Former Architecture Student Contest winner joins the 2025 jury
The winner of Saint-Gobain's 2018 Architecture Student Competition, Vahin Parmananda, is back – this time as a judge.
The Architecture Student Contest is a platform where theoretical knowledge is tested through practical application. It is open to those students ready to transform abstract concepts into tangible designs that promote sustainable building and assist in addressing our world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Parmananda, now a senior associate at dhk Architects in South Africa, focuses on high-end commercial and residential developments while also driving research and development initiatives within the firm. He is passionate about exploring innovative ways to push the boundaries of design, including integrating emerging technologies and AI-driven workflows into architectural practice.
Parmananda’s 2018 winning project was set in Dubai and tackled the challenge of fostering inclusivity and community in a city where immigrants make up 80% of the population.
Looking back on his experience, he describes his success in the 2018 competition as transformative. “I approached the competition with no real expectations, even as I progressed to the next level. I only focused on trying to put my best foot forward. My confidence and desire to win grew with the positive feedback we got from the various jurors as we made our way through each stage,” he says.
Now, seven years later, Parmananda’s journey has come full circle. He describes being invited to serve as a jury member for the national stages of the 2025 Architecture Student Contest as both an honour and a responsibility.
“It’s surreal to go from competing in the contest to now evaluating the next wave of architectural talent,” he says. “There’s a real duty in recognising and encouraging South African designers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
On the broader impact that contests such as these can have on the youth, Parmananda says, “For young architects, they offer a rare chance to test their ideas on a global stage and to receive feedback from jurors with different backgrounds and perspectives. That kind of exposure builds confidence and really sharpens your ability to communicate your design thinking clearly and convincingly.”
He believes that the Architecture Student Contest also plays a vital role in showcasing African talent to the world. “There’s often this unspoken question in our minds: ‘Can we really compete at that level?’ And the answer is a resounding yes. When students from our region succeed internationally, it raises the bar and shifts perceptions, both at home and abroad. It’s inspiring and it’s necessary for the growth of a more diverse and inclusive architectural landscape.”
As a juror for the 2025 edition, he’s looking forward to seeing how the next generation of designers approaches Africa’s architectural challenges in ways that are grounded, yet bold.
“Our continent’s urban and social contexts are incredibly complex. So I’d love to see entries that grapple with those realities in a thoughtful way,” he says. “Sustainability should be non-negotiable at this point, but I’d also like to see how students push beyond just checking the boxes. Clarity of communication is key. Great ideas can get lost if they aren’t presented in a clear, compelling way.”
The Architecture Student Contest continues to be a launch pad for young architects ready to shape the future of design. With Parmananda on the jury, participants can be assured that their work will be evaluated by someone who understands, first hand, the life-changing potential this contest holds. His advice to this year’s cohort is simple but powerful: “Experiment, challenge conventions and build research-backed concepts. Be clear in how you communicate your ideas. Most importantly, enjoy the process.”