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Inside the Sagrada Família: When Light Becomes Architecture
I thought I knew what to expect inside the Sagrada Família. Then I walked through the doors. A reflection on light, nature, faith and what Gaudí's extraordinary interior can teach us about the spaces we call home.

Donette Werkman
Aug 154 min read


The Sagrada Família Nativity Façade: The Door That Changed How I Saw It
A door at the Sagrada Família changed the way I understood Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. The Nativity Façade reveals a story of nature, collaboration and how one generation of architects and artists can respectfully continue the vision of another.

Donette Werkman
Aug 104 min read


Why Barcelona-PROFESSIONAL Architect: MY Journey of Learning
A lifelong architectural dream, the end of one professional chapter and the beginning of another. Barcelona became more than a journey to see great buildings. It was a celebration of architecture, lifelong learning, shared experiences and the people who make this profession worth being part of.

Donette Werkman
Jul 314 min read


Meet the Professional Architect Behind We Do House Plans.
Meet the architect behind We Do House Plans. In this first post, Donette Werkman shares the person behind the profession, why architecture has always been about people, and the journey that shaped her approach to designing homes.

Donette Werkman
Jul 272 min read


Why a Compliant Property Is Worth More — Literally
In today’s property market, buyers aren’t just looking at bedrooms and finishes. They’re looking at risk — and nothing kills a deal faster than uncertainty.That’s why a fully compliant property is worth more. It’s safer, easier to finance, easier to transfer, and gives buyers absolute confidence in what they’re purchasing. Here’s why compliance adds real, measurable value: 1. Buyers will pay more for peace of mindA compliant property removes doubt. No hidden municipal issues.

Donette Werkman
Nov 25, 20252 min read


Understanding Occupation Certificates — What Homeowners Need to Know
An Occupation Certificate (OC) is often misunderstood, yet it’s one of the most important documents linked to a property. In simple terms, an OC confirms that a new building or addition was built according to approved plans and passed all municipal inspections. Here’s the part most homeowners don’t realise: Most older homes don’t have an OC — and that’s completely normal. Municipalities only started enforcing OCs properly in the 1980's. If your home is older, or if previous o

Donette Werkman
Nov 25, 20251 min read


Who’s Responsible for Keeping Approved Building Plans? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Many homeowners assume the National Building Regulations requires municipalities to keep record of plan approval or that the City of Tshwane keep perfect, permanent records of every approved plan. The reality is different. The NBR doesn’t say who must keep plans — but in practice, the responsibility falls on the homeowner. Municipal archives only store what they can manage. Older plans may be missing, damaged, or never captured properly. And when you want to sell, renovate, f

Donette Werkman
Nov 25, 20251 min read
From Plans to Peace of Mind
Professional articles that help you understand your property, your rights, and the regulations.
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