BUILDER OF DREAMS
SOME PEOPLE SKETCH IDEAS. OTHERS BUILD THEM. FOR NIKHIL TRICAM, ARCHITECTURE IS NOT JUST ABOUT BUILDINGS—IT’S ABOUT STORYTELLING, HISTORY, AND THE DEEPLY PERSONAL JOURNEY OF CREATION.
A Restless Curiosity
From a childhood spent wielding power tools to directing some of South Africa’s most prestigious design projects, Tricam’s career is one of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
The path, however, was never a straight line. Tricam’s educational journey took him across South Africa, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, Pretoria, and back, a journey of learning culminating in a Master’s in Architecture from Nelson Mandela University in 2010. The foundation of his career was laid in both lecture halls and in workshops, where his parents’ encouragement to tinker and create proved transformative. “I’ve always been compelled to create and build,” he recalls. “My parents encouraged this curiosity early on by teaching me how to use power tools instead of shielding me from them. That freedom to explore led to an early love for automotive and building design, but eventually, I gravitated towards Architecture, as I figured it would allow me to live out my passion for design and creativity.”
A Design Philosophy Rooted in Influence
Tricam’s approach to architecture is deeply influenced by the masters. The works of Renzo Piano, Carlo Scarpa, and Andrew Makin—one of the architects behind South Africa’s Constitutional Court—shaped his perspective on region-specific modernism. But mentorship wasn’t just distant admiration. Bobav Varghese and Andrew Palframan, two of his university lecturers, fundamentally altered his problem-solving approach.
His thesis project, which faced formidable uncertainty and self-doubt, became a defining moment in his career. “It was one of the hardest things I ever did,” he admits. “I wrestled with doubt, but with the support of my friends and colleagues, I pushed through.” The project not only reinforced his resilience but also won the Corobrik regional award, setting the stage for the confidence that would define his professional journey.
From Academia to the Industry
Tricam’s transition into professional architecture was unconventional. While still a student, he found himself on the other side of the desk, lecturing on architecture. For four years, he balanced academia and practice before finally stepping fully into the professional world—a shift that came naturally when his increasing workload demanded more time in the field than in the classroom.
Moving to Durban proved to be a turning point. Under the mentorship of Andrew Makin at Designworkshop, Tricam found himself drawn to high-end residential design, an area where he could blend his technical expertise with his passion for aesthetic storytelling. “Later, as a senior design architect with Lisa Rorich, I specialized exclusively in luxury residential and hospitality projects. That experience laid the foundation for my current work.”
Mastering High-End Residential and Hospitality Design
Some architects dream of building monuments; Tricam crafts experiences. His portfolio showcases his ability to marry form and function with an unparalleled attention to detail. Among his most celebrated works is the Elaleni Forest House, a collaboration between Studio Kalki and Julia Rutherfoord Architect. The project was a masterclass in blending architecture with nature, earning the title of Conde Nast House & Garden Home of the Year 2024.
Another milestone was the Zululami Estate Clubhouse, where he introduced Kalki Ceramics’ hand-glazed tiles into a large-scale project for the first time. It was a bold move, but one that paid off, further cementing his reputation for integrating bespoke craftsmanship into architectural spaces.
And then, there were the villas—two private residences set on an island in the Seychelles, designed in collaboration with Lisa Rorich. More than just structures, they became canvases for Tricam’s first large-scale contemporary botanical artworks, an intersection of art and architecture that continues to define his creative ethos.
The Evolution of a Visionary
Architecture is more than blueprints and buildings; it’s about understanding the needs of both the client and the team. Tricam’s time as a senior design architect and project architect sharpened his ability to balance artistic integrity with practical demands. “I’ve learned to navigate the needs of consultants, clients, and end-users, all while ensuring that the design remains true to its vision,” he explains.
Winning the Clout SA/Nando’s Hot Young Designer competition, alongside his design partner Nindya Bucktowar, was another pivotal moment. Recognition at this level was validation of his ability to push boundaries—not just in architecture but in product design as well.
Studio Kalki and Kalki Ceramics: Building Beyond Architecture
Leadership in architecture often means taking control of the smallest details. As the executive director of Studio Kalki and Kalki Ceramics, Tricam has embraced the philosophy that great design extends beyond structures. “Founding Kalki Ceramics in 2021, we invested in the equipment, which introduced me to the manufacturing, logistics, and supply side of design,” he reflects. Investing in ceramics was a move that blended craftsmanship with industrial precision, allowing him to have greater control over the textures and finishes of his architectural projects.
A year later, his acquisition of a fine architectural steelwork company further expanded his creative reach. By eliminating the need for middlemen, he could experiment freely, merging the raw, earthen quality of ceramics with the structured rigidity of steel. The result? A distinctive aesthetic that blends handmade artistry with contemporary industrial techniques, producing unique collector’s pieces that transcend conventional design.
The Intersection of Architecture and Design
For Tricam, architecture and design are not separate disciplines—they are extensions of the same philosophy. “We strike a balance by questioning conventional details and reinventing them,” he notes. “A surface doesn’t have to be just one material—it can be travertine and terracotta or Volakas marble and brushed brass. Even a door can be made from stone if I want it to be. I enjoy reimagining the familiar.”
This holistic approach is why his work feels cohesive. “I create work that must be touched, and not just seen. I want the interplay of materials to be considered, and experienced,” he adds. Whether it’s the intricate detailing of a ceramic tile, the precision of a steel balustrade, or the sweeping curves of a residential masterpiece, Tricam’s designs tell a story—one where every element, no matter how small, has a purpose.
What’s Next?
Despite his extensive achievements, Tricam maintains that his greatest work is yet to come. His ambitions stretch beyond South African borders, with projects that push the boundaries of sustainability, materiality, and spatial experience. “The dream is to create without limitations,” he muses. “I want to continue pushing the boundaries of materiality and design, not just for clients but also for the joy of making. If I can keep surprising myself, I’ll consider that a success.”
Whether through the award-winning designs of Studio Kalki, the artisanal mastery of Kalki Ceramics, or the steelwork innovations redefining architectural detailing, Nikhil Tricam is not just shaping spaces—he’s crafting legacies.
Written by: Delon le Roux