30/06/2026
— One day, one African architect for 30 days —
Day 30 : Nadia Tromp
Nadia Tromp is a South African architect best known for designing socially focused public buildings, particularly healthcare and community facilities. As the founder of Ntsika Architects, she has gained international recognition for human-centred architecture that addresses social and spatial inequality, while also taking on leadership roles within the architectural profession.
Career highlights
Tromp founded Ntsika Architects in 2008 after studying architecture at the University of Cape Town and completing a master's degree at Harvard University. Her practice focuses on research-driven design, public infrastructure, and projects intended to improve dignity, accessibility, and quality of life in underserved communities.
Notable projects
Among her best-known works are the Westbury Clinic, the Westbury Transformation and Development Centre, and the Hillbrow Esselen Street Clinic. These projects have been widely recognised for combining functional public services with thoughtful architectural design that responds to local communities and urban conditions.
Major recognition
Her international profile grew significantly in 2017 when the Westbury Clinic won the World Architecture Festival Award in the Health category, making her the first African female architect to receive that distinction. She later received the Architecture MasterPrize for the Westbury Transformation and Development Centre and was awarded the UIA Vassilis Sgoutas Prize in recognition of her longstanding commitment to socially responsible architecture.
Leadership and influence
Beyond practice, Tromp has served in prominent leadership positions within architecture. She was the first Black woman to become President of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture, served on the board of the South African Institute of Architects, and held leadership roles in the International Union of Architects Community Architecture and Human Rights programme. She has also lectured internationally, served on design juries, and has led the architectural redevelopment of South Africa's Parliament buildings in Cape Town.