André Pentz, our friend and colleague sadly passed away on the 3rd of May after a painful illness.
The many messages of condolences and sentiments expressed revealed how dear he was to those that knew him: what an exceptional person, kind, engaging, stylish, talented, charming and professional, together with a wry sense of humour. André was one of the first urban design graduates from UCT. He was a founding partner of Urban Design Services in 1986. He was directly involved in the setting up of two professional organisations, UDISA and APHP. He designed a number of notable houses in the Constantia valley, was involved in urban design from the Mitchells Plain Housing Unit, and many other projects until recently. His contribution to heritage included both rural and urban surveys and conservation plans for important buildings in Cape Town such as The City Hall, Old Town House, and the Koopmans-De Wet house in Strand Street, as well as other museum buildings. He collected Japanese prints and Italian motorcycles, before devoting himself to gardening and growing spectacular roses.
He was a keen traveller. He visited the Palladian villas in the Veneto and the Great War cemeteries and monuments in France and Belgium. He shared his interests and enthusiasm with fellow colleagues in our reading group. During his forty year career he only designed traditional buildings.
He leaves behind his loving wife Vanessa and his sister Linda and family in Belgium, Holland and the UK. Also his admiring partner Andrew and close associate Henry, together with his many colleagues, built environment professional co-workers and friends.
Andrew Berman and Henry Aikman