THE Cape Town based dhk Group, which already has sub-divisions for architectural, urban, interior and house design, has revealed that it has set up - and is having success with - a team known as dhk Workshop in which many of the staff are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Derick Henstra, chairman of the dhk group, said that with the steady growth of the firm it had become necessary to train architects so the company always has a source on which to draw, one in which the thinking and disciplines are in line with those of the group's leaders.

A leader and shareholder in the team is Faghmie Christians, who previously worked for many years with dhk Architects as an architectural draughtsman.

The team is also fortunate to have experienced mentors, said Henstra. "The good news about dhk Workshop is that the response from the market has been positive: in the four months since it was established they have been able to take on seven projects and further work is in the pipeline."

Asked if the members of the group are as well qualified as those at dhk Architects, Henstra said: "Yes, definitely, but some lack experience and most have had little, if any, contact with big projects or major clients. This is what we aim to give them."

Although the dhk Workshop is an affirmative action initiative and is therefore in line for work where professionals from formerly disadvantaged backgrounds will be given preference, the main aim in setting up the new team, says Henstra, is simply "to spread the dhk philosophy and to enthuse others with the same passion that we have for architecture.

"It is this passion which clients recognise and which has enabled us to grow so fast not only here but overseas."

For more details call Derick Henstra on 021 462 8218.