combination of the two lead me towards architecture,” he said.
He conveyed that it was exciting to meet new people along the way and grasps the knowledge from the highly qualified lecturers.
The Queensburgh lad is overjoyed to have obtained Cum Laude and the prominent Dean’s Merit Award in his Honours in Architecture through the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Inkosi Albert Convention Centre (ICC) during the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation Ceremony on Monday, 11 July 2022.
“It is a very proud moment for me in my steps toward becoming a professional architect. It is a big achievement because it’s difficult to obtain one of these awards, let alone both, but I feel all my hard work throughout the year has been complimented with these awards,” he said joyously.
His sterling accomplishments were also lauded by his parents.
“It was nice to see that I could make them so happy because they have constantly supported me throughout my four years of studying architecture and they have made many sacrifices so that I can accomplish my dreams,” he imparted.
Naicker explained that the atmosphere around the physical graduation from dressing up to the photographs with family and friends is better than the virtual graduation.
As an architecture student, Naicker did confess that one of the biggest challenges he faced was time management because of the tight deadlines and the amount of work that is required. Another challenge for him was attending lectures through a virtual platform, as this was his first time experiencing it.
“It took time to adapt because face-to-face interaction is important when studying architecture as we are required to do presentations on design developments and have critique sessions with lecturers,” he said.
Naicker plans on continuing his studies and aims to become a professional architect, and thereafter gain quality experience in the field where he can expand his knowledge about the profession.
“I would like to open my architecture firm where I can express myself and enhance the landscape of South Africa by implementing the lessons learned through my studies. Also, to help young, architecture students by allowing them to grow and develop under my tutelage in the future because gaining experience as a young intern is scarce in South Africa,” he said.
Pictured: Kreolin Lyle Naicker
Waheeda Peters