AFRICA need to be efficient and make money , but they also have to look good , offer value and amenity and be sustainable . In most cases this presents a far more formidable challenge to the designer .” The second is an unwavering can-do attitude . “ However difficult or onerous the deadlines are , we will find a way to make it happen ,” Steenekamp continues . “ Yes , we manage the client ’ s expectations , but it ’ s never no .”
Adding to this is a fun factor which helps to win repeat business – LYT prides itself on providing an enjoyable client experience , vital in an industry where word of mouth is often the most powerful mode of marketing around .
CONSTRUCTIVE CULTURE The final factor Steenekamp describes is a culture of learning that flows through the structure of LYT .
“ It ’ s an open door ,” he says . “ It ’ s about mentorship . We give people a lot of freedom to manage their lives , while they have to achieve their due dates and deadlines , of course .”
LYT ’ s non-hierarchical structure also facilitates hands-on mentorship from the director level right the way down the company , with a team-based mentality meaning Steenekamp ’ s door and everyone else ’ s are always open .
But how does LYT find the country ’ s best design and architecture talent to begin with ? “ Every hire is hand picked ,” Steenekamp states .
“ For the most part , it ’ s word of mouth or it ’ s from a strong referral , either from a client or from a colleague . Often , we recruit through universities . We ’ ll go and pick the best students and employ the ones that have the right cultural fit , which is vital for us .”
LYT also operates in the comparative luxury of having a readily available pool of talent to recruit from , unlike many mature markets such as the UK where
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