Architect Kiva Alberga is a guest presenter at SPACES Jamaica for #DesignWeekJA. Her easy style and ability to engage her audience make for easy conversation. Design, she ‘fesses up’, has taught her patience. The answers/solutions may not come quickly. They may take time to evolve. There’s lots more to glean…

From traditional to contemporary design… how has the architectural landscape in Jamaica changed?

In the residential sector we have moved from larger lots with the single-family dwellings to an abundance of multi-family gated complexes with limited recreational/amenity space. In the commercial sectors we are seeing a lot more office/light industrial parks.

A penthouse on the 23rd floor or a beachfront property in Bali. Which one would you choose and why?

As much as I love the beach, I would have to say a penthouse. A penthouse suggests that it is in a cosmopolitan city. I find the idea of living in a well-planned, walkable city, filled with restaurants and culture, very appealing.

What are some of the most important questions to ask a potential client?

Whether it is a commercial project or a residential project, it is always important to have a clear view of how the client intends to use the space. For instance, in a commercial project, it is important to know the staff complement, the various positions, how they interact with each other, and the level of privacy required for each position to effectively work. In a residential project, the client’s lifestyle is critical. A formal dining room may be a waste of space if their way of living is very casual. If they are big into cooking and the whole dining experience, then that may become a focal point.

What has been your most satisfactory work to date?

Sunshine Villa. It is a house in St Elizabeth designed with an open concept. The sleeping areas are separated from the other living areas by an atrium that encloses a pond and landscaping. The house is off the electrical grid, getting all its electrical power from a wind turbine and solar panels. All the rainwater is collected from the roof in underground reservoirs. Grey water (water from laundry, sinks and the shower) is used for irrigation.

How do you keep up with industry changes?

I subscribe to a lot of online construction and design industry forums. In addition, I am a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate. LEED is a US certification that is recognised globally. To maintain my credentials I have to do a lot of continuing education seminars. When possible, I go to international conferences.

Functionality or appeal. What say you?

Appeal! I love to be surrounded by beautiful objects that make me feel good. Beauty is often found in the most simplest of forms.

What are the changes required in the next five years to ensure Jamaica keeps abreast of global architectural changes?

The world is really moving towards sustainable building practices and development. We need to find a way to make that global trend become more attractive to our local industry. The perception right now is that going green is expensive.

Which one building would you reinterpret in Kingston and why?

Constant Spring Market (CSM). I love the idea of buying fresh produce, fish, meats and flowers from a farmers’ market. I think that with some major renovations and upgrading CSM would be a great location, especially because it is in close proximity to many residential areas. Issues such as the reorganisation of traffic flow, accessibility, and secured parking will have to be addressed.

Finally, give us an exclusive peek into your favourite space anywhere in the world.

Inside Notre Dame du Haute, a chapel designed by Le Corbusier in France. The shape of the space is very organic, the light is ethereal. The furnishing is very modest. Everything about the space is very intimate.