TUT alumnus takes sustainable architecture to next global level

Ethan Rudi Schneigansz, 24, has launched his international career in Abu Dhabi just months after graduating cum laude with a Master of Architecture from TUT's Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Department of Architecture and Industrial Design. His research project, Thinking Circular Economy: The Design of a Waste-to-Energy Plant in Pretoria, reflects his passion for sustainable architecture and innovative urban design.

In January 2026, the Tshwane University of Technology alumnus accepted an opportunity to join Base, the architecture division of Abu Dhabi-based Ripple Collective, a multidisciplinary company that also includes brands specialising in graphic design, industrial design, logistics and retail.

For the Johannesburg-born architect, the move is more than just a new job. It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge, technical skills and design philosophy he developed during his studies at TUT to projects shaping cities on an international scale.

"Networking really opened a lot of doors for me. TUT also prepared us well for the working environment, so I didn't struggle when I entered practice,” said Schneigansz.

“Working in the United Arab Emirates has exposed me to projects on an entirely different scale. It has pushed me to think beyond individual buildings and consider broader urban systems, while also teaching me to adapt quickly and communicate ideas clearly in a fast-paced environment," he said.

Although he now works thousands of kilometres from home, Schneigansz said his journey began with his love for creating spaces that improve people's lives.

"The love of creating and adding to people's lives pushed me to become an architect. Every project is a blank slate, offering me the opportunity to develop a solution that can genuinely make a difference to the way people experience a place," he said.

That passion carried him through six demanding years of study at TUT. After completing his bachelor's degree cum laude, he decided to also pursue a master's degree.

"I felt that there was still so much more to learn. Earning a qualification is only one part of becoming an architect, it also requires continuous learning, practical experience and constant self-improvement. Graduating cum laude demonstrated my discipline and growth. In addition to being an academic achievement, it is a reflection of the kind of architect I am striving to become."

His master's research, Thinking Circular Economy: The Design of a Waste-to-Energy Plant in Pretoria, reflected his growing interest in designing cities that are both environmentally responsible and socially responsive.

Rather than viewing waste as a problem, his project explored how it could become part of a circular system by converting it into hydrogen energy while improving public transport and revitalising neglected urban spaces.

"The project started by looking at South Africa's electricity challenges and overflowing landfills, but it evolved into something much broader. I wanted to explore how architecture could respond to community needs by reducing illegal dumping, creating cleaner environments and improving access to public transport."

The research helped shape the design philosophy he now applies in his professional work.

"Architecture without research will just become another beautiful, meaningless building. Research gives purpose to design and ensures that what we create responds to real challenges rather than simply looking impressive," said Schneigansz.

Reflecting on his time at TUT, Schneigansz said one of his biggest achievements was the confidence he developed throughout his studies.

"When I first enrolled for Architecture, I knew very little about buildings and construction. Over time, I became confident enough to express myself through architecture, think creatively and design spaces that respond to real challenges."

He credits his master's supervisors, Dr Jako Nice and Nicho van der Linde from the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, as well as industry mentor Adriaan Louw of Louwkul Design Lab, for encouraging him to continually improve his work and challenge himself throughout his studies.

Looking ahead, Schneigansz hopes to contribute to architecture that remains relevant long after construction is complete.

"In addition to designing green buildings, I want to design meaningful buildings that people will use for decades, rather than abandon. Meaningful architecture responds to its context, the people who use it and the experiences it creates."

Ethan Rudi Schneigansz at an annual design event, Final Draft, which celebrates good design and is hosted at Ripple Collective office in Abu Dhabi.